Category: Paver Sealing

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The snowy and icy conditions of winter are fading, leaving a wake of dirt and soggy filth over many of our outdoor surfaces. If you did not have a chance to clean your pavers before winter set in, you likely have even more grime that has been sitting on their surfaces for months. Spring is the perfect time to clean your pavers. Here are some of our most recommended spring paver cleaning tips.

Preparation Maintenance

A coarse-bristle broom is the best tool for routine sweeping. The bristles are stiff enough to scrub away stuck on dirt, but soft enough to keep from damaging your pavers’ surface. Weeds and insects should also be addressed as they pop up. Weeds can cause your pavers to separate at the joint. They can also allow water to seep into the pavers’ foundation and erode the level surface they sit on. Remove any furniture or items that have been sitting on your pavers to ensure you clean every part of your paver landscaping. Check your pavers for missing sand or damages that may require repairs. Most experts recommend polymeric sand between the joints of your pavers. Polymeric sand forms a hard, polymer-based adhesive when water is added, making it better able to prevent moisture from seeping into the foundation below.

Cleaning Maintenance

Various pavers are made from different materials. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before applying a cleaner. If you are going to use a power washer, be careful. Power washers can remove your paver’s finish and corrode the surface if used on too high of a setting. A coarse-bristle broom or brush can be used here as well. Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part to ensure it gives you the results you want and does not stain. If you have tough stains, there are specialized cleaners that can help remove them. Grease, rust, organic matter and paint may require different types of cleaners for full removal.

Protective Maintenance

Applying a sealer can help protect your pavers from stains, enhance their natural beauty, and keep them functional for years to come. Depending on the type of sealer you use, the environment you live in, and general wear and tear, a sealant should be applied every three to five years. However, you can perform a quick test to find out if it is time to reseal your pavers. If water beads up on the surface of your pavers, they are still being protected. If the water is absorbed into your pavers, it is time to reseal.

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Your pavers compliment your style and enhance your property’s value. However, installation and repairs can be quite costly. Sealing yours pavers is the best way to preserve and enhance their beauty. If you have never sealed your pavers before and would like to attempt it without the help of a professional, there are a few things you should know.

Choose your Sealant (And Necessary Supplies)

Before you start sealing your pavers, you need to acquire the necessary supplies. Most sealants available on the market are water- or solvent-based. Water sealants are ideal for pavers with sand joint fillers. They are the easiest to spray and are great for porous paver materials, such as brick. Water-based sealants provide little additional shine and may require more than one coat. Solvent sealers, however, offer more shine options. They are best for smooth, nonporous pavers with little to no sand joint filler. Some solvent sealers are thick and cannot be sprayed; you will need to apply them with a roller. If you have questions about the type of sealer you should use on your specific pavers, check the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition to that, the sealant you select will advise you of the best way to apply it. Sprayers, rollers, or a combination of the two may be required.

Fix Any Damages

You should fix any damages you notice while inspecting your pavers before sealing. Uneven pavers should be leveled. Missing sand should be replaced. Experts recommend a polymeric sand, which hardens when saturated with water. Broken pavers should be removed and replaced as well.

Clean the Pavers

It is important you thoroughly clean your pavers before applying a coat of sealant. If you don’t, not only do you seal in the dirt and grime, but you also make it harder for your sealant to adequately adhere to the surface. This will lead to pealing, cracking, or efflorescence issues can arise when pavers are improperly sealed. A simple solution of dish soap and water can be used to scrub away most dirt and staining agents on your paver surface. You need to allow your pavers to dry at least 24 hours before applying a sealant.

Seal the Pavers

When you are ready to seal, work in small areas. Most experts recommend you apply your sealant in a circular motion to help keep a consistent application. It is important that you finish your project at once. Working in small batches, apply your sealant to the entirety of your project. If you do not, it is likely you will lose track of exactly where you were. This is particularly true for water-based sealants, which will be hard to detect to the naked eye.

Allow the Sealant to Dry Before Use

It is vital that you allow your sealant to dry completely before using your pavers. If you do not, you may disturb the integrity of the sealant and have to reapply it.

