Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Interlocking Pavers

The versatility of interlocking pavers' design makes them popular among homeowners and property builders. These paving stones can give a facelift to any outdoor space, such as a driveway, patio, garden path, or walkway, and provide aesthetic appeal along with exceptional durability. Nevertheless, interlocking pavers are exposed to the wear and tear of nature, which can be troublesome. Routine maintenance is required to ensure the attractiveness and longevity of the installation.

To assist you in protecting your pavers, this blog will outline all the expert-recommended maintenance tips.

Sweep and Clean Regularly

Pavers can lose their luster due to dust, dirt, organic debris, and leaves settling on them. If not dealt with, pavers can experience dullness and excessive weed growth. Regular sweeping and scrubbing with a stiff-bristled broom will aid in eliminating dirt and trash and maintaining the pavers' color and finish.

To ensure that the area stays clean, hosing down the surface periodically is recommended. If dirt persists, the area can be cleaned using a pressure washer on low. Care must be taken not to wash out the joint sand that holds the pavers in place. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners that may erode the surface or bleach the color of your pavers. It is best to use cleaning products designed specifically for pavers or use a diluted solution of mild soap.

Seal the Pavers to Protect Against Wear and Tear

Interlocking pavers can be effectively maintained and their longevity prolonged by sealing them. A substantial amount of moisture, oil, UV rays, and even moss or algae will be unable to penetrate a good-quality sealant. Additionally, it improves the vibrancy of the paver colours, which gives them a more polished appearance.

Usually, it is recommended to apply a seal on the pavers at least every two to three years, depending on the local climate, as well as foot or vehicle traffic in the area. Always consider cleaning the surface before applying a seal to ensure that pavers are not dirty and are not covered with any residues. Never apply sealant on too humid a day or right before rain.

Prevent and Control Weed Growth

Weeds may grow between paver joints and may become a problem if dirt or organic material builds up in the gaps. Weeds are often regarded as unsightly ornamentals, but over time, they can push pavers apart, damaging the surface’s consistency.

The easiest way to tackle preventive herbicide application, paired with regular sweeping to eliminate organic debris and seeds ,is the best way to mitigate the issue. Existing weeds can be manually picked while ensuring the roots are fully extracted or using gentle herbicides if preferred.

Replenish Joint Sand Periodically

The sand that is snagged between interlocked pavers is essential in maintaining the placement of the pavers and hindering shifting. Weather, cleaning, and general use can lead to the sand being eroded or washed away over time.

Regaining the joints by re-sanding them, especially with polymeric sand, solves the structural deficiency of the installation. Polymeric sand has the capability of binding upon being moistened, thus creating a strong seal that will not yield to weeds. It is best to replenish joint sand every couple of years or as deemed necessary after power washing.

Act Quickly on Stains

Food spills, wine, rust stains, or oil spills can permanently damage pavers if not resolved quickly. The longer a stain is left untreated, the closer it gets to becoming irreversible. Spills should be handled as soon as they occur. Fresh oil spills can be taken care of with kitty litter and a paver-safe degreaser or cleaner.

Stubborn stains might require the use of specialized stain removers, depending on what type of paver is used, whether it’s concrete, brick, or natural stone, and what type of stain it is.

Fix Uneven or Sunken Pavers

Heavy use, ground movement, or poor compaction during the installation can cause pavers to sink or shift over time. These uneven surfaces are not only an eyesore but also dangerous, as they can cause someone to trip.

Fortunately, pavers that interlock are not difficult to fix. Repair involves lifting the pavers that are affected, adjusting the base layer by adding or compacting gravel or sand, and then putting the pavers back into place. Gently tamp them down and refill the joints with sand. This easy-to-do feature is one of the major benefits of interlocking pavers over concrete slabs.

Watch Out for Drainage Problems

Water accumulating on or adjacent to your pavers is something that needs to be managed. Too much water can erode the underlying material, weaken the position of the pavers, and encourage mold or mildew. Ensure the paved area has sufficient slope to permit water runoff.

If problems with drainage arise, you need to get the base modified or effective drainage options like French drains or perforated pipes installed.

Handle Snow and Ice with Care

The use of snow blowers with metal edges can be harmful during the peak season of the outdoor cold weather. Paving maintenance should be on the surface level, though in cold regions, it is important. Snow shovels should be plastic.

It’s not ideal for the pavers to end up with rough white stains either, so it wouldn’t be good for rock salt or chemical de-icers to be used. Effective alternatives such as sand or calcium magnesium acetate can be used instead, providing grip without damaging the surface.

Conduct Seasonal Inspections

Inspecting interlocking pavers twice a year is sufficient. Once during spring and autumn. Look for cracks, shifting, erosion, extensive weed growth, and noticeable joints. Prompt action will be beneficial, and strategic issues will not be timely or costly down the line.

Furthermore, the perimeter of the traffic areas should be checked to make sure that edge restraints are still in place. This is very important to secure the pattern to ensure pavers do not spread or separate.

Get Professional Maintenance When Needed

Interlocking paver fixing can be a DIY project. However, hiring a professional from time to time, particularly for sealing, stain removal, or extensive repairs, is advantageous. Skilled technicians know how to address the most important underlying concerns, the right materials to use, and how to reset the surfaces of the pavers to restore them.

They also help you to properly preserve your investment and provide assurance that the work done is going to stand the test of time.

Interlocking Pavers Fixing Service With Wadi Maareb 

Consistent maintenance of interlocking pavers enables optimal visual attractiveness and integrity over the years. Maintenance requires simple actions such as cleaning, sealing, controlling the weeds, and carrying out timely repairs.

At Wadi Maareb, we proudly provide comprehensive interlocking paver installation and maintenance services throughout the UAE. We ensure that customers looking to enhance their outdoor areas, as well as those requiring their pavers to be routinely maintained, enjoy a lasting outcome due to our professional skills. To book your service, contact us today!