PAVERS
No immediate action is required, however, a light layer of sand may develop on the pavers, this can be easily swept off or lightly blown with a hand blower at a very low angle.
Caring for your new pavers:
Paver – FAQ
Whether you are considering a paver project or we have recently completed your landscape transformation, you may have a few questions. Below are a few questions that we are often asked.
- Where do weeds come from and how can I get rid of them?
Weeds do not come from underneath the pavers; they come from grass and seeds that fall into the joints and germinate. The best way to prevent weed growth is to control weeds in nearby beds or lawn, do not allow fresh cut grass to remain on the pavers, blow it off immediately. If weeds do appear on your paving, treat with a post-emergent herbicide such as “Round Up”
- How can I get rid of moss in between my pavers?
Moss is one of those things that one person considers a nuisance and another considers attractive, adding to the look and feel. Moss generally develops in the shaded areas that are slow to dry up after rain and can grow on almost any surface if the conditions are right. If you want to remove it, it is recommended that you simply pressure wash the surface after applying a solution of 20% dish soap and 80% water to the surface. It is important to remember to not use the pressure washer on high power or too close to the surface when rinsing, or you risk damaging the surface and removing the jointing sand. Always keep the nozzle at a 30 degree angle, 12’’ away from the surface and use the fanned nozzle setting.
- Why does there seem to be sand all over my patio?
One of the final steps in completing a paver patio is to sweep in jointing sand and compact the patio. The excess sand is then blown off using a hand blower at a very low angle. When complete, the finished level of the sand should be at the bottom of the chamfer on the paver. However, some sand can remain and may migrate to the surface of the paver with rain or foot traffic. This excess sand can be blown or swept off easily by a homeowner. In extreme cases it can last a season but typically will settle in after a few heavy rains.
- Is there an alternative to standard joint sand?
Standard joint sand is small angular sand that is installed between the joints of the pavers to lock them in place while allowing water to drain through the patio. We can install Polymeric joint sand which will lock the pavers into place, allow most water to drain through the patio and will set up stiff, like concrete. Polymeric sand is swept into the joints, compacted and moistened to activate. It will deter ants and weeds but will not completely prevent them. Either sand you choose will need to be touched up and re applied in 3-7 years depending on usage.
- Should I seal my new patio?
Sealing is a personal preference as it is generally used to enhance the color of the pavers and to protect the surface from staining materials. If you do choose to seal, you must ensure the pavers are completely clean and free of any efflorescence (a whitish haze caused by naturally occurring salts used to manufacture the stone, which goes away with time). We recommend that you wait approximately 2-3 months prior to sealing to ensure no efflorescence shows up. Sealers may need to be reapplied every 3-5 years depending on usage.
- How can I prevent ants in my new patio?
Although ants do not occur in every paver installation it is possible, especially if you have a heavy presence in your landscape prior to installation. The first step is proper installation. A 4-6” layer of crushed stone and 1” of concrete bedding sand is recommended. Installing polymeric jointing sand is also effective in helping to deter ants. If you still have ants after installation you may want to consider sealing your paver project after the proper waiting period of 3-4 months.
- What is the white stuff on my pavers?
This white chalky substance is called efflorescence. This is when natural occurring soluble salts and other water dispersible materials come to the surface of the paver. This typically occurs when the temperatures are low and conditions are moist. Efflorescence typically will go away within a season or two but if it persists there are many professional products available to aid in the removal.
- Why isn’t every paver the same?
All paver are not created equal. Many pavers are created to look aged and tumbled on purpose giving the impression they have been in place for many years. With this in mind there may be slight differences in each paver from color variance to small nickel size imperfections. Tumbled pavers have distressed edges and may vary in depth of texture.
- What do I do if I spill on my patio?
Spills happen from time to time and if you do not act quickly they can stain. Pavers are a concrete product and will absorb grease, oil, wine, etc. Depending on the type of substance that is absorbed by the paver there is a product that can be used to reduce the staining if used within the first 24 -48 hours.