Does your Lake Forest, IL, landscape include a paver patio, walkway, or driveway? If so, you may be wondering how much maintenance your pavers will need. When installed properly, concrete pavers generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. But even the best patios or driveways can suffer under harsh weather conditions or heavy traffic. Our masonry landscaping services will help make your paver hardscape look like new for years to come.
Seasonal Maintenance
One of the major factors affecting the durability of paving stones is harsh weather conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles over the winter can cause shifting and sinking of stones, and snow and ice removal with sharp or heavy equipment can result in cracked or damaged stones. Pavers with low water absorption offer the best resistance to weather-related damages but will still benefit from regular maintenance.
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Caring for pavers in the spring and fall will help extend the life of your patio or driveway. From cleaning and sealing to repairing cracks and replacing old pavers, Joe and Tony Landscaping LLC can revitalize your hardscaping. We offer a full range of maintenance services to ensure that your masonry stands the test of time.
Removing Weeds and Plant Growth
Growth between pavers can result in shifting stones and make your patio or walkway look run-down. Weed and grass seeds could make their way into the cracks between stones and germinate there, causing unwanted plant growth.
Using the right sand or joint stabilizer creates a less hospitable environment and can greatly reduce growth between stones. Replacing your current joint sand with polymeric sand or Easy-Pro jointing compound will help prevent weed growth. A granular weed deterrent can also be added between joints during paver maintenance to stop unwanted growth.
Cleaning Pavers
Everyday use and regular wear and tear can result in dirty pavers. Natural debris such as fallen leaves and animal droppings can leave unsightly stains. Heavy water run-off or pooling water can also cause efflorescence and staining. And of course, regular human error can leave its mark as well. Oil stains, spilled drinks, and constant foot traffic can all leave hard-to-clean stains.
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There are a few different methods for cleaning pavers. Pressure washing can yield good results but should be done by a professional to avoid damaging joints. For heavy stains, scrubbing pavers with a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution may also be necessary.
Sealing Pavers
While not all pavers require sealing, using a sealant can protect and enhance your pavers. Regular sealing can deepen the color of the paver and can also help guard against surface stains. Additionally, sealers can help secure jointing sand, making it difficult for weeds and unwanted grass to take root.
Before sealing occurs, it’s important to ensure that pavers are completely clean and free of efflorescence. A landscaping professional will be able to properly clean and seal your pavers, providing long-lasting results. To protect and extend your investment, it is recommended that sealers are reapplied every three to five years.
Paver Repair
Although pavers are durable and have a long life span, they do sometimes need repair. If individual stones become chipped, cracked, or badly stained, they can be removed and replaced. It may be wise to keep some extra pavers on hand for this purpose.
If there are problems with the subbase, pavers can shift and settle over time. Removing pavers and repairing the subbase before reinstalling new pavers can correct this problem.
