Sun, snow, freeze and thaw, the weight of the car … our stone patios and driveways have a lot to deal with! Whether you want to keep them looking good for a long time or want to restore them, follow our advice!
1- Are Your Joints Effective?
To avoid having weeds growing through the pavers or, even worse, finding that ants have made a home there, it is essential that the paving joints be filled with polymeric sand. In fact, most paving stone manufacturers recommend this product. Select one that will repel excess water during installation to obtain the best finish. You should also know that as time goes by, the joints may lose a certain amount of sand. No need to panic! Just add more. First remove any dirt with a broom, then pour more polymeric sand over the surface. Finally, sweep from right to left over the joint with a stiff bristle brush until it is once again filled.
2- Declare War on Weeds
You patio is a disaster: left abandoned too long, the pavers have been invaded by plants to the point that they are now separated and crooked. Unfortunately, in this state, you will have to completely reinstall the stones; however, know that this kind of issue can be prevented. Remove weeds by hand as they appear. The remaining moss and short grass can be eliminated with a pre-emergent herbicide (preferably environmentally friendly, of course!).
Did you know that spraying down the stones with a powerful water jet may damage them, specifically by making them too porous?
3- Say Goodbye to Grease Stains!
Over time, stones become spotted with stains. How can you remove them? The solution may be found in your kitchen! Liquid dish soap can indeed work miracles. Add a small quantity to a large water-filled bucket and your cleaning solution is ready! Make sure you wet the surface beforehand (if using the hose, select a gentle spray; the paving is more delicate than you think!). Then, with a stiff brush, scrub in a circular motion with your cleaner. If the offending stains resist, add a little white vinegar to your detergent. It is very important to finish off by carefully rinsing the cleaned surface with water to prevent soap residue becoming encrusted.
4- How to Avoid Discolouration
Everyone loves sunshine; however, the sun’s rays are responsible for deteriorating the stones’ appearance by discolouring them. To prevent UV damage to your precious investment, you will have to apply a protective sealant. There are many to choose from in stores. Some are formulated to enhance the colour while others only preserve the original tint. Mat or glossy finishes are available. It is best to avoid applying it in the first year following the installation as during this period a white substance frequently appears on the stones’ surface (called bloom), making them more difficult to clean. Bloom is a normal chemical reaction that disappears after a few months. Be aware that the sealant may be slippery when it comes into contact with water! To prevent falls around the pool, choose a slip-resistant finish. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the paving stones before applying the sealant (see tips 2 and 3!). Reapply every five years or as recommended by the maker.
Around the pool, lighter-coloured concrete pavers are preferred as they absorb less heat.
5- Regular Sweeping Is an Excellent Habit!
Esthetics are not the only reason why you should sweep the patio with a stiff broom. Dust, fine particles and plant debris can become permanently stuck on if ignored too long. Any accumulation, even the smallest amount, can leave nasty (sometimes greenish) stains. If a stiff bristle broom is ideal for this job, know that the joints should be cleaned with a softer brush or broom so as to not uselessly remove sand.
Well-maintained stone paving will play an important role when the time comes to sell your house. It will equally be a demonstration to the future owners of how well you cared for your home. It is therefore worth investing the time and money to maintain your yard!