Summer Paver Maintenance Tips for a Pristine Outdoor Space

It’s July, and you’re enjoying the summer sun, with the kids splashing in the pool and burgers sizzling on the outdoor grill. But a spattering of grease lands on your beautiful pavers – what now? The summer months mean more outdoor fun, but also increased foot traffic, spills, and stains on paved surfaces. Whether it’s food grease near your outdoor kitchen islands or weeds creeping up on your driveway, summer paver maintenance is essential to keep your outdoor space looking fresh. Fortunately, Unilock pavers are designed to require minimal maintenance, so here are a few simple steps to protect, clean, and maintain your pavers all season long.

Maintaining a Clean Paver Surface

The first step to cleaning your pavers is to use a soap and water solution, or mild detergent. Then, gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled broom, or rinse off the residue with a garden hose. This solution works for most seasonal spills and stains, including dirt, grime, and other debris, but will work for cooking spills like ketchup, grease, or wine. 

For mold, moss, and algae, use a solution of half water, half bleach, or boiled water and apply it to the growth spots. Follow this up by using a plastic scraper to clean them out. If you’re looking for a natural alternative, pour white distilled vinegar directly onto mold, moss, or algae spots. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. Vinegar is a safe, effective cleaning solution that avoids the harsh chemicals found in bleach.

Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer to clean common spills and debris. Hold the pressure washer at knee height, at a 45-degree angle, and use a fan-angled tip on a low-pressure setting, to prevent joint sand washout. The idea is to tackle spills quickly to prevent them from settling in and becoming a stain. 

If your pavers were manufactured with EasyClean™ technology, cleaning should be easy, as EasyClean offers built-in stain resistance for faster cleanup of spills before a stain takes hold. For a more in-depth look at cleaning various spills, check out our comprehensive Paver Cleaning blog.

Remove Weeds from the Equation

Another important step in summer paver maintenance is weed prevention. To stop regrowth, pluck any weeds that may appear between the paver joints at the root.

Sweeping your paved surface regularly helps to prevent future seedlings from settling in and germinating between the joints.

Reapply Fresh Polymeric Sand

Inspecting the joint sand between your pavers each season is a good practice, as joint sand can erode over time, especially due to freeze/thaw cycles. If you notice areas where the sand has eroded, it’s important to spot-treat those sections to prevent paver shifting and avoid future weed growth. Carefully scrape out the failed sand to a depth of about 1 ½ to 2 inches, to allow new sand to bond properly with the existing sand and pavers.

Sweep in fresh polymeric sand across the entire surface, ensuring it fills the joints. Before you activate your newly applied sand, make sure there is no residue left on the surface. Finally, mist the sand with water to activate the binding agent, which helps lock the pavers in place. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and watering to ensure the best results.

Consider Sealing Your Pavers (Optional)

A sealed paver helps provide protection against future stains, as well as enhance the richness of your pavers. However, Unilock pavers are designed to be durable, with or without a sealer, so applying an after-market sealer is entirely up to you. If you decide to seal your pavers, begin by letting the freshly applied polymeric sand cure, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, before sealing. Once completed, make sure to have 24-48 hours of dry weather before you seal, as the moisture may impact this step. Once you’ve applied your sealer, allow the surface to cure for up to 24 hours, avoiding foot or vehicle traffic and keeping any nearby sprinklers shut off to prevent water stains.

By following these steps, you can protect your pavers and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space throughout the summer. For more paver maintenance tips, check out our seasonal paver maintenance blog on our website. If you have any additional questions about summer paver maintenance, speak with your Unilock Authorized Contractor or call 1-800-UNILOCK to learn more.