Cleaning and Sealing Pavers in Arizona: The Ultimate Guide for the Job
When you think of outdoor living spaces, pristine pavers are probably the first things that come to mind. Pavers offer a unique aesthetic and feel to any outdoor space. They can be used for driveways, walkways, patios or any other area you want to make look more natural. However, keeping your pavers clean and sealed is not an easy task. As time goes by they will become dirtier and grimier. Even though they are made from stone—a rock that’s naturally resistant, our Arizona sun and dirt will take its toll. You need to take special precautions if you want them to last as long as possible.
Why is Cleaning Pavers So Important?
Even though pavers are resistant, they will still get dirty over time. Dirt, dust, and debris will end up on your surface and will look very bad. It will also end up in your rain gutters, which can cause a lot of damage. When your surface is clean, your pavers will not only look better, but they will also be easier to maintain. This will save you a lot of time and effort. It will also make your outdoor living spaces more pleasant. Pavers are used a lot for outdoor patios and walkways, so cleaner surfaces will keep your homes appearance looking brand new.
The Dangers of Neglecting Your Pavers
If your pavers are dirty and grimy, it’s not just the surface that will suffer. Your drainage system will also be impacted by this. When your surface is dirty and wet, it will cause your water to pool up. When this happens, your gutters will overflow, which will end up potentially flooding your driveway and yard. When your water pools up around your pavers, it will also cause them to erode. Although pooling water isn’t a factor much of the time in Phoenix, our sun and dirt is. While these environmental factors won’t cause your pavers significant damage, they do affect the sealcoating.When pavers lose their initial coat (typically within 2-3 years) they are more subject to staining from rust, hard water, oil and other factors. This is where most people experience the frustration of their pavers no longer looking their best. This is an issue that can be resolved with Az Pressure Wash and Windows pressure washing service to do that initial cleaning and stain removal. We then ensure utilizing the correct sealcoating to make sure this issue does not happen again. Sealcoating your pavers should be done as a regular maintenance every 2-3 years.
Cleaning Pavers vs Sealing?
Cleaning and sealing are two separate tasks, but they are both very important when it comes to maintaining your pavers. To clean your pavers, you will need a pressure washer or a professional pressure washing service. Cleaning your surface is the first step in maintaining your pavers. It will get rid of the surface dirt and debris, but it won’t get rid of the stains that are already there. To remove stains you will need certain cleaning agents. Which agent depends on the type of stain itself as well as the type of pavers that you have. The pressure washer will take care of most of the cleaning, but if you want to try and do this on your own you will need to be careful with the amount of pressure that is utilized. Using high amounts of pressure can cause damage to pavers so it is important that you know what you are doing so that no damage is caused to your property. In addition, certain types of stains can be very hard to remove especially rust and oil. Knowing what chemicals work best with different types of pavers and the chemical proportions that are needed can be a lot, this is where hiring a professional pressure washing company like Az Pressure Wash and Windows might be a good idea. After the stains are removed and the pavers are thoroughly cleaned it is time to sealcoat the pavers. Sealcoating is a layer of protection that stands between the actually paver itself and the Arizona elements of sun, pollution, birds, dirt and debris. It will also help extend the life of your pavers. Most sealants are fairly easy to apply and come in a spray on form.
Concrete vs. Brick Pavers
Concrete and brick pavers are two types of paving stones that you can use for your outdoor living spaces. Concrete pavers are usually made from cement, gravel, and stone. They are very durable and can last a long time when they are sealed properly. Concrete pavers are the most popular type of paving stones. They are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Brick pavers, on the other hand, are attractive and long-lasting. There are many different types of brick pavers, but all pavers have one thing in common: they are porous. This means that water will get trapped in between the stones and it will stay there. Pavers that are not sealed will absorb liquid like a sponge and this is what commonly causes stains. This is why it is important to clean and seal your paving stones regularly.
How to Seal Pavers?
Before you seal your pavers, you need to make sure that they are clean. If they are covered in dirt or grime, the sealant won’t be able to adhere to the surface properly. This will cause it to wear off quicker and it won’t look good. Instead, clean your pavers before you seal them. Once your pavers are clean, you can move on to sealing them. Sealants come in many different formulas, so you’ll need to choose the one that is best for your pavers. When applying the sealant, make sure to use even coats.
Different Types of Sealants for Paving Stones
Silicone sealants: silicone sealants are very easy to use. They are also resistant to water and UV rays, which makes them very good for outdoor applications. When you want to reseal your pavers, silicone sealants are very easy to remove. Silicone sealants are great for outdoor pavers because they are easy to use and they last a long time. However, they are not as attractive as some of the other sealants out there. Silicone sealants can also be expensive, but they are worth the money. Silicone sealants are a very popular option with homeowners. They are easy to apply and they provide excellent protection against water. Organic sealants: organic sealants are made from organic materials, which is why they are a very popular option for homeowners. Organic sealants are also very easy to apply. Organic sealants don’t look very good when they are new, but they age beautifully. As they age, they will change from yellow to brown, which will give your pavers a very natural look. Organic sealants are also water-resistant and easy to maintain. Organic sealants are a popular option because they are good for the environment. They are made from organic materials, so they are very safe to use around the house.
Conclusion
Cleaning and sealing your pavers regularly is the best way to protect them against damage. Neglecting your pavers will cause them to erode and they will become stained over time. When you clean and seal your pavers, they will look brand new again. If you would like a company to assist you with cleaning and/or sealing your pavers please contact Az Pressure Wash and Windows. We specialize in pressure washing and sealcoating services.