Annual Paver Maintenance

Generally speaking, pavers are fairly low maintenance. In the grand scheme of your annual maintenance routine, care of pavers is likely one of your simplest projects.

Being simple, however, does not make it any less important. To keep your pavers looking elegant, and in top condition, there are a few steps you’ll need to take.

Pavers are a great solution for busy homeowners, or areas where landscaping can be a challenge. Once you’ve made the investment in your home, its important to take steps to protect your investment. Here are 5 easy steps to keeping your pavers in top shape for years to come.

1. Sweep it up

• Use a wide push broom, and give your paving stones a thorough brush down as often as possible. Decaying leaves and debris can leave stains on your pavers, so always try to sweep them clean before a heavy rain that might wet down vegetation and rubbish.

2. Rinse, and repeat

• Use your garden hose and spray nozzle to rinse off your pavers with clean water. This will help to eliminate dirt and dust that might be left after a sweeping. After a storm with heavy rain or winds, rinsing your pavers down will help to remove any biological material that might start to rot.

3. Use a homemade cleaning solution

• Using harsh cleaning chemicals on your pavers can cause damage to the surface of the stones, and can also injure your plants and foliage. Use a homemade cleaning solution of dish soap and water to scrub any areas that are especially dirty or stained. Rinse thoroughly, and scrub again for particularly difficult stains.

4. Apply a paver sealer

• Applying a paver sealer is the best way to keep your stones looking new and fresh. Sealers prevent dirt and stains from penetrating paving stones, and make it much easier to clean them throughout the seasons. Paving sealers do require a little additional maintenance, as they will need to be re-applied every two years or so. In the long run, when you’re stones can be easily cleaned with just water, and still have a nice shine, the extra work will be worth it.

5. Replace damaged pavers

• Pavers can’t really be repaired, so any damaged or broken pavers should be replaced. If you have any stones that are severely stained, you may also want to consider replacing those to keep your paver area looking fresh and tidy. With the right tools, and a little bit of time, you can remove damaged stones, without affecting the good ones, and truly help your pavers maintain their curb appeal.