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PAVER CLEANING PROCEDURES
General Cleaning of Pavers
Many products are available today to help with the cleaning of your paved site. Whether it be your driveway, walkway, patio or pool surrounding there is a cleaning product out there to help.
Concrete pavers, clay pavers, natural stone pavers, granite pavers and marble pavers all need to be cleaned differently. For example some common cleaners may be to harsh for natural stone, others may contain too many acids and may strip concrete pavers of their color. So it is best to consult the makers of the product to have an understanding on what and where it can be used on.
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO THE SEALTECH'S PROCESS OF RESTORING YOUR CUSTOM PAVERS.
Step 1: Before Cleaning Begins
It is best to have a good look at the paved area to see if any repairs are needed. Also remove any weeds or grass growing through the joints or surrounding area.
Under some circumstances chemicals contained in the cleaners may be harsh on the garden life surrounding the pavers, so it is suggested to trim flowers back so no damage can be done.
Step 2: Color Testing
It is also suggested that a simple test be done prior to applying the agent, so as to sample the cleaning agent's effect on the area firstly, and to make sure that the result you were intending on will occur.
Apply a tiny amount of cleaner onto the surface of a paver and leave it for a few minutes. Return and see what reaction it has caused. If no reaction occurred continue to use. If a reaction occurred consult the manufacture.
Step 3: Watering Down the Surface
Using a bucket or hose, flush the paved site thoroughly with water. Once this has been done we pressure wash the area free of any dirt, grass or dusts that may be lying on top and deep into the surface.
Hosing Pavers
Step 4: Application of Cleaner
Once we choose the most suited cleaner for the pavers and have followed steps 1, 2, and 3 the cleaner may then be applied, either using a broom, brush, or roller. Leave the cleaner to set for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Removing Stains
Once the cleaner has set, you then start scrubbing the stained area with the appropriate materials. This can be done by hand. In cases where the complete areas are stained and this can not be done by hand, pressured water hoses can be used to assist with the cleaning. As soon as all stains are removed and the pavers are cleaned, rinse the area thoroughly with water and leave to dry, normally for a day or so.
Step 6: Refill The joint with Joint Sand
We are now ready to infill the joints to foster complete joint stabilization and interlock the stones per the specifications. There are many types of sand but the most popular is joint sand and or 30 grit sand for smaller joints. We infill the joints 1/8" below the edge in order to maintain the look for the paver and if the joints are overfilled they will start cracking over time after the sealer dries. Some infill joint sand have the polymers already in the mix and all you need is to add water. SealTechPro's products will provide the stabilization required without buying the more expensive polymeric sand for the joints.
Step 7: Choose and Apply Sealer
The site is now dry and free of water. The recommended sealer may now be applied. Sealers are recommended to also help with the up keeping of pavers and also helps protect from any further damage. Note: Always take note of recommendations manufactures give, some cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that may damage your pavers. All products work in different ways.
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