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From walkways and patios to driveways and exterior décor elements, pavers have come a long way. Pavers are a beautiful way to enhance your property’s value and general curb appeal. Whether you had your pavers installed professionally or bought property with them already onsite, you have made an investment in the beautification of your landscape. Paver sealing is your best means of protecting that investment and ensuring it lasts for years to come.

Enhanced Beauty

One of the perks of sealing your pavers is enhanced beauty. Sealers come in three finishing options that can help bring out the natural beauty of your pavers. Natural sealers go on clear and simply protect your pavers, leaving the color and finish exactly as it was before applying. A satin sealant, by comparison, helps make the color of your pavers pop just a bit more while still keeping them protected. For those who like the glossy and sleek finish, a wet look, or enhanced, sealant may be your ideal option. Depending on the type of pavers you have, there are also different stain finishes that could be applied to ensure your pavers are as custom as your landscaping goals desire.

Enhanced Protection

Sealant does more than just enhance the beauty of your pavers however. Paver sealant is a waterproof barrier that protects your investment from several different things. Because of its waterproof properties, paver sealant helps to prevent stains and repel the things that cause them. By filling in the tiny pores on both the surface of your pavers and the joint filler, liquids, foods, and organic stain-makers have little to seep into. This makes clean up quick and easy. Additionally, the rain, sun, and air all take a toll on unprotected pavers. Rain can be particularly harsh. As it beats down upon and sits on your pavers and the joint filler sand, it erodes them. If water is allowed to permeate the surface of your paves and sand, it can lead to more expensive damages down the road. For example, when water seeps into and beneath your pavers, it can cause frost heaves as it freezes. Frost heaves create uneven foundation layers that can cause your pavers to crack or loosen.

Sealer Maintenance

Depending on the type of sealant used (water or acrylic-based), you likely need to reseal your pavers every two to five years. As a rule of thumb, if you spray water on your pavers and it is quickly absorbed, you should reseal. If the water beads up, your sealant is still strong. Sealing can keep your pavers beautiful while still protecting them from the wear and tear of everyday life. Speak with a professional or contact your paver manufacturer to make sure you pick the right type of sealant for your pavers.

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From the moment pavers are installed, they become a long-term investment. Whether you installed them or you bought a property that came with them already there, maintaining them will make your investment last. Below, we discuss the three ways sealing can help your pavers last for years to come.

Slow Damages

Sealing your pavers helps to reduce the likelihood of damages. Rain, snow, dirt, use and the sun all speed up the deterioration of your pavers and the joint sand holding them together. As cracks begin to occur, water can seep down into the foundation layer and cause damages that are even more serious. Sealing helps to repel these environmental degraders. Because of its waterproofing qualities, sealing can prevent even trace amounts of water from seeping into tiny pores. It also can help prevent the surface of your pavers from becoming slippery during inclement weather, keeping you and your loved ones from potentially serious falls.

Enhances the Beauty

Sealing can also bring out the natural beauty of your pavers. Even if they were there before you bought your home, you would be surprised at how beautiful your pavers look after a deep cleaning and seal coating application. The color, texture, overall value will pop after a fresh application of sealant. Sealing your pavers can also reduce the likelihood of future stains that may result from dirt, algae, grease or oil. By applying a waterproof sealant and filling those tiny pores, you actually provide very little surface for these kinds of staining agents to grab onto. This also makes them easier to clean up.

Inhibits Growth & Infestation

Grass, moss, weeds and other organic growths can create damages. As they grow between the pavers, they erode the joint filler. Their roots also tunnel into the foundation below and disrupt it. During the winter, should these plants die, they leave larger holes for water to seep into and straight down into the foundation. Ants and other tunneling insects can also spell disaster for your pavers as well. Sealing your pavers will help prevent both organic growth and infestations. Not only does it deprive plants and insects of the much needed water that keeps them growing, it also reduces the UV rays that foster growth. Because sealants make organic growth harder, moss or algae is less likely to pop up. These two items can make your paver surface slick and potentially dangerous for those with mobility issues.

