Caring for Pavers

Caring for your Pavers
Prevention is better than cure

• Sweep regularly with a stiff bristled broom to keep pavers free from debris.
• For maximum protection we recommend sealing concrete pavers after installation with a penetrating sealer. (Please check with a reputable sealing company for advice)
• Re-seal concrete pavers as required taking special care in heavy wear areas and salt-water locations.
• During construction, cover the paved areas to protect against damage.
• Protect your pavers against possible staining from mortar, oxides, cement and rust.
• WARNING: Hydrochloric acid is NOT recommended for use with concrete pavers as irreparable surface damage may occur.
• Do not use high pressure cleaning apparatus to clean pavers.
• Attempt to clean stain before it hardens or dries up in all cases.
If a stain occurs, follow these simple steps:

1.
Assess
type of stain
carefully before taking
action (incorrect assessment
of stain can cause the stain
to be more difficult to
remove)

 2.
If stain
cannot be
accurately assessed,
conduct a trial process on a
small portion of stained area
to determine most
appropriate
action

 3.
Utilise the guide
below on some stain
removal solutions
Cleaning your pavers

PROBLEM SUGGESTED CLEANING METHOD
> Print this table
Efflorescence*
(White powdery deposit)		 Brush first with a stiff bristled broom. Then hoseˆ with clean water. Weathering will eventually stop this process from occurring.
Leaves, Bark, Algae, Food and Wine Stains Use bleach diluted with water, then wash ˆ down.
Chewing Gum Freeze with dry ice and remove with a spatula.
Ivy suckers Apply a heat gun to the suckers until they go hard. Allow them to cool and dry, then scrub them off with a stiff brush.

* Efflorescence is naturally occurring in cement based products.

ˆ Subject to water restrictions in your area.