Paving Care And Maintenance
Natural stone pavers, including reclaimed red bricks bring a beautiful, low maintenance solution to outdoor spaces. And with the right care, will remain in great condition for years. Natural stone pavers and bricks, having already stood the test of time. They are durable but require regular maintenance to ensure they stay functional and attractive in an outdoor setting. For paving care and maintenance, follow these steps.
Initial Sealing
When to Seal
Sealing is not essential, but highly recommended as it will help protect the surface from stains, moss growth, and water penetration. If you decide to seal the path, it should be done after the bricks have been laid and cleaned.
If you have used a professional landscaper, it is highly likely they would have sealed the pavers for you.
Which Sealer?
Use a breathable, penetrating sealer suitable for exterior stone and brickwork to allow moisture to escape while protecting the surface. Avoid glossy, surface sealers, as they can give an unnatural finish to the stone or reclaimed bricks.
Application
Apply the sealer evenly with a sprayer or roller, following the product instructions. Always ensure the area to be sealed is dry and free of debris.
Depending on the sealer used, a second coat will likely be required for added protection.
Regular Cleaning
Frequency
Sweep your brick path regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris that can accumulate and lead to staining or moss growth.
Tools
Use a stiff-bristle broom to effectively sweep the surface. Pay special attention to the joints between bricks where dirt tends to collect.
Weed Control
Manual Removal
Weeds can sprout between the bricks or in the paver joints, although not so frequently with mortared joints. As soon as they appear, pull any weeds by hand to avoid damaging the mortar. Be sure to remove the roots to prevent regrowth.
Natural Weed Killers
Use a mixture of water and vinegar or boiling water to kill weeds between the bricks and stone.
Remember, most of the area is covered on pavers, so you should be able to avoid using harsh chemical herbicides, which can affect the surrounding environment and soil.
Moss and Algae Removal
Problem Areas
Shaded or damp areas of the path may develop moss or algae, making it slippery and unsightly.
Method
- Sweep away loose moss or algae with a stiff broom.
- For tougher spots, apply a solution of water and vinegar or a commercial moss/algae remover. If you have a pool, then a small amount of pool chlorine can be used if you have tested that it doesn’t damage the stone. Scrub with a stiff brush.
- Rinse with clean water and allow the path to dry.
Prevention
Trim nearby vegetation to increase sunlight exposure, which helps prevent moss from growing.
Stain Removal
Oil or Grease Stains
If you spill oil or grease on your brick path, act quickly. Use a degreaser or dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and rinse with clean water.
Organic Stains
Soak the affected area with water, then scrub with a brush and a mild detergent. A mixture of water and baking soda can also work well to lift stains.
Rust Stains
For rust spots, use a rust remover specifically designed for brick. Always test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the brick surface.
Re-Grouting Joints
Why It's Important
The sand in the joints between the bricks can erode over time due to weather or traffic, leading to loosening bricks or weed growth.
The Process
- Sweep the path to remove debris from the joints.
- Use a mixture of four parts kiln-dried sand to one-part white cement to fill the gaps, sweeping it into the joints until full.
- Lightly mist the path with water to help the mixture settle.
- Repeat if necessary, until all joints are filled.
Inspect for Loose Bricks
Loose or Shifting Bricks
Check your path twice a year to see if any bricks have become loose or shifted out of place, especially in high-traffic areas.
Fixing Loose Bricks
Remove the loose bricks and scratch out any loose debris. Create a dry mixture of 4 parts sand and 1 part cement. Add a layer of the dry mortar to the base, and reset the bricks, ensuring they are level with the surrounding area.
Mortar Repair
If the mortar between the bricks is cracked or missing or you have repaired any loose bricks, you will need to repoint the joints with fresh mortar to maintain the stability of the path.
Use the same dry mortar mix described above and sweep it into the joints between your bricks or pavers.
Once all the joints are full of the mortar and the excess has been swept from the top of the pavers, lightly hose the pavers with a wide spray.
It is important to match the mortar or grout mix used. It is also important to understand the existing mortar or grout has been weathered and new grout will not match exactly.
Pressure Washing
When to Use
A light pressure wash once a year can help remove built-up grime, algae, and moss. However, be extremely cautious not to damage the surface of the bricks or the joints.
Method
Use a pressure washer with a low setting to clean the path. Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and keep a good distance from the surface to prevent erosion of the joints.
Avoid Overuse
Frequent pressure washing can erode the bricks and will erode the mortar.
Avoid Heavy Loads
Preventing Damage
Reclaimed red bricks and pavers are durable but can crack under excessive pressure. If we have constructed a paved driveway, it has been designed for vehicular traffic, beyond the driveway area is designed for foot traffic only.
Long-Term Considerations
Natural Weathering
All pavers will weather over time, adding to their charm. Slight colour changes or surface wear are natural and add character to the path or driveway.
Repointing
Over time, the mortar between the bricks or pavers may deteriorate, especially in heavily trafficked areas. Repointing with new mortar will extend the life of the path and maintain its appearance.
As noted above, it is important to match the mortar or grout mix used. It is also important to understand the existing mortar or grout has been weathered and new grout will not match exactly.
By following these paving care and maintenance instructions, your paving will stay attractive and functional for years to come.
Regular upkeep will not only preserve its aesthetic appeal but also ensure its structural integrity over the long term.
Services We Provide
- Deck Construction
- Paving
- Stone Cladding
- Outdoor Lighting
- Water Tanks
- Outdoor Painting
- Irrigation
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Block Laying
- Rendering
- Irrigation
- Burnished Concrete
- Pressure Washing
- Concreting
- Deck Maintenance
- Pergola Construction
- Turfing
- Lawn Maintenance
- Privacy Screens
- Core Drilling
- Driveways
- Retaining Walls
- Landscape Design
- Brick Laying
- Garden Design
- Water Features
- Permaculture
- Excavation
Contact Us
We strive for great communication with our customers from our first contact until we’ve finished the job and beyond. If you have questions or a special request, please send an email.
For a quote, please call so we can arrange a time to meet.
We look forward to working with you.
MADE BY MOBBS
(03) 9018 9771
HOURS
Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 7:30pm
Saturday: 6:30am to 2:30pm
Sunday: By appointment