How to Maintain Block Paving and keep Paving Blocks Clean.
How to apply block paving sealer
Maintaining the look of your block paving will help keep the appearance of your paving blocks fresh and clean. Maintenance is crucial to block paving if you want to keep the new clean look of your paving blocks for years to come. We hope you will find these free guides on learning how to maintain your block paving useful.
General cleaning of block paving
Block paving requires at least an annual, and if possible twice yearly cleaning. For cleaning block paving simply brush off with a stiff broom to remove all loose material. Wash off with soapy water then gently scrub to remove any dirt. Rinse the block paving bricks with clean water. When dry, replace any missing sand from between the paving block joints. It is also worth applying a suitable weed stopper to the block paving at periodic times throughout the warmer months of the year. Weed killers for patios and driveway block paving are readily available in all kinds of formulas but you should always try to use an organic and non toxic solution that is safe to use with pets, ponds, children and wildlife.
Weed kill block paving
If you want to stop the build up of moss, algae and weeds then you will more than likely have to apply a weed killer to stop vegetation from building up between the joints of the paving. This is best done with a safe to use weed killer for your paving. Remember most weed killers are poisonous so care should be taken, note should be taken where the run off point for water is because this is where, if you apply to much, the weed killer will go. This is to stop your lawn or garden plants being killed in the process. It is best to apply on a dry day when the weeds are actively growing. If you have a weed infestation already on the paving blocks it is always best to try to remove the bulk of the weeds first before applying the weed killer to the block paving.
I would always recommend that you use an organic and non toxic solution of weed killer that is safe to use with pets, water features, children and wildlife and of course yourself.
Remember always carefully read the label for correct safety guidance and application guides when using weed killers.
Power washing your block paving.
Power washing is not normally needed with bock paving if it is regularly maintained, but it does make cleaning of your paving that much easier than having to scrub the paving, especially if there is a large area of driveway or patio be cleaned.
The following precaution should be observed when using a high powered jet wash.
Always begin by giving your block paving a good sweep with a stiff broom to remove any debris such as stones, old cement and general loose dirt. This stops the debris becoming a projectile when hit by the jet of water and also stops it having an abrasive effect on your paving blocks.
The lance of the power-washer should be held at an angle so not to be removing the jointing sand between the pavers when the cleaning takes place and held at a distance of no less than 200mm (8 inch) from the block paving surface. If you have applied a weed killer, allow the weeds, moss or algae to die before starting to clean your block paving. A couple of days is usually ok.
Begin by starting in a corner above the run off area of the water so that you don't have dirty water running on to your cleaned area of paving. Work your way with the power-washer across the paving trying to avoid splashing any doors and windows with dirt. Always try to power wash away from and not towards buildings, cars and neighbors property. If you do get them dirty make sure you clean up by rinsing down as you go. Therefore not having to go back and clean afterwards.
Once the block paving is clean you need to allow to dry before re-sanding any areas that have lost jointing sand between the paving blocks.
Finish by re pointing with cement any areas of pointing that may have come loose with the use of the power washing to maintain the structural strength of the block paving.