Facts About Cleaning Brick Pavers

Regardless of how well a pavement might be installed, or how much was spent on quality materials, all pavers require basic maintenance.  Proper care to keep them looking their best is very important. Companies that promise “maintenance-free” paving of one form or another are not being entirely truthful. A regular routine of cleaning brick pavers keeps paving in prime condition and looking good for years. Lack of care will deteriorate your investment very quickly.

Even if it’s just a basic wash-down with soapy water, all types and forms of paving will look so much better with a little effort.  Furthermore, certain types of paving tend to need a bit more care and attention to ensure they always look as smart as possible. The good news is that cleaning is usually simple and even the most neglected pavers can often be given a new lease of life with just a little effort.

Weeds

Weeds can usually be pulled off the surface of most pavers, or scraped off using a hoe or similar tool. Where roots have been sent down into the jointing, removal of the weeds often removes some of the sand. This should be replaced as soon as the surface is clean. Partially-filled or empty joints are detrimental to pavement performance. Weed sprays are one of the easiest ways to control this as well as a good quality brick paver sealant. Sealant will also protect the brick pavers against stains, mildew and other elements that discolor the bricks.

Basic Cleaning

The simplest and safest way to clean paving is to scrub it with soapy water. Some people will swear that hot soapy water is more effective than cold, but in reality, any  soapy water will do. Use wash-up liquid or an acid-free soap-based floor cleaning product. Other than a bucket or pail in which to keep the soapy water, the only equipment needed is a stiff brush. Use one that is tough with thick bristles rather than the finer bristled types which we refer to as soft brushes.

Related Article: Roots vs Pavers

It’s a simple truth. Over time, roots from trees and larger bushes can damage your brick paver patio, walkways or landscaping elements. Most people think about tree roots and roots from larger bushes when it comes to potential damage to the foundation of their home; in actuality they are not the direct cause of foundation damage – it’s the condition of the soil that has changed that causes the foundation to be compromised.

That being said, roots from trees and larger bushes can be strong enough to create force that can move smaller retaining walls, so yes, the brick pavers around your home can also be affected greatly if not installed properly.

The Solution

The simple solution of cutting the problem-area roots might seem ideal, but that would put the tree or large bush in jeopardy, causing tree rot to occur and spread throughout the tree or shrub. This can also weaken a tree to the point that it may fall over.  If your brick pavers are affected by root systems to the point that they are cracked, tilted or misplaced, these can cause safety issues in addition to being an eyesore. But there are solutions.

The pavers can be removed, and the roots covered with a new layer of setting material. Setting materials include sand or stone dust, which covers the area while creating a flatter surface to work with when re-installing the pavers. Another solution is to replace the pavers with pea-stone, lower maintenance in general while greatly adaptive to the movement and growth of most root systems.

Additional Options

Additional options include replacing paves with an on-grade deck. This installation can be complicated, as you need to carefully place the footings to avoid any large roots. You can also look into moving your patio to a different area of the yard, away from the larger root systems, then hiding the roots with a flower garden.

So if you’re thinking of installing (or repairing) a paver patio or walkway around root systems, it’s best to consult a professional brick paver installation company who can assess and offer the best solutions for your landscaping moving forward.

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Is Brick Paver Maintenance Important?

When was the last time you thought of brick paver maintenance for your driveway or patio? Don’t be surprised if brick pavers look worn out, dirty, or even weedy if you have not done anything to prevent it. Brick pavers can even start to move and shift if gone neglected.

Brick paver restore tips for driveway & patio

• Determine if there has been any movement or settling of pavers. Repair these areas according to the brick paver manufacturer’s specifications. This will require digging up an area to confirm that the base was done correctly in the first place. If not, you have bigger chore on your hands of redoing the base of that area or possibly the entire brick paver walk, patio, drive, etc.
• Pressure wash your brick pavers with about 2700 psi power washer or greater. You may or may not need to use a paver cleaner during this process.
• Spread joint sand into the joints of the brick pavers and spray the driveway or patio with a light spray from a garden hose. Sweep sand and spray with water a second time to ensure joints are full of joint sand. Once the bricks are dry, make sure the joints are full with joint sand. This helps with brick stability.
• Next apply joint stabilizing sealer on the brick pavers. The sealer hardens the sand and helps prevent water intrusion in the joints.
• If desired you can apply a brick paver sealer. There are many options when choosing brick paver sealers. Some will have a glossy wet look which often darkens the color of you pavers (the choice is yours). Some paver sealers have a matte finish while others are completely invisible. The sealer will create a durable barrier against liquids on the brick paver itself. Brick paver sealers will help prevent stains and will keep your pavers looking cleaner much longer.  Some high end pavers have a stain resistant surface and this step is unnecessary. Follow the instructions of the sealer’s manufacturer on how to apply it properly.

By following this tips you will enhance the look, help maintain the structural integrity, and lower the amount of yearly maintenance on your brick pavers.

Related Article: Preventing Weeds

Contact West Coast Pavers of Fort Myers for professional brick paver maintenance.

Sealer On My Brick Paver Installation?

IF SO, WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?

Answer: It is not necessary to use sealer at all in your brick paver installation. However, sealer does help to resist stain penetration and certain sealers will enhance and deepen the color of the paver. If you decide to do it yourself, we recommend testing any sealer you are considering using, on a hidden area or on an extra paver and follow the manufacturer directions for application. This will allow you to see the effects of the sealer to the appearance of the paver and to its slipperiness for safety.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSTALL PAVERS?

Answer: The cost will vary based on what are your needs, the size of your project and which type of pavers you would like to use. We understand that cost and quality are must haves in all home projects. That’s why we offer free estimates to all our customers .

Related Article: Sanibel Paver Project

Call or Email us today and ask for a in-home estimate.