5 Tips To Keeping Pavers Clean
Why are my Pavers turning Green?
Algae growth on Pavers from moisture, bad drainage and shade.
MSM Surface Pro, LLC Q/A
Green discoloration on pavers is a common issue that many homeowners face, particularly in outdoor areas with high levels of moisture and shade. The green tint is usually caused by the growth of algae, moss, or mildew on the surface of the pavers. These organisms thrive in damp and shaded environments, making them a common sight on outdoor surfaces like pavers.
Factors that contribute to the green discoloration of pavers include:
Moisture: Moisture is the number one culprit to dirty, offset, sunken and shifting pavers. Excess moisture, whether from rain, sprinklers or improper drainage, creates a conducive environment for algae, moss, and mildew growth.
Shade: Lack of direct sunlight can prevent the pavers from fully drying out, promoting the growth of green organisms.
Organic debris: Leaves, dirt, or other organic material that accumulates on the pavers can provide nutrients for algae and moss to grow.
Lack of air circulation: Areas with poor air circulation are more likely to retain moisture, allowing algae and moss to flourish.
Poor Drainage: Poorly pitched or sunken pavers pool moisture ensuring the perfect environment for algae growth and premature faulting of joint sand.
What can I do to prevent Algae, Moss and Mold on my Pavers?
Combining pressure washing with a scrubbing surface cleaner and soft washing you can eliminate all growth.
To address the green discoloration on your pavers, consider the following steps:
Regular cleaning: Soft Wash treatments yearly using a mild detergent to clean the pavers and kill any algae, moss, or mildew growth accompanied by pressure washing for areas with more stubborn stains is essential.
Preventive maintenance: Trim overhanging branches or vegetation to allow more sunlight to reach the pavers and improve air circulation. Adjust sprinklers so they do not wet stone on a daily basis. Lower high flower beds below paver height. Edge grass and beds lining pavers.
Proper drainage: Ensure that water drains away from the pavers to prevent pooling and excess moisture. If possible, installing drains and dry wells is a great option to stop pooling. Lowering surrounding garden beds can stop water from draining on your pavers and now acts as a place for water to drain. Pitching surrounding land away from pavers to stop runoff or edging grass and beds flush with pavers can help funnel water off the surface.
Polymeric Sanding: Replacing or installing faulting polymeric sand is essential to stabilizing pavers so they don’t shift. New sand not only looks great, it will slow drainage into the joints and base, slow the growth of weeds and promote water to drain off edges of the patio.
Sealing: Applying a high quality sealant to the pavers enhances color, hardens joints, and keeps your pavers finish like new. Sealer can help reduce water penetration and inhibit the growth of algae, moss, prevent staining, protect from UV damage, acid rain, and further harden the joint sand. This step is best left to the professionals to ensure a proper preparation, cleaning and finish to your investment.
By addressing these factors and taking proactive steps to maintain your pavers, you can prevent green discoloration and keep your outdoor surfaces looking clean and well-maintained.
Pro’s and Con’s of DIY Paver Restoration.
DIY Pressure Washing:
Cost-Effective: Restoring paver stones yourself can save you money on labor costs.
Control over the Process: You can control the process, ensuring that each paver stone is restored to your satisfaction.
Flexibility: You can work on the project at your own pace, fitting it into your schedule.
Personal Satisfaction: Completing the project yourself can be fulfilling and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Learning Opportunity: DIY projects can provide valuable skills and knowledge for future projects.
Reasons why DIY is not a good idea:
Time-Consuming: Restoring paver stones can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large area to cover.
Physical Labor: The process can be physically demanding, especially for those with mobility issues.
Risk of Damage: Without proper knowledge or experience, there is a risk of damaging the paver stones during the restoration process.
Need for Specialized Equipment: Some projects may require specialized equipment that you may not have access to.
Professional Results: Achieving professional-quality results may be challenging without the expertise of a professional.
Joint cleaning
DIY restoration of Pavers can be achieved DIY, but projects larger than 500 sqft should be professionally restored. Pressure washing, joint sanding, and sealing for paver restoration offers a range of benefits that can improve the visual appeal, durability, and longevity of paved surfaces. While it may sound good on paper, these processes can be overwhelming without commercial machinery and consulting with a professional paver restoration service is recommended to ensure the best results and long-term satisfaction.
Restoring Pavers: The Benefits of Pressure Washing, Joint Sanding, and Sealing
Restoring pavers through the process of pressure washing, joint sanding, and sealing may seem like an appealing proposition to do yourself; however, the process can take days and even weeks to complete alone.
Pressure Washing Pavers & Natural Stone
Pressure washing is the first step and is a highly effective method for removing dirt, joint sand, grime, and stains from the surface of pavers. This process can rejuvenate the appearance of the pavers, making them look fresh and new again. Additionally, pressure washing can help eliminate the growth of weeds moss and blow out old sand between the pavers, improving both the aesthetics and longevity of the paved area. Don’t forget to re-sand the joints after cleaning.
Soft washing pavers after pressure washing is an essential step to eliminating unseen organic growth.
Polymeric Sand Installation
Joint sanding is another crucial step in paver restoration. By filling the joints between pavers with sand, you can enhance the stability and durability of the paved surface. Proper joint sanding helps prevent the shifting and displacement of pavers, reducing the risk of uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards. Improper installation can result in hazing, semi-permanent sand adherence on top of stone and a improper cure of polymeric sand causing premature failure.
Installing Polymeric Sand is tedious and time consuming to ensure a professional job.
Paver Sealing
Sealing the pavers after pressure washing and joint sanding is the final touch that can bring it all together. Sealing offers several benefits; it helps to protect the pavers from stains, mold, and UV damage. It also enhances the color of the pavers, giving them a vibrant and smooth appearance. Sealer comes in Natural, Semi-gloss and Gloss finishes. Choosing between a solvent based and a Water based sealer depends on traffic, look and finish you are trying to achieve. Additionally, sealing can prolong the lifespan of the pavers by providing a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions and regular foot traffic.
Considering these factors can help you determine whether DIY restoration of your paver stones is the right choice for you.
At MSM Surface Pro, we understand the satisfaction of DIY projects that enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces. Our pressure washing services are perfect for rejuvenating your pavers and restoring them to their former glory. Whether it's removing dirt, grime, or mildew, our top-of-the-line equipment ensures a thorough cleaning. Additionally, our joint sanding and sealing services provide the finishing touches that not only improve the aesthetics but also protect your pavers from wear and tear. Whether you chose to DIY or not, you can trust MSM Surface Pro to help you achieve professional results with your outdoor projects even if your DIY doesn’t go as planned.
