3 Ways to Keep Your Patio Pavers Looking Like New

When it comes to making investments in your home, a paver patio is one that offers great returns. In addition to adding value to your home, it can be enjoyed for many years. One of the most appealing aspects of a paver patio is that the maintenance is very simple. In this post, we are going to look at three ways you can keep your paver patio looking brand spanking new.

1. Start with Sweeping
Cleaning your patio pavers is often as easy as: sweep, hose, and soap. The majority of the time, your pavers won't need much more than a good sweeping. Pick a time when it has been dry for a few days and take a few passes with a broom. Beyond patios, you can do this for any of your pavers (e.g., walkways, driveways, etc.). If you think the pavers still look a little meh after sweeping, grab the garden hose and rinse them down. Resist the temptation to use the power washer, though. The "stream" setting in a power washer has enough force to etch pavers in a way that can not be undone.

If you have pavers around the pool, you'll want to check for mold and mildew now and again. Because those pavers see more water than pavers in other locations, the odds of mold and mildew forming is greater there. Most pavers will come with instructions and if you have them professionally installed, your landscaper should also give you the skinny on taking care of them. In general, however, just about every type of paver can be cleaned with a mild soap. Most stains will come clean with little effort. On occasion, there will be some difficult stains. Motor oil and other vehicle fluids can be very difficult to clean. In such cases, you can just replace the soiled pavers. If you have any pavers left over from the installation, you can put it right in the spot where the stained paver was. If the idea makes you a little nervous, then contact the contractor or landscaper who did the initial installation and ask for help.

Pro Tip: Don't be quick to pitch old pavers. You can upcycle them into some pretty neat crafts. Check pinterest for ideas.

2. Know Your Stain Makers
From fruit to wine, there are a host of natural and man-made items that can stain your patio pavers. In that respect, you should be aware of the fruit trees in your area and when they are dropping fruit. You'll also want to keep an eye out for bird droppings and even wet leaves that are drying on your patio. It's a good idea to have a hose or leaf blower nearby. During the course of the year, you might need to use either (or both) a few times a week. When it comes to the man-made stains... well... an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you use your patio for entertaining guests, it might be a good idea to get into the practice of sweeping it off after gatherings.

3. Know Your Sealers
To be clear, you don't need to seal your pavers, but some homeowners choose to because they like the glossy look that sealing creates. If you are considering sealing your pavers, it is strongly recommended that you confer with a contractor or landscaper first. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that sealing pavers isn't a one-time deal. You will have to re-seal them every two-to-three years. Further, if your pavers are new, you may have to wait as long as two years before you can seal them. New pavers have manufacturing elements in them that naturally surface and work their way out of the paver over time. Sometimes, it can take up to two years for that process to complete. Sealing before that time could cause problems with the look of your pavers going forward.

The Enduring Appeal of Paver Patios
There are quite a few reasons why paver patios remain so popular. For the most part, they are very low-maintenance after installation. They last for decades and often look even better as they age. Some basic sweeping or blowing, particularly in autumn, is often all it takes to keep the patio paver surface looking great. When it doubt, just refer back to the paver manufacturer's directions or any advice provided by your landscaper during the installation process.

In Conclusion
If you are considering investing in your home, you'd be hard pressed to find a better option than installing a paver patio. With a handful of tips and tricks in your pocket, you can keep it looking like new for many years!

Want to learn more about adding a paver patio? Give us a call at 5179900110" or contact us online today. Our experienced and helpful staff would love to help you plan your new patio!

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