Nothing like a newly laid paver patio, walkway, or driveway looks as good. The vibrant uniform color and clean lines raise the curb appeal of a given property at a glance. But, after several years, when you had pavers, you might have noticed that they do not have that same lively appearance. Rather, they are pale, faded or blotched. This change does not occur immediately. It is the outcome of continuous exposure to the elements, and degradation of the material. The key to restoring and preserving your investment is to know why the pavers have gone colorless.
The Major Guilt Principle Dirt and Sand Loss and Weathering
The greatest cause of the faded appearance of the pavers is the deposit of embedded dirt and biological growth. Pavers are also not totally solid surfaces, they are set on small joints that are filled with polymeric sand. With time, the airborne dust, automotive oil, and organic materials such as leaves and moss will be deposited on the small holes of the concrete or clay. Although you may clean your surfaces frequently this thin coat of dirt is accumulated and forms an overspread gray, washed away film which covers the original colouring matter.At the same time, the sand in your pavers is very important in colour stability.
The Importance of Pressure Washing
The pavers need to be washed before any work of restoration can be carried out. Venturing to do these jobs yourself or getting a professional Lebanon driveway cleaning company, whether you approach it yourself or go to a professional. Pressure washing is the necessary prep stage that removes the layers of dirt, mildew, the old and worn out sealers, which discolour. Applied properly, with the correct amount of pressure, and a large nozzle, the pressure washing will cleanse the biological film and the grime embedded in the paver without destroying the surface of the paver. That is the process of uncovering the actual colour that was concealed under months or years of accumulation. It also removes the old, calcified sand and debris on the joints to provide a clean canvas on which the next activities take place.
Re-Sanding and Sealing as a Protection of Long-Term
After cleaning and fully drying the pavers, the second stage of locking colour is re sanding of the joints. New polymeric sand is used to fill the spaces between the pavers which gives the surface stability and prevents chipping of the edges. Sealing is also the last and most effective step in preserving colors of the sand against weeds and insects that can distort the sand base. An excellent paver sealer is a sunscreen on your hardscape. It can enter the surface or create a protective coating that prevents the UV rays, oils and dirt, and also increase the richness of the natural colors of the pavers. Sealers can usually impart a wet appearance to the color which becomes very deep, and immediately changes the fade into a reverse.
Experience in the profession is important
Although it is possible to do pressure washing and sealing as a DIY project, the room of error is minimal. Excessive pressure may cut through the surface of the pavers leaving permanent tracks which in fact increase fading faster in the future. Just like on dirty paving a coating of sealer applied over the dirty, or fading in the base will give a peeling hazy finish, which is not very attractive compared to the fading original.This is where local experience is very important. A business Lebanon drive way cleaning service is aware of the local climate problems and soil problems in the area.
Conclusion
The color of your pavers has been taken away due to the dust coming in, sand being washed away and unrelenting elements doing their work. But this does not imply that your hardscape would remain dull forever. You can revive the colorful look of your property by going through the strategic process of high quality pressure washing, filling up the joint sand and applying the protective sealer. You will not only improve the curb appeal of your home, but also give your pavers a life span of years to come.