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hardscape patio provides you with a great place for entertaining family and friends or relaxing after a long day. Just like any part of your home, your hardscape patio pavers require maintenance to stay looking and functioning their best.
Removing and Preventing Weeds Between Pavers
When weeds or moss grow in between your pavers, they can cause a variety of issues. For one, they tarnish the neat look of your patio. Another issue is that they can push your pavers apart if they are left to grow too long. Excessive weeds can cause your patio to become uneven over time.
Therefore killing and preventing leads is a crucial part of patio maintenance. Two ways to kill and prevent weeds include:
If the weeds have gotten out of control, you will need a quality weed killer to help you tackle the issue. Pulling them out by hand can be tedious and won’t always remove the weeds by the root, making weed killer the most effective method. When buying weed killer, check to make sure that it won’t harm your pavers. You can even test it on a small spot first to ensure there won’t be any damage.
This method won’t kill weeds, but once your weeds are under control, this can be used to keep them from growing in between your stones. Most hardware or home improvement stores carry polymeric sand. To use the sand:
- Get rid of weeds- You first need to remove any weeds that are present.
- Pour the sand into the joints- You can use a small cup to dump the sand into the joints, or you may choose to pour the sand all over the patio.
- Sweep off the patio- Go over your patio to sweep off the excess sand. Be sure to take special care when going over each joint to ensure the sand is pushed down.
- Tap the sand down- Use a rubber mallet to tap each stone. This will help move the sand and allow it to set properly.
- Sweep the excess away- Go over the patio again to remove any remaining sand with either a broom or a leaf blower. The polymeric sand does contain colorant, so any leftover sand could cause staining.
- Mist your patio- Take your garden hose and lightly mist your patio. Be careful to only use light water pressure and avoid allowing water to puddle on the stone. Repeat the misting about three or four more times within an hour.
After you finish these steps, be sure to stay off the patio for at least 24 hours to allow everything to set.
Cleaning the Pavers
Another crucial part of paver patio maintenance is to clean the stones regularly.
Using a mild, non-acidic cleaner such as dish detergent and warm water, you can create a simple but effective detergent to clean your patio. Take this solution and evenly distribute it over the pavers. Then, use a stiff-bristled scrub brush or a push broom to gently scrub the pavers. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, be sure to rinse off the dirt that was lifted by the scrub brush.
Avoid using acidic solutions, bleach, wire brushes, and scouring pads to prevent scratches and other damage to your pavers. Pressure washing is a popular option for cleaning, but keep in mind that it can cause damage to your patio’s sealant.
Sealing Your Patio
Sealing your pavers will help protect them from dirt, debris, and the elements. Sealant can also help prevent stains from soaking into the pavers. Your patio should be resealed every two or three years for the best results. Make sure you use a sealant that is designed for the type of stone patio you have. Sealing your patio is a simple DIY project; just be sure to closely follow the sealant directions. If you are unsure about sealing your patio on your own, be sure to contact a professional.
Paver Patio Installation in Pittsburgh
At Treesdale Landscape Company, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to help you create a beautiful paver patio. Pittsburgh homeowners can rely on our team for quality service and construction.
Contact us today to learn more!
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