ACP Pavers by Design - Paver Maintenance and Care Tampa Florida

Information and tips on keeping your pavers looking as good as the day they were installed.   Removing Oil Stains Joint Sand Controlling Weeds and Ants Sealing, Color and Wear Efflorescence Paver Repairs

 

Removing Oil Stains

Concrete pavers on driveways stained by oil leaking from cars aren't damaged by petroleum products, but the stains can be difficult to remove. Stains should be treated as soon as possible since the longer they remain on the surface, the deeper they penetrate and the harder they are to remove. Cleaners specially made for removing oil stains from concrete pavers are recommended since they yield good results. In some cases, it may be simpler to replace the stained pavers with new ones. Concrete pavers are made to be removed easily in just such a case. Cleaning and sealing concrete pavers early in their life can make removing stains easier since sealers prevent stains from soaking into the surface. How often the sealer needs to be reapplied depends on wear and weather.

 

Joint Sand

During the course of normal use, the sand-filled joints may accumulate dirt from traffic on the pavement. Dirt settles into the top of the joints, helping to hold the sand in place. Installations exposed to driving winds or water runoff, however, may lose some joint sand that can be simply replenished with dry sand. If the problem is recurring, you may want to seal the paver surface or use a joint sand stabilizer.

 

Controlling Weeds and Ants

A common concern for those interested in pavers is the emergence of ants and weeds in the paver joints. Weeds can germinate between pavers from windblown seeds lodged in the joints. They don't grow from the bedding sand, base or soil. Weeds can be removed by hand or with herbicides. The use of such herbicides and pesticides as Roundup® and Amdro® is also effective and will not stain or harm the pavers. Sealing your pavers or using a joint sand stabilizer is the easiest solution.

 

Sealing, Color and Wear

Color in concrete pavers is achieved by adding pigment to the concrete mix during production. The cement in the concrete mix holds the pigments in place. They are very stable, showing little change in their properties over time. As the paver wears from traffic or weather, the cement and pigment particles are eroded and may gradually cause a color change over time. One way to moderate the rate of color change is by cleaning and sealing the surface of the concrete pavers. It is not necessary to seal paver surfaces, however, sealing the pavers prevents added dirt from foot and vehicular traffic, extends their initial appearance and enhances their color, and ensures easier surface cleaning. Sealers are applied over the entire paver surfaces and allowed to soak and cure in the joints. Concrete pavers should be cleaned prior to applying a sealer to obtain the best performance and appearance.

 

Efflorescence

Efflorescence comes from lime released from within the paver. It's dissolved and carried by water to the surface of the paver, leaving a white residue after the water evaporates. It doesn't damage the concrete and it usually wears away with time. Efflorescence can be removed with cleaners specially made for concrete pavers. Use care when applying them because many contain detergents and diluted acid.

 

Repairs

There are many factors that cause pavers to settle, separate or become damaged. It is best to consult a professional installation company to remedy any problems.

 

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