The essential T.L.C. of Pavers and Patio Block

Love the way your new patio or driveway looks? Want to keep it looking pristine for years to come?

Being exposed to the elements night and day, through all four of Michigan’s dramatic seasons, takes a toll on even the toughest and highest quality materials. But that doesn’t mean your hardscaping can’t look great for years to come. All it takes is a little TLC; like washing your car or polishing your Air Jordans. We’ve put together this quick guide to help keep your new stonework in tip-top shape.

Fall 

While very strong, your concrete pavers are also porous. When leaves and other natural debris begin to fall, removal with a broom, rake or leaf blow will prevent organic staining. Dirt and other small debris can be removed by simply spraying them off with a garden hose. 

Winter

Uniform exposure to the elements will ensure your pavers age cohesively. If certain areas remain covered while others do not, you can anticipate having discrepancies in the coloring between these areas. Allowing equal exposure to the natural elements will ensure the graceful maturation of your hardscaping.

Whether the weather calls for snow or freezing rain, your pavers will thrive. The edges and joints around pavers are specially designed to assist with melting snow and are strong enough to withstand shoveling and plowing. 

When it comes to de-icing salts we recommend you reference your specific product guide. Many concrete pavers do well with sodium chloride or calcium chloride but there are some, such as the Stonedge Collection from Techo-Bloc, that do not recommend it. 

Shovels, snow blowers, and brooms are all safe to use. Wire brushes are NOT recommended.

Spring

Once the snow melts, a nice spring cleaning can do wonders for your pavers. It’s as simple as spraying them down with the garden hose or using a mild household detergent to give them some extra sheen. A nylon brush or broom and garden hose is all you need. Wire brushes are never recommended and pressure washers, if used improperly, can permanently etch the surface of pavers and erode the polymeric sand between joints. We recommend hiring professionals if you feel your pavers need to be deep-cleaned with a pressure washer.

Summer

The season of backyard barbecues, drinks, and laughter.  Rule #1: ENJOY your deck and if something spills, fear not. To prevent staining from spilled food or beverage, simply wipe up spills with a soft cloth and a solution of Liquid dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with water. 

Tougher stains such as those from grease can be cleaned with the same solution of Liquid dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with water. Let the solution sit for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon brush. Repeat the process if necessary. 

When caring for surrounding landscapes in the spring and summer months, be sure not to inadvertently stain your pavers. Fertilizers that contain iron can leave stains on the surface of stonework. Be sure to sweep any areas of your patio that may have gotten fertilizer on them.

And remember, when you’re too busy or it's just too cold, LawnGuru is only a finger tap away anytime you need snow removal, maintenance or lawn care.