Paver Care + Maintenance

 

Guidelines

 

Your pavers are in now and you’re ready to start using the patio! For the majority of the time, your surface is care-free. Take into consideration a few maintenance tips and tricks to keep your pavers looking and lasting great.

 

Cleaning and Power Washing

 

  • Stains should be cleaned immediately for unsealed porous materials such as clay or concrete. Some manufactured pavers come with pre-sealed or stain-resistant finishes.
  • Fall is an important time to maintain your patio. Keep leaves and debris off the patio. Any leaves left on the surface after a rain can leave significant brown stains throughout.
  • Power Washing can be done to help rejuvenate the appearance. Keep in mind, the jointing sand can be removed by the power washer.

 

Sealing / Protecting

 

  • Polymeric Sand is installed during the project, helping keep the patio locked together. The jointing sand should be reapplied every 3-5 years or as necessary.
  • Weeds and ants are a common issue with patios. They can get in between joints and create a mess. Polymeric sand should help reduce this issue.

 

  • Sealing your new patio can help lock in the color and provide some stain resistance. Re-seal your patio every 4-5 years to maintain the beneficial properties.

 

Winter

 

  • De-icing may be used but preferably kept to a minimum. Advise your specific material’s care sheet or ask your point of contact for any tips.
  • Prolonged heavy use of de-icer salt can damage pavers and concrete. Use sparingly.
  • Snow removal is no problem, but use a shovel or blower with a rubberized or plastic edge.

 

Settling / Heaving

 

  • Natural settling will most likely happen during the first year if at all.
  • Pavers can easily be repaired and lifted if settling occurs.
  • Heaving happens when tree roots enter the paver base or if water is allowed to get into the base and then affected by the freeze and thaw cycles.

 

Avoid!

 

  • Oils, grease, motor oil (and keep lawn equipment away from these substances!).
  • Seeds, chewing gum, or tobacco products, which can get lodged in between joints.