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While some do-it-yourselfers may opt for self-installing pavers, many of us go with professionals on this one. But the world of contractors is a place to be wary. There are plenty of scammers out there who rush jobs, use low-quality materials or simply do not fully understand what they are doing. Below are several things you should consider before hiring someone to install pavers for you.

• Are they licensed, bonded and/or insured?

Most states will require professional contracting companies to hold an active license. These licenses are typically approved by a state board before they can legally provide any services. In the very least, a contracting company should have liability insurance. They should easily be able to provide this to you upon request. Without this, you are likely to be liable for any damages that occur on your property. If they have employees, the contractor should also carry worker’s compensation insurance in the event an injury occurs on your property.

• Are they able to provide referrals?

An experienced and professional contractor should be happy to provide multiple references upon request. In fact, they should be able to provide work similar in scope and coordinate a site visit if you so desire. As a standard, reputable contractors should be able to provide three to five references.

• Do they provide design services?

Some owners know exactly what they are looking for. However, some do not. Regardless, an experienced contractor may be able to help with designing your space and provide professional input when needed. After all, an experienced paver company should know what works best in your particular environment and what will meet your needs.

• Can they provide an estimate and work schedule?

While an initial estimate may provide a price range, you have a right to know where your money is being spent. After an initial assessment and agreed upon design, a professional installation company should be able to provide you with a fixed price. They should also be able to a reliable schedule. It should include an exact start day, typically working hours, and completion timespan. You should never have to guess when the work will start or end and workers should not be on your property outside of designated work hours unless authorized by you.

• Is their work contractually guaranteed?

A true professional will have no problems putting the scope of the project into writing. A handshake is not a legal contract. A professional installation company will often guarantee their work as well. If damages or issues arise during a set period, they will typically fix them free of charge. Make sure this is included in your contract before you sign it.

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Your pavers are a beautiful investment. They enhance your curb appeal and compliment your home’s style. Winter, however, can provide increased wear and tear on your investment. Proper care during the fall can help winterize your pavers and protect them from the harsh conditions they will experience over the next few months.

• Preparation:

Preparing your pavers for winter can help reduce potential damages. First, remove heavy objects and store them in a location off of your pavers. As water collects from thawing ice and snow, it will accumulate under the pavers. As it refreezes, the pavers will need room to flex. Heavy objects will not allow this to occur and sunken or uneven pavers are likely to occur beneath these items.

Sweeping the pavers clear of dirt and debris is also important. Ice or snow on leaves can be extremely slippery. Make sure pavers are clear of them to prevent accidental injuries from falls. Remove branches, twigs and other tripping hazards as well. Snowfall can obscure these items and lead to possible injuries.

• Cleaning and Sealing:

A deep cleaning goes a long way. Power washing pavers can ensure dirt, algae and moss are removed from the surfaces of your pavers. During winter, any remnants not cleaned will be left to sit under snow and ice. This can increase the damages caused by them, such as permanent staining and material deterioration. This can be a costly spring project to correct if left all winter.

After deep cleaning pavers, applying a sealant is highly recommended. This will further protect the beauty and integrity of your pavers throughout the winter. Salts, kitty litter and other de-icing products can eat away at pavers. A fresh coat of sealant will reduce these impacts and keep your pavers looking beautiful come springtime.

• Repairs:

Inspect your pavers. By taking the time to note and fix small problems before winter, you can help prevent increased damages by spring. This can include adding a bit of joint sand or filler between pavers where cracks or weeds have occurred. This can prevent water from seeping into these areas and causing further cracking as it freezes. Redirecting water away from pavers can also help with this. Cleaning gutters and spouts will ensure water is directed to where it needs to go and not overflowing onto walkways or paver patios.

Taking the time to winterize your pavers helps save you money in the long run; by preventing winter damages, it can reduce costly repairs in the spring. Additionally, it can increase safety precautions during the more hazardous conditions of winter.

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Fall Maintenance for Your Patio Pavers

Fall is upon us and that means the leaves are changing colors and falling, and we’re in the colder temperatures. It’s a great time to get maintenance done for your pavers. You want your pavers looking their best. You spent time choosing the right ones and money to get them installed so that you can show them off the others. The last thing you want is for them to become unsightly. Here are some maintenance tips for your pavers.

