5 Simple Ways to Prevent Surface Damage and Discoloration of Your Interlocking Pavers in Toronto
If you have installed interlocking pavers in your home or office, you know they can fade and take on an unattractive look if not well cared for. Furthermore, they can also crack under pressure especially during the harsh Toronto winter season. What can you do to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon? We have suggested five simple methods down below:
- Get rid of heavy stuff
During winter, the expansion phenomenon takes place as a result of repeated freezing and thawing. This phenomenon causes patios to lift and fall respectively. If you want to keep your pavers free from cracks, remove heavy objects sitting on them as winter approaches. These include heavy furniture, planting pots and umbrella posts. You can happily place them back when the sun begins to penetrate the Toronto skies once more.
- Seal your pavers
Many homeowners in Toronto don’t see much sense in sealing their interlocking pavers. However, they couldn’t be further from the truth. Coating pavers with sealers achieves the following:
- Reduces the damage on the surface of the pavers
- Maintains the original color and finish of the pavers
- Prevents straining which takes places over time
Interlocking pavers professionals recommend resealing after ever 3-5 years. The only condition is that you must use a quality sealer to enjoy lasting results.
- Add joint sand
Spring erosion—a common problem with interlocking pavers—refers to the scenario where the joints between pavers become depleted. This is the last you want to have in your pavement. Basically, this is what causes complete damage of the entire pavement. Adding polymer sand in the affected areas will solve this problem. It also limits the amount of ice forming between the joints during winter which prevents the formation of moss the following spring.
- Replace pavers every so often
After a long Toronto winter, it is also common to encounter paver shifting. This is especially true if you haven’t installed the restraint properly or don’t have one at all. Sometimes, shifting also takes place when the metal or plastic edging has become dislodged. To curb this phenomenon before it damages your pavers, do the following:
- Get rid of the edge pavers
- Re-stake the plastic or metal edging to the correct alignment
- Carefully replace the pavers
- Add some more sand underneath the pavers to ensure an even surface
- Sweep the joint sand into all the paver joints
- Routine cleaning
Your interlock pavers need regular cleaning to keep their bright and clean look. Cleaning gets rid of loose soil, dirt, grease, hard-water stains, and other stubborn stains that have the ability to discolor the pavers if left untouched. Depending on the specific stain in question, use the recommended cleaning product after which you should rinse the area thoroughly with water. Once you are done cleaning the pavers, you can reapply one more coat of the sealer for lasting results. Ensure that the surface is dry before doing the application of the sealer for a natural look.
The strategies above are quite simple to carry out, yet they are very effective. Ask your spouse or your children to help out and together, prevent your interlocking pavers from unnecessary damage and discoloration.