Cleaning & Sealing

Cleaning & Sealing

Benefits

#1 - Removing Efflorescence - Efflorescence is a natural occurring reaction that occurs in all concrete products. While this does not affect the durability of pavers it does however effect the overall beauty of a project. Removing efflorescence is a simple process that uses an efflorescence cleaner or “paver prep” to quickly extract and then remove the efflorescence from the exposed parts of the concrete.

#2 - Retain the original color - proper cleaning and sealing of pavers on an annual or semiannual basis using a UV blocking sealer can help prevent the suns' UV rays from fading the color in the concrete pavers. Once the sun has faded a concrete paver there is little that can be done to bring back the paver and we are left with the only option as enhancing what is left. Sadly, people consider cleaning and sealing after they have lost most of the color which they spent so much time choosing in the first place.

#3 - Protects the concrete pavers from staining - Concrete pavers are manufactured in such a way that they are extremely strong and durable (4 times stronger than regular concrete), but they have a semi-porous top. Liquids and fine dust particles are able to settle into the surface of the pavers and become very hard to remove without some type of cleaning agent. Correctly sealed pavers can partially fill those pores and help protect against oil stains from vehicles, food stains around a BBQ or patio, and from most general liquid and fine powder products that tend to get used/spilled around patios and driveways.

Mistakes

#1- power washing - inexperienced people who power wash with a wand can “etch” the pavers and also do more damage to the surface of the concrete paver. If you’re going to use a power washer make sure that you are using a rotating wand attachment that will keep you from etching the pavers.

#2 - using the wrong product - most people incorrectly assume that concrete pavers are simply concrete and any concrete cleaner or sealer can be used on them. WRONG!!! A concrete patio while it is made with concrete is a totally different process then concrete pavers are made by. By not using the concrete paver product you jeopardize the entire look of the patio.

#3 - washing dry pavers - soap in its concentrate form can also etch the pavers. If you are simply going to wash down the pavers gently spray or mist the pavers to get them wet and separately mix up a cleaner and water solution and when it is diluted correctly apply, scrub, and immediately rinse.