Spring Maintenance for Your Unilock Pavers

Spring is officially here, and while it might not be warm enough just yet to start enjoying our patios, we can certainly get outside and start cleaning up our outdoor spaces so that they are ready to enjoy when the mercury rises.

General Maintenance

Unilock pavers are very low maintenance, but spring maintenance is encouraged to brighten your space.
Here are a few tips:

• Use a power washer on a low setting and a stiff brush/broom to remove dirt and any stains that may have occurred during the winter. Avoid spraying too close to surface, otherwise you may accidentally remove the jointing sand and risk damaging the surface of the pavers.
• Your local hardscape or building supplier can recommend a general cleaner (always ask to ensure its safe on the particular product you have installed). Alternatively, you can use your own safe cleaning solution comprised of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Regardless of the solution you choose, always test it in a small area first.
• Use a stiff brush and cleaning solution to remove any stubborn stains
• Tip: Do not use a metal wire brush. Rubbing metal wire over the surface will leave small metallic particles which can leave rust marks on the paver surface
• Read our article: Removing Stains from Pavers for more thorough instructions.

Jointing Sand Maintenance

Pavers with polymeric jointing sand do not require much care. However, it may happen from time to time that some of the polymeric sand may have dislodged during the winter. If that happens:

• Remove any weeds that may have been missed at the end of last season
• Top off any areas with fresh polymeric sand and carefully follow the instructions on the bag

If a basic jointing sand (without polymers, a binding agent) was used, sweep in fresh concrete sand and use a sealer that is also made to stabilize the joints. Be sure to refer to the instructions on the product so that the surface of your pavers are not compromised

Check the Edging and Surface

Interlocking pavers that are installed properly should maintain their integrity and appearance for decades because they are manufactured to endure freeze-thaw cycles. It’s still important to do a regular visual audit of your paver surface:

• If your patio, driveway or walkway has edge restraints, make sure that the pavers are still being retained in place. If they have moved, remove the pavers in that area and reinstall and add more spikes into the edge restraint for additional reinforcement.
• Check the surface for any settlement of heaving. Settlement is caused by poor or insufficient base materials and/or improper compaction. If the area is visually failing, you should connect with an expert, such as a Unilock Authorized Contractor , or follow these instructions:
  • Remove the sand between the joints with a pressure washer or water nozzle
  • Pry out several pavers first and lift any other pavers in the affected area
  • Add additional concrete sand to level the area
  • Reinstall the pavers
  • Sweep in new joint sand

If you encounter a spring maintenance issue we have not covered here, we recommend connecting with your local landscape supply dealer, who can help provide you with recommendations that can address your unique situation. For a dealer in your area, click here