Paver maintenance is essential for those who want to ensure their pavers look their best for years to come. Pavers are a great addition to any yard, walkway, pool deck, patio or outdoor space, providing a practical and attractive alternative to concrete or asphalt. When it comes to paver care, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Paver maintenance is not difficult, so heed the following advice and you’ll be enjoying your pavers well into the future. You’ll also save yourself some money.
Common Paver Problems
You’ve invested in pavers and they look great. If you want your investment to last, avoid these three common paver problems, cracked, faded, and stained pavers.
Cracked Pavers
Cracked pavers are not only unsightly, but they also provide a tripping hazard. The first step in preventing cracked pavers is to ensure they’re laid properly. Lay your pavers on a good, flat base, using the proper technique.
Faded Pavers
The pigments found in pavers can fade over time. Sun, water, or other contaminants can rob pavers of their vibrancy, leaving you with pavers that don’t pop like they used to.
Stained Pavers
Pavers can become stained by oil and grease, as well as leaves, moss, mildew and other organic matter. Sweep or blow leaves from your pavers regularly. Soak up oil spills with a granular oil absorbent right away. Do NOT attempt to scrub an oil spill.
Use Paver Sealer to Prevent Cracked, Faded or Stained Pavers
The number one key to paver care is paver sealing. This should be applied every 2-3 years to prevent pavers from cracking, fading, or staining and keep your patios, walkways and driveways looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.
The Cost of Neglecting Paver Maintenance
Those who neglect paver care will pay the price. The following three expenses could be in store for those who don’t maintain their pavers.
The Cost of Replacing Damaged Pavers
Replacing damaged pavers costs both money and time, both of which are valuable. Materials are not exceedingly expensive, but they’re also not free. For this reason, paver maintenance is preferable to paver repair.
The Cost of Hiring a Professional for Paver Repair or Paver Restoration
In extreme cases, a professional must be brought in to handle your paver repair project. This may be a good investment, but it does escalate the cost.
The Cost of Diminished Home Value
Brightly coloured, well-laid pavers can increase your home’s curb appeal dramatically, and therefore your home’s resale value. Proper paver care ensures that your yard looks great for you and your guests, as well as potential buyers.
Tips for Regular Paver Maintenance
These four steps are the best way to keep your pavers intact and looking their best.
Sweep and Clean Your Pavers Regularly
A household broom and a garden hose can keep your pavers clean and prevent leaves and other materials from staining your deck. Occasionally it’s a good idea to use a paver cleaner consisting of warm water and a mild degreasing dish detergent. Avoid using acid-based cleaning solutions. If you use a power washer, be sure not to use too much pressure as this can damage your pavers. Always start your cleaning in an inconspicuous area to make sure you get the results you’re looking for.
Use Paver Sealers to Prevent Staining and Fading
Using a paver sealer will help you avoid the most common problems associated with paver care. For best results, the sealer should be reapplied every 2-3 years. Clean, dry, and repair any damaged pavers before spraying or rolling on the sealer. Non-film-forming sealant provides a matte finish, while film-forming paver sealant offers a gloss or semi-gloss finish, but needs to be reapplied more often.
Remove Weeds and Vegetation from Between Pavers
Weeds and grass between pavers can cause them to shift apart over time. One way to remove the weeds and grass is to pull them by hand and spray the area with a pressure washer. Avoid using excessive pressure that can damage the pavers. Better yet, prevent grass and weeds from growing by using an organic herbicide. Alternately, mix water with salt, baking soda, or white vinegar and apply to the sand between the pavers.
Repair Cracks and Other Damage Promptly
Damaged pavers should be replaced quickly to avoid hazards and eyesores. Remove the damaged paver and add new sand to the base before putting the new paver in place. Add additional sand and use a rubber mallet to tap the paver in place.
Practice good paver maintenance and you’ll be enjoying the pristine, upscale look they provide your yard for a long time.
Take pride in your yard and you’ll be relaxing and entertaining in it all summer long. Simply put, a better yard will help you love your life. Davel not only installs and maintains pavers, but firepits, lighting, pavilions, outdoor kitchens and other aspects of exterior and interior renovation.
Contact Davel Construction for a free consultation today and take your property to the next level!
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