Pavers of Tampa Bay are a good investment because they are permanent and don’t usually need to be replaced. They also keep your house dry and can be an excellent landscaping feature. Although pavers are relatively easy to lay, some things need to be done to make sure they last through the years. Find out the basics about maintaining your pavers to ensure they look their best and last for many years.
There are two types of pavers: sand and concrete. Sand is used when you need to make the surface of the pavers soft so it can be driven into the ground under normal conditions. Concrete is heavier than sand and needs to be pumped into the ground before installation. Once installed, sand will harden, and the job can be finished with more sand. Pavers can be laid in the same direction as they were laid, or you may need to make adjustments to your laying to lay them more smoothly.
You can sweep, mop, and often clean most kinds to improve their look and longevity, but you can also sand them once in a while to keep them looking nice. Using a power washer occasionally will help to keep them clean. Sealing certain types of pavers helps to minimize staining and keep them lasting longer. It would be best never to seal a sand paver joint because it will become too sticky and crack after a while.
Pavers are laid on top of sand or gravel, mixed with a chemical called asphalt. This mixture is applied to the entire surface of the pavers, including the joints where they meet. The purpose of the sand is to provide a smooth, even surface. Pavers that have been laid correctly should slide together easily without gaps. You can tell if a paver patio is not sliding correctly by pushing it back and forth. If it pushes back and forth, the joints are not correctly sealed, and you will probably have to sand the area again.
Pavers are most attractive when they have a rough texture, so power washing pavers is your best option for maintaining their look. Power washing pavers involve:
- Applying a solution to the stones themselves.
- Removing dirt and grime.
- Turning the stone into a shining, glossy surface.
There are various power washing methods, including manual pressure washing and power sprayers.
Sealing pavers is the best way to extend the life of your pavers and prevent them from cracking or chipping. Pavers are available in various fabrics, including brick pavers, concrete pavers, flagstone pavers, granite pavers, and polymeric sand. Pavers that are sealed will stay in good condition longer and resist stains more effectively than unsealed pavers.
The best protection for pavers is to apply a waterproof sealer to the bottom of the bedding layer, followed by a penetrating oil treatment. Waterproof paving stones are minor subject to chipping because of the oil treatment, but they also require more maintenance and should be sanded with sandpaper between coats of sealant. Pavers that are sealed also tend to be less expensive than unsealed paving stones.
Pavers are popular in both commercial and residential applications because of their low cost and long lifespan. Pavers are most attractive when they feature crushed stones or crushed sand in their design. They are easy to install, cost less, require little labor to maintain, and resist cracking or chipping. Most homeowners choose to use pavers for their driveway and walkways because of these benefits, and because they are made out of cheap materials, paving stones can easily be replaced once worn out. The key to long-lasting and attractive paving is to properly prepare for paver installation by filling in the spaces between the holes with a thin layer of gravel or crushed stones to protect them from water damage and the elements, then applying a waterproof coating over the top of your finished product.