Cleaning of newly laid block paving

[fox]

Ok, girly question alert here! My block paving was newly laid yesturday and is covered in mud and sand and I want to know when I can get out there and clean it? Obviously not with a pressure washer but can I use just water and a stiff brush or will that damage the paving joins?

[Tony McC]

You can brush it now, and you can swill it down with soapy water, if you really must, but the weather will do a much more thorough job, if not quite as quickly.

You'll probably find that the water washes in the jointing sand, leaving some of the joints empty or 'hungry', so they'll need to be topped up as soon as the surface is dry.

All newly laid block paving needs a couple of months to reveal its true self. There's often some residual efflorescence, bits of mould oil, sand and dust that needs to be weathered away. Washing and sweeping can accelerate the process, but don't expect a miracle.

Also, never, ever, ever power wash a block pavement that's less than 3 months old - it's a recipe for disaster as it always removes too much of the jointing sand.

[fox]

Thanks for the quick reply, I realy appreciate it.

I'm far to impatient to wait for the weather to wash down the paving, so will give it a quick swill down with some soapy water in a couple of days. Also you mentioned topping up the gaps with more sand......the guy who did the work hasn't left my any to do this, can I just buy more from a DIY place?

[Tony McC]

You can get the sand from almost any Builders' Merchant or the larger DIY depots. Ask for "Kiln Dried Jointing Sand for Block Paving" - it's around about a fiver for 40kg

[fox]

Thanks again for not only speedy replies but for the excellent advice, top notch web site too, very professional.