Guidelines and Tips for Hardscape Cleaning and Maintenance
Hardscape cleaning and maintenance can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your hardscape looking its best. We’ll cover the most common types of hardscape surfaces and how to clean and maintain them. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or just looking for some helpful tips, this guide is for you!
1. Seal your hardscape
Paver sealing will help prevent stains and damage from weathering and make it easier to clean. One of the most important things you can do to protect your hardscape is to seal it.
There are two main types of hardscape sealers:
- Penetrating – Penetrating sealers are designed to sink into the material’s pores.
- Surface – Surface sealers form a protective layer on top.
Both types of sealers are effective, but you may want to use a combination of both, depending on the type of hardscape you have.
2. Regularly clean your hardscape
Dirt, pollen, and other debris can build up over time and make your hardscape look dull.
It’s also important to regularly clean your hardscape.
To clean your hardscape:
- Start by sweeping it with a broom or blower to remove loose debris.
- Use a hose or pressure washer to remove any remaining dirt and grime.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution and follow the instructions carefully.
After your hardscape is clean and dry, you can apply a fresh coat of sealer.
3. Apply a fresh coat of sealer
If needed, an additional coat of paver sealer may be applied annually to keep the surface appearance looking fresh. This will help protect your hardscape from the elements and keep it looking its best.
4. Make sure to check for loose joint sand.
It will help you to avoid additional erosion and weed growth by checking for any loose sand between your paver joints. If you locate loose sand, you may want to re-sand the joints and add a sealant to aid in bonding the joint sand together. If you choose to use a sealer, ensure the product is well flooded into the joints. We use a fractured angular silica sand as it allows the sealer to penetrate down and lock it into place (vs spherical ‘play’ sand that packs tightly, preventing sealer penetration).
5. Pull out any weeds that are developing through gaps between the tiles
Be sure to get rid of it, not just the weed, but the roots also to avoid regrowth. If the weeds are hard to reach, you can use a screwdriver or nail to help get down into the joints and eliminate the roots.
With these tips, you can keep your hardscape looking new for years to come! Thanks for reading! Do you have any other tips for cleaning and maintaining hardscapes? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!
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