Fall Paver Maintenance and Cleaning Tips to Prepare for Cooler Weather

Fall is when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, the air gets cooler, and it’s time to swap out t-shirts for jackets and hats. While it’s tempting to head indoors, it’s also important to take care of your paver patio before winter sets in. In this article, we’ll share a few fall paver maintenance tips to get your pavers winter-ready.

Sweep and Clean Your Pavers

Leaves, twigs, and debris not only make your patio look messy but can also lead to long-lasting stains if left unchecked over the winter. Here’s how to clean your pavers this fall:

• Clean your paver surface by gently sweeping or blowing away leaves and debris regularly throughout the fall, especially after windy or stormy weather.
• Remove dirt and grime with a mixture of soap, warm water, and a stiff-bristled brush, or use a specialized paver cleaner to tackle stubborn stains.
• Alternatively, you can rinse away dirt and grime with a hose, or use a pressure washer set to a low setting and positioned at a 45-degree angle to help prevent joint sand washout.

Remove Weeds and Sweep in Fresh Polymeric Sand

The onset of weeds can be an eyesore on a paver patio. Removing weeds at the root is the best way to prevent regrowth. Follow this up by sweeping in fresh polymeric sand between the paver joints, ensuring you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is important because freeze/thaw cycles can loosen the remaining sand, which creates a moist setting for seedlings to germinate and grow into weeds. Once you’ve swept in your new sand, use a light mist of water from a hose to activate the binding agent and lock the sand in place for a stronger joint seal.

Move Heavy Items and Furniture

Planters, grills, and patio furniture can leave stains or rust marks on your pavers if left out all winter. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Move large planters, grills, and furniture to a covered space or stack them nearby and cover them with a tarp.
• Use furniture pads or risers to keep metal legs off the surface and avoid rust stains.

Inspect Your Paver Surface for Damage or “Creep”

Over time, natural movement (often due to freeze/thaw cycles) can cause pavers to shift or “creep” out of place, opening the door to potential tripping hazards. Be sure to look over your patio, driveway, or walkway for any pavers that may have shifted or cracked, and inspect your edge restraints to ensure everything remains securely in place. If you have extra pavers on hand, simply swap them out by prying out the cracked or chipped pavers and replacing them with fresh ones. Make sure that your base material is flush so that you don’t have an uneven paver surface once you’ve placed the new units. It may be worth hiring a professional contractor who can re-level the base, otherwise, you may be able to adjust the base material yourself.

Consider Applying a Sealer (Optional)

Unilock pavers are built to last, with or without a sealer. However, sealing your pavers adds a layer of protection against future stains while enhancing their overall appearance.

Here’s what to know before you seal:

• Clean and Dry First: Make sure your pavers are completely clean and dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather. Cooler fall temperatures may require more time for the surface to dry fully.
• Check the Weather: Avoid sealing if rain is in the forecast, as moisture can prevent the sealer from bonding properly and cause a cloudy or milky finish.
• Allow for a Full Cure: After applying the sealer, give it at least 48 hours of dry weather to cure properly. Cooler temperatures may slow this process, so it’s smart to seal earlier in the season while conditions are warmer.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Expect to apply a fresh seal every 3-5 years to maintain the pristine appearance of your paver surface.

Unilock Tip: If your pavers are factory-sealed with EasyClean™, you can skip the sealing step. EasyClean™ provides built-in stain resistance for long-term protection without the need for additional sealer. As with after-market sealers, you will still need to apply a new sealer every 3-5 years if you want to keep your pavers protected.

Prep for Winter Weather (Bonus Tips!)

Here are a few bonus tips to ensure you are prepared for the arrival of winter.

• Clean Your Drainage: Keep water flowing freely by clearing out leaves or debris in drainage channels and downspouts. Clogged drains can cause water to pool and freeze, which may impact your paver surface by making it slippery.
• Stock Up on De-Icer: Make sure you stock up on de-icing products that are safe to use on pavers. Avoid magnesium-based de-icers, which can erode paver surfaces.
• Prepare for Snow: Have your snow-clearing tools ready to go. Use a plastic shovel or snow blower with a rubber blade to avoid scratching your pavers.

Fall is the perfect time to give your pavers some love. A little effort now can save you from bigger, more costly repairs in the spring. For more paver maintenance tips, check out our seasonal paver maintenance blog, or contact a Unilock Authorized Contractor to get personalized advice.