You’ve bought your beautiful new concrete pavers, laid them in your outdoor area and it looks wonderful – but how do you ensure that your concrete pavers stay looking good over a long time?
You’ve no doubt spent a fair bit of time, effort and money making your area look amazing, so you want to make sure it stays looking that way. The last thing you want is for your pavers to start looking grubby, dirty and dingy.
Unfortunately, spills, stains and damage are a part of life. But never fear, with a little bit of time, effort and TLC, you can ensure that your pavers are always looking in top condition. Here’s how.
Seal your pavers
Once your pavers are laid and have had time to dry off, it’s wise to seal them with a penetrating sealer. Not only will this reduce maintenance needs on the pavers, it will also help to minimise the impact of everyday wear and tear, and help to keep them looking good over the long term.
There are numerous sealing products available on the market, so it’s best to get professional advice if you’re not sure which product would be best for your pavers. Contact a reputable sealing company for advice.
Remove debris regularly
Dirt, grime, and debris will inevitably build up on your paved area, and it’s best to clean them regularly to prevent this from happening. Most of the time, a good sweep with a stiff, outdoor broom will do the trick. Occasionally you might need to wash your pavers or hose them off using a low powered pressure cleaner only (a high-powered cleaner can damage the surface of the pavers).
Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to wash your pavers until they’ve settled. If you do need to clean them during this time, just use a broom or garden blower.
Don’t allow the build-up of algae, weeds or moss on your paved areas. You can prevent this with the use of herbicides or fungicides.
Clean stains off as soon as possible
When something stains your pavers, it’s best to attempt to clean the stain quickly before it dries up or hardens. Try scrubbing the stained area with soapy water or detergent first, as this may do the job without the need for stronger cleaning chemicals.
If you can identify the substance which has stained your pavers, you’ll be able to use the correct cleaning procedure for that particular substance (a Google search will probably help you find what you need to know).
Avoid the use of harsh cleaners such as acid and chemically based cleaning agents on your pavers, as they can cause damage. Hydrochloric acid, for instance, is not recommended for use on concrete pavers as it can cause irreparable damage to the paver surface.
Protect your pavers
If you’re doing further construction in your outdoor area, planting plants or moving furniture around, make sure to protect your pavers before you start.
Your pavers can quickly become stained from cement, rust, mortar and oxides, plus there’s a good chance you might damage them with heavy machinery or construction work. Prevention is much better than cure, so cover your pavers before you start to ensure there’s no chance of damage.
Re-seal as required
Over time, your pavers may need to be re-sealed, particularly in salt-water locations and heavy wear areas. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on your sealing product and note when the sealant will need re-application. Keep an eye on the condition of your pavers as well, and reseal as soon as it becomes necessary. It’s an investment in the longevity and appearance of your pavers, so it’s money and time well spent.
