Paver Care and Maintenance
Earth Works of Jacksonville as a member of the Interconnecting Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI) provides professional hardscaping services and information on paver care and maintenance. See examples of our completed paver projects in our photo gallery and youtube channel. We answer commonly asked questions below.
What should I expect during my paver project?
–Paver Dust: Make sure all furniture and valuables are covered and protected.
–Loud Noise: This is due to the paver saw.
-If you are doing a paver driveway expect to not be able to park in your driveway for a certain amount of days; determined by the size of the project.
If you have additional questions during your project, please ask the foreman who will be at your job daily.
Why should I use polymeric sand? This product is a fine sane combined with additives, usually silica, that when mixed with water, form a binding agent. These binders lock the sand particles together, which helps lock all the pavers together. A heavy rain will not wash all the sand out like regular sand. It also deters weed growth and ants. Plain sand is a much more inviting home for weeds and ant pests.
Why should my pavers be sealed? Sealing your pavers will slow down fading and provide a measure of protection from some stains. Before sealing, pavers must be clean and dry. It is recommended that you wait at least 45-60 days after installation before sealing. Once sealed, you will need to reseal approximately every three to five years.
How do I clean my pavers? Applying bleach to a paver job is not recommended. Common dish soap can be used in conjunction with a light pressure wash.
Why do my pavers have a chalky, white surface residue? This is called efflorescence which is a natural process occurring with almost all concrete and masonry products. Pavers exhibiting signs of efflorescence are NOT defective and not covered under warranty.
Efflorescence is created when the calcium oxide naturally found in the cement mixes with water to form calcium hydroxide, it leaches to the surface of the paver where it comes in contact with the carbon dioxide in the air and forms calcium carbonate which forms the white, chalky residue referred to as efflorescence. Eventually, efflorescence will disappear on its own. If you wish to fasten the process then use an Efflorescence Cleaner such as Foundation Armor found at Home Depot.
How do I remove oil stains and tire marks?
-Use paint and rubber remover to remove tire marks from pavers.
-Use professional grade oil and grease cleaner to remove oil and grease stains from pavers such as Pull It Out Concrete Stain Remover found at Home Depot.
-Sealing your pavers will help prevent oil stains and tire marks and make them easier to remove in the future.
Can I use Muriatic Acid on my pavers? No, muriatic acid will damage the surface of the pavers and cause pitting to appear.
Will my pavers fade over time? Over time all pavers will begin to fade if left unsealed. Sealing your pavers with a paver sealer after the natural process of efflorescence is complete will provide a barrier of protection against UV rays and harsh climate.
Plus, remember that for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Proudly serving