Block Paving
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71-1093879305
I have a number of areas of block paving that have been laid over the past 5 or so. As I had expected they do get dirty (no oil) and get covered in algae to varing degees and the usual moss in the joints. I have pressure washed most of the areas in the past and the result is quite pleasing. However, the down side is that the sand in the joints predictably gets washed out even when keeping the lance to less than 30 degrees (back breaking). Is there a way to prevent this from happening? I have had conflicting advice ranging from using a dry sand and cement mix for the joints through to using a sealer, I don't really understand "sealers" and if they can be used on older areas of block paving as apposed just new.
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100-1093880209
This I am afraid is an unavoidable side affect of jet washing blockpaving.
I personally dont like using a sealer as it tends to leave a "shiny shean" to the paving, this can wear of in areas of heavy traffic and look naff.
I would NOT use a sand cement mix, this can stain the pavers.
Personally if I think if your gonna do it, do it properly popup your local builders merchants and buy a few bags of dry kiln and sweep it in when your paving is dry.
this way your BP looks like the day it was laid + you will always use less dry kiln than the very first time as the joints tend not be tottaly cleaned out from jetwashing.
Dom
I personally dont like using a sealer as it tends to leave a "shiny shean" to the paving, this can wear of in areas of heavy traffic and look naff.
I would NOT use a sand cement mix, this can stain the pavers.
Personally if I think if your gonna do it, do it properly popup your local builders merchants and buy a few bags of dry kiln and sweep it in when your paving is dry.
this way your BP looks like the day it was laid + you will always use less dry kiln than the very first time as the joints tend not be tottaly cleaned out from jetwashing.
Dom
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Paverman Dan
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2004 5:27 am
Have heard vinegar is effective on joint moss. Never tried it myself though.
Not a big fan of pressure washing pavers. Tends to wear away the concrete paste at the top of the paver, and expose the aggregate.
I'd prefer to use an efflorescence cleaner, as per manufacturers instructions, to remove any algae at the the top of the paver.
I'm a big fan of polymeric sands . . but I don't know if they will stop moss like they do weeds. And they can be blown out with a pressure washer.
Not a big fan of pressure washing pavers. Tends to wear away the concrete paste at the top of the paver, and expose the aggregate.
I'd prefer to use an efflorescence cleaner, as per manufacturers instructions, to remove any algae at the the top of the paver.
I'm a big fan of polymeric sands . . but I don't know if they will stop moss like they do weeds. And they can be blown out with a pressure washer.
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100-1093880209
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Paverman Dan
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2004 5:27 am
Got me there! :)Quote: from dominion on 7:08 am on Aug. 12, 2004
Paverman Dan
"Not a big fan of pressure washing pavers. Tends to wear away the concrete paste at the top of the paver, and expose the aggregate. "
kind of depends if they are clay or concrete pavers...
My narrow view of the world only includes concrete pavers . . .:)
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NorthernClean
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:26 am
- Location: North West
- Contact:
Grandad,
I restore drives for a living so I totally understand what your are saying about the moss and weeds coming back. I come up against this problem all the time and without sounding like a big head I alway look like a knight in shinning armour as my drives stay looking brand new for years and not months - you may also pick the finish of the sealer.
The problem you have is that once the area is cleaned and re-sanded you're leaving it open to weed getting a grip of the sand and the block surface.
Let me know where in the uk you are and I'll try and get to see you and give you a free demo!
Regards
Alex
I restore drives for a living so I totally understand what your are saying about the moss and weeds coming back. I come up against this problem all the time and without sounding like a big head I alway look like a knight in shinning armour as my drives stay looking brand new for years and not months - you may also pick the finish of the sealer.
The problem you have is that once the area is cleaned and re-sanded you're leaving it open to weed getting a grip of the sand and the block surface.
Let me know where in the uk you are and I'll try and get to see you and give you a free demo!
Regards
Alex
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68-1093879192
Five years ago I used granular pool chlorene to clean my clay pavers. Did a wonderful job, and no effort required.
Take the usual precautions; boots, gloves, old protective clothing, and work by backing into a breeze and away from the fumes.
Dampen the surface, lightly sprinkle chlorene over the area and gently scrub with a hard broom. Let the chlorene do the hard work. Hose off a short time later, or better do it just before it rains.
If you are just a little careful, contrary to popular belief, you will not kill the lawn. I experenced some runoff and it had no effect on my grass. I have subsiquently repeated the process and my pavers "sparkle".
Good luck.
Take the usual precautions; boots, gloves, old protective clothing, and work by backing into a breeze and away from the fumes.
Dampen the surface, lightly sprinkle chlorene over the area and gently scrub with a hard broom. Let the chlorene do the hard work. Hose off a short time later, or better do it just before it rains.
If you are just a little careful, contrary to popular belief, you will not kill the lawn. I experenced some runoff and it had no effect on my grass. I have subsiquently repeated the process and my pavers "sparkle".
Good luck.