Paver Driveway Maintenance

The most attractive entrances to a home are paver driveways. They are made of brick and require little maintenance. If well tended, they last the life of a home. Paver driveways are bold, elegant and give a sense of class and distinction. As each pattern may be unique, no two are the same. These driveways serve any style of home with distinction – from humble cottages to palatial mansions.

However, not all paving stones are made equal. Interlocking, concrete and brick pavers offer surfaces to shed water to the sides; whereas the permeable type allow for water access to the soil below them. The latter style provides less runoff to gutter systems and helps renew water tables. They also reduce pollutants entering our creeks, rivers and lakes, making them environmentally-friendly.

Maintenance

Of all the varieties of driveways, paver driveways tend to take the least amount of maintenance. It stems from the pliability of the individual pieces. Since each can move, they rarely crack during years of freeze and thaw cycles. And though challenging for shoveling snow, the pavers are durable enough to handle salt and other ice removal products.

Sweeping

When you regularly sweep, this step is very effective and may be the only one you need to do throughout the year. Sweeping the drive removes dirt and seeds that may try to take hold between the pavers. So grass will not take root.

Hosing / Power Washing

Dirt that is tenacious and will not let go, usually is removed by a hose and sprayer nozzle. Should there be light stains or any remaining dirt, a power washer is very effective. You want to keep the sprayer on a light setting and about a foot from the surface of the driveway.

Bleach

When stains are present following the power wash, cleaning products may be used. Bleach is effective, with one cup to a gallon of hot water. Should you decide to use bleach, remember to wear gloves and a face mask. Check the owner’s manual for the driveway, for which cleaning materials are recommended by the manufacturer of the paving stones. Rinse the driveway thoroughly after using any detergent or bleach.

Sealing The Pavers

At least every three years, seal the surface of the driveway. Old sealant should be removed first. The key is to apply the sealant evenly. It will greatly extend the life of the paving stones and is well worth the investment.

Select the products that are specifically recommended for your driveway and use them according to the directions on the label. This process helps prevent stains from taking hold and reduces the chance for weeds to grow. Proper maintenance ensures the bricks will remain attractive and will require less effort over the next few decades. This extra step is recommended after a thorough cleaning.

Adding Sand

You should regularly walk around the driveway to inspect the joints between the bricks or stones. Erosion of the sand between them can reduce the length of the lifetime of the driveway. The bricks may shift over time, causing irregularities in the surface height.

Use only sand designed for your specific pavers. Spread it over an area and use a broom to place it between the joints. Once it has been firmly compacted, sweep away the excess.

We Can Help!

The team here at Beyond Landscaping has been installing and maintaining paver driveways for over a decade. Should you have any questions or need to hire a maintenance crew, we would be happy to help you. Contact us for more information.