How to maintain the pavement to last more than 10 years?

Paving has a particularly important role in arranging the exterior space of a property, both aesthetically and practically. Its maintenance is a significant concern, in which a number of factors must be taken into account. Properly maintained, the pavement will have a durability that can extend for several decades, thanks to resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity and other external factors.

So, what are the steps that need to be taken in this process and how are they done to keep our terrace, alleys and yard in good condition for as long as possible? In this article we have presented some very simple and effective tricks to maintain the pavement in the best condition. Thus, if you follow and apply our recommendations, your pavement will look impeccable for a long time and will not need repair or maintenance.

The main methods of paving care can be divided into three main categories:

Mechanics. It is performed using various tools - shovels, scrapers, spatulas. This method is usually used in winter to remove ice and snow from the surface.
Chemical. All chemicals are applied only on a wet layer. Compounds containing concentrated chlorine can irreversibly change the color of products. Therefore, before using chemicals, it is recommended to try them on a small, slightly visible area.
Wet or dry cleaning. It consists of cleaning the surface of dust, dirt, debris with a plastic brush or a jet of water under pressure. This is the main method used in regular care. Experts do not recommend washing the tiles with water supplied under too much pressure, because the high pressure jet can destroy the material.

In order to prolong the life of the pavement and preserve its decorative qualities, it is necessary to avoid factors that destroy it prematurely, such as:

       Ordinary dirt

For ordinary dirt, you do not need special cleaning tools and you do not have to make a special effort. Dirt, such as dust, dirt deposits, bird droppings, can be removed with the help of manual cleaning means such as broom or brush. Also, the existing cleaning solutions in your home, with a pH between 5 and 9, can be used without risk, by diluting them in water. Another effective method is the use of pressure cleaners, if the dirt cannot be removed by the methods mentioned above.

     Persistent dirt

No matter how much you take care of the alleys in the yard, in time some stains will appear on the pavement that are harder to remove. But there are effective solutions for them as well. Most often, pavements get dirty on small areas and can best be cleaned with a root brush or a hand brush. Before using acidic cleaning agents, you must make sure that your hands and eyes are protected.

    Plants, juices or wine

Once dry, plant dirt is difficult to clean with household cleaners. However, vegetable pigments from flowers and wine or juice stains react well to special cleaning products with active bleaching substances.

   Algae and moss

Dirt particles on the rough surface of the pavers are the ideal source of food for microorganisms, and algae and muscle deposits are the result. In this case, neutral substances with a lasting effect on algae are indicated. If they do not have the desired effect, special cleaning products with active discolourants may be used. To prevent the formation of algae or moss, you can perform a process of impregnating the tiles, once every 2 years, a method by which the pavers become waterproof.

   Oils and fats

In the case of oils and finds, especially vegetable or animal fats, the faster they are removed, the better the results. Unlike motor or hydraulic oils, they change and can be coated with persevering resin. In this case, cleaning products for removing oils with active substances are helpful. Traces of rubber are removed with household detergents dissolved in hot water.

   Rust

If metal tools, toys, furniture or flower pots have left traces, it is recommended to use acid-free substances to remove rust, with which these stains can be removed without residue.

   Recommendations for the winter

The stone pavement maintains its original appearance for decades, if it is properly cared for, especially in winter. In case of frost and icing, ideally, but also for ecological reasons, it is recommended to sprinkle a layer of sand (eg granulation 1-4 mm) or a mixture of sand and chippings, available in specialty stores. In extreme cases, ice melting solutions can be used alternatively. It is forbidden to spray roads and areas with salt, because it is very corrosive and has a harmful effect on the surface and internal structure of the plate.

It is necessary to clean the pavement in time, preferably immediately after the snow, to avoid the subsequent formation of a thick layer of ice. Get rid of snow mechanically, using tools that do not destroy the surface of your pavement. It is strictly forbidden to use shovels with metal tips and other similar tools to clean the coating in winter. It is recommended to use wooden and plastic shovels for cleaning.