Important Paver Dos and Don’ts

If you want to avoid damage to your paver stone patio, walkway or driveway, there are 10 important rules and maintenance tips to follow.

1. 1. Clean your pavers every spring to remove dirt, stains, moss and weeds. Use a soft, non-metal, brush to gently agitate the surface and joints.  An annual cleaning will restore the original color and brightness of the paver stones. Beware: Wire brushes can lead to rust stains.
      
      
   2. Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach or vinegar to clean your pavers as you may permanently discolor the stones. A gentle dish soap like Dawn is best for cleaning stone patios, walkways and driveways. If you’re in doubt, test a small, inconspicuous area with the cleaning solution before you apply it to the entire paver area.
      
      
   3. Replenish the polymeric sand between your pavers annually as needed. Doing so will reinforce the joints in the pavers, prevent shifting of the paver stones, prevent weeds from growing between the pavers and extend the life of your patio.
      
      
   4. Do not apply sealant when the paver surface is wet, or you risk locking in the moisture and causing a cloudy hue.
      
      
   5. Seal your pavers every three years to protect and preserve them and add shine. Applying sealant more frequently may create a film on the pavers that will dull and discolor the pavers. Applying sealant less frequently than every three years can leave your pavers unnecessarily exposed and vulnerable to stains, surface decay, and loss of color.
      
      
   6. Do not pressure wash pavers on too high of a setting or you may cause lines, pits or other surface damage. You can avoid common cleaning mistakes by enrolling in the Paver Pete Service Plan which provides turnkey, worry-free annual maintenance.
      
      
   7. Do not ignore uneven pavers as they almost always worsen over time which can add to your repair costs. Also, uneven pavers are a safety issue. It’s best to request a professional assessment to identify the root of the problem and remedy it.
      
      
   8. Do not allow water to puddle on your pavers as it will erode the foundation of the pavers and may cause them to become uneven tripping hazards. If you repeatedly have water puddles on your pavers, evaluate your sprinkler placement. If that is not the cause of the puddle, your paver area may need leveled and/or your lawn around the paver may require better drainage. We recommend a professional assessment of the condition of your pavers to determine the best course of action.
      
      
   9. Promptly wipe up any spills such as soft drinks, wine, grill drippings, or other substances that may cause surface discoloration.  Ideally, flowerpots and planters with drainage openings should not be placed directly on the paver surface.  Water and fertilizers can leave marks that permanently discolor the paver surface over time.  Sealer will protect against staining by significantly reducing penetration onto the paver surface, however it will not completely eliminate stains.
      
      
   10. Do not remove the edging that surrounds the perimeter of your paver installation.  The edging (be it plastic, metal or concrete) keeps the pavers securely in place to prevent movement or shifting. If the edging is compromised, replace it soon.