• The Importance of Sweeping

Make sure you sweep or blow your pavers regularly. The fall leaves are great to look at, but they fall on your pavers and mix with condensation at night. When this happens the leaves get soggy and can actually stain your pavers. The faster you get rid of the fallen leaves the less likely this is to happen.

• Get Your Pavers Sealed

It’s also a good time to seal your pavers. Sealing creates a layer of protection against staining and the elements. It gives you a little leeway if you’re not diligent about sweeping. It also helps to protect from staining due to spills. It’s a great thing to do if you entertain a lot or have children. If you’ve already sealed your pavers make sure you reseal them every couple of years to ensure the seal is intact.

• Pressure Wash Instead

If you decide not to seal your pavers you can pressure wash them instead. This will remove any stuck on debris. Once the power washing is complete you want to use a specific detergent for cleaning organic stand. Granular detergents are particularly good for this purpose. This requires a lot of work so be prepared to use some elbow grease. You’re going to be scrubbing your pavers with the detergent until the stains are gone.

• Put your Furniture in Storage 

If you live in an area where you won’t be using patio furniture it’s best to remove it. Patio furniture, barbecues, and even planter urns can rust. This rust can cause ugly stains on your pavers. All it takes is one screw, nut, or bolt to rust for you to get a stain. This also protects your furniture from damage, and prolongs its life. You can remove rust stains with special cleaners, but it will take some work.

Follow these simple fall tips and you’ll keep your pavers looking great.

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Sealing your pavers is a great way to prolong their lifespan. Not only does a quality sealer prevent water from seeping into and beneath your pavers, but it also enhances the natural beauty and shine of your investment. While there are tons of great tutorials and tips available today, bad advice is also plentiful. Below is a list of some of the worst advice you could get when preparing to seal your pavers.

“New pavers? Seal them ASAP before the weather can damage them!”

Sealing your brand new pavers is a bad idea. Depending on the type of pavers installed, you should wait a minimum of 30 to 90 days before applying a sealer. When pavers are installed, they undergo an efflorescence process. During this time, water seeps into the pavers and sand and dissolves the salts used to manufacture them. As the water evaporates through pores in the top of your pavers, the salt residue rises to the surface. Sealing your pavers before this process has completed will leave a white, hazy film on the surface. While this film will occur prior to sealing, it can be easily removed. If you seal it into your pavers, you will need to use a chemical to strip the sealant from the surface before cleaning and re-seal once dried.

“Don’t worry about pre-cleaning. Just sweep it and you’re ready to seal.”

This advice can lead to unevenly colored, flaking sealant. Deep cleaning your pavers removes all traces of dirt before you apply your sealant. (It will also remove that pesky efflorescence noted above.) By doing this, the sealant actually adheres directly to your pavers. If the pavers are left dirty, the sealant sticks to the grime instead. This can quickly lead to issues, like flaking. To fix this, you will need to remove the sealant and start again. Since we know time and money can be limited, this is less than ideal!

“Worry about the sand another time.”

As your pavers age, they weather the environment, personal usage and more. As a result, sand erosion and damages can occur. Before you seal, however, you should take the time to refill your polymeric sand and repair any other damages. Refilling the sand in the joints can be time consuming. Save yourself time and do it prior to sealing; the sealant can help provide added protection for your filler sand and reduce the rate of refill.

“Use this sealant. It’s cheap and works on everything.”

First, there is no “one-size-fits-all” sealant. A brick sealant will not work well on stained concrete pavers. The different chemical and material make up of each type of paver will vary the required type of sealant. Additionally, cheaper is not always better. Cheaper sealants typically need more coats and wear off faster. In the long run, they won’t save you on time or money when you have to work twice as hard and apply three times as many coats as a better quality brand.

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Investing in your pavers immediately increased your property’s value. During the warmer months, it increased your curb appeal as well. However, the winter months can wreak just as much havoc on your pavers as it does the rest of your property. Properly caring for your pavers during snowfalls and ice will ensure your pavers do not suffer from cold-related damages. Below are a few tips on how to keep your pavers free of slippery ice, cleared of snow and protected from the elements.

