How to maintain interlocking pavers
Interlocking concrete pavers are very common everywhere with a wide range of uses such as driveways, walkways, pathways, patios and the list goes on on both residential and commercial properties. As we live in Canada, we deal with rapid changes in the weather conditions. The colorful leaves in fall look really nice but if left on the paving stones for sometime, they stain the stones and leave permanent marks. If we don't keep the driveway, walkway or a patio clean from leaves, dust/dirt, that little dirt or dust will accumulate and pave the way for seeds to grow and or a good place for any kind of weed to grow. This mostly happens when the dirt level on two sides of the driveway, walkway, patio is higher than the interlocking stones installed, wind plays an important role in blowing the dust or dirt on the paving stones in many cases.
To keep the interlocking stones clean and maintain well, I am sharing some of the very crucial steps:
Keep the driveway, walkway, pathways, patios clean from leaves, dirt/dust. Build a schedule to use a broom (broom helps remove some of the dirt in the stone joints) and clean, wash if convenient or use a blower. This will prevent the interlocking stones from stains from dead leaves, seeds from trees around and weed.
If you think you should sand the driveway, walkway or patio from time to time, I would suggest you keep these points in mind before you do that. Sanding or pouring polymeric sand to fill the joints and give it a new and fresh look (that's what most quick fixers say) does not always help you have to see the condition of the interlocking stones installed whether it is a driveway, a walkway, or a patio. The best time to use sand is when the joints between the stones are cleared to the bottom or at least bottom of the stones which is not always possible. To do that, you need to pressure wash the stones and clear the joints so you can make space for the sand to go through.
Keep oil spills away and do not allow any kind of painting job on the paving stones without proper cover. I have seen houses where the foundation wall is painted grey or white and they leave paint stains on the interlocking stones which is not easy to clean.
Sealing the interlocking stones is a good idea to give the pavers more life and protect them against stains from dead leaves and even oil spills and give the stones a clear look. As they come in high gloss, semi gloss or matt finish depending on how you want them.
If there is a small problem with the interlocking stones such as one or two stones sinking or a wiggly stone, fixe them right away before it gets bigger. This will prevent you from hiring someone or a contractor to do the job.