On a recent sunny day, Chris and I sat out on our paver patio. We felt the sunshine on our faces as we threw the ball for our English Springer Spaniel. This time on our patio offered us a few moments of pure bliss.
Patios are often used as an extension of our home. Outdoor rooms, created through the use of landscaping or hardscaping, are used for entertaining, eating or simply relaxing. These outdoor spaces, though, do need to be maintained. Just as we maintain the inside of our homes through regular cleaning, painting and redecorating, our outdoor areas require maintenance. This column details the steps to evaluating and maintaining patios and other surfaces created using pavers (bricks).
The first step to determining if your paver patio needs maintenance is to do a thorough evaluation. The following is a series of questions that you may want to ask yourself as you are standing on or near your patio.
Are there any weeds growing on top of or through the spaces in my pavers?
If yes, then you may want to remove the weeds through the use of plant care products or by mechanical means. Examples of this would be using a straight edge to carefully loosen the weeds between the pavers or by applying an organic or chemical herbicide that is designed to kill the weeds. When applying any plant care product, make sure to read and follow all directions carefully.
Am I able to visibly see any of the edging that surrounds the outside of the paver surface?
All paver structures are initially constructed with an edging on the outside of the pavers. Most paver structures were created using a black plastic edging. This edging plays a crucial role in keeping the pavers in place. The top of the edging should be at or slightly below the top of the pavers. If the edging is higher than the pavers, it should be either re-set or depending on the severity of the problem, may need to be removed and replaced. If the edging is not securely in place, it can create a domino effect but allowing the pavers to move.
Do any areas of the paved surface seem uneven? Are there any dips in the patio?
Some minor settling that occurs on paver surfaces may not need to be addressed. If the settling, though, is a tripping hazard it should be addressed and fixed. Repairing uneven pavers or involves removing the pavers. Leveling and compacting the base and reinstalling the pavers. Limestone screenings is one product that can be used to level the base underneath pavers. Depending on the scope of this project, you may want to document the placement of the pavers prior to removing them. This can be done by taking pictures and numbering them on the bottom of the pavers.
Are any of the pavers cracked or chipped?
Many paver manufacturers offer a warranty again chipping or cracking. If you have any cracked or chipped pavers, you may want to contact the company that manufactured them.
Does my paver patio appear dirty or discolored?
Power washing can help to remove dirt from on top of pavers. Power washers can be rented from most home improvement big box stores. Please be careful during this process to not have the pressure set too high, which may result in damage to the pavers.
Can I see gaps in between each paver? Is there any evidence of sand that was previously applied to the paver surface?
Polymeric sand is swept into paver surfaces when they are initially installed. Over time though, the sand disappears. On average polymeric sand should be re-applied every 3-5 years. Before new sand is swept in though, the surface should be power washed. Be sure to do extensive research prior to the application of polymeric sand. Your research may include checking the polymeric sand’s manufacturer’s website
Has my paver patio been sealed before? Do I see any evidence of flaking or mottling?
Sealing a paver surface usually makes a positive difference in the color and appearance of the pavers. The pavers often look brighter and sometimes shinier. As time passes, the sealant tends to wear off and the sealing process needs to be done again. While it can vary, typically sealing is done every 3-5 years.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