Pre-Snow Preparations

Hopefully, you sealed your pavers before the winter months approached. Sealing your pavers will help prevent water from seeping into any cracks or crevices. When this water freezes during the winter, it expands and causes more serious damages. If you did not seal your pavers, make a mental note to do it next year! However, whether you sealed your pavers or not, make sure you keep them free of debris. Sweep off any accumulated dirt, grass and leaves to ensure you only need to remove snow or ice this winter.

A Word on De-Icing

Sodium chloride, also known as your common rock salt, is often used for de-icing. However, as rock salt melts your ice, it mixes with it to create a brine. This salty water can seep into the cracks between pavers or paver surface and cause issues later. Efflorescence is a chemical reaction that occurs when salts evaporate through the paver surface. Using rock salt may lead to an efflorescence problem as the warmer weather approaches. It is also likely to damage any surrounding greenery. Experts and paver manufacturers recommend the use of calcium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate instead.

Know Your Pavers

Inspect your pavers before the snow sets in. Know where your damages are. But, more importantly, know where any uneven pavers sit. If you did not repair these prior to the winter, it is very important that you are aware of their location when shoveling snow. Snow shoveling is a physical activity that can result in injuries to the back and neck easily. It seems silly but hitting a paver that sticks out a bit can seriously injury you. If you feel pain in your back, neck or chest at any time while shoveling, stop and seek medical attention.

Snow Shoveling

Removing snow from your pavers uses the same techniques as removing snow from your asphalt driveway. The main difference, however, is that you should not use the metal tipped shovels or snow blowers. Instead, use a plastic snow shovel. If using a snow blower, a plastic tip or rubber edge should be added before use. Metal lips on these items can scratch or chip your pavers. Protect your investment and go with plastic tools.

Maintain a natural spine as you shovel and lift as little as possible. When lifting, keep your arms as close to your body as possible and lift through your legs. Your feet should be shoulder width apart to ensure you maintain your balance while lifting.

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Weeds, moss and algae typically grow between pavers that suffer from inadequate drainage or little sun exposure. While some encourage moss to grow between pavers for a rustic look, organic growth can be unsightly and damaging. Below are tips that can help prevent unwanted weeds, moss and algae from sprouting up between your pavers.

Remove

If you already have organic growth between pavers, you will want to remove it before considering preventative options. For moss is a surface growth. To remove it, scrub the area with a 10% to 20% bleach and water solution. Grass and other weeds should be sprayed with a plant-killer. You can also use a pressure washer to blast organic matter from between your pavers’ joints. However, be careful not to damage your pavers while doing so.

Sand

Proper drainage is the number one way to prevent organic growth between pavers. However, using polymeric sand is a close second. Polymeric sand is a joint filler that contains polymers that are activated when water is applied. Polymeric sand, as opposed to regular sand, hardens into a mortar-like joint filler to ensure a snug and secure plug between each of your pavers. This sand is best for preventing organic growth because it does not contain loose granules once sprayed with water. It does not allow sunlight or water to penetrate its surface, thus depriving organic matter of life-giving nutrients needed to grow.

Seal

Sealing, in and of itself, is not the first line of defense against plant growth. Drainage and polymeric sand actually do a better job of prevention when it comes to organic growth. However, when polymeric sand is not used, your sealant will become more important. Aside from preventing stains and keeping your pavers looking beautiful, certain sealants may also include a polymer additive. As with the polymers in polymeric sand, these special sealants soak into the sand filler and harden once wet.

Prevent

Even with proper drainage, polymeric sand and sealant, organic growth may occur. Prevention, however, is relatively easy. Keep the pavers clean. Sweep away leaves as they fall from trees. After mowing, use a leaf blower to quickly blast away grass particles from your paver surfaces. Every few weeks, hose your paver surface down. Doing so will remove any dirt and debris from the paver surface that could be stuck in small pores. (Most experts recommend you do not use a pressure washer for this as it can remove filler sand or seal coating when set too high.) Hosing your pavers down after a heavy rain is also recommended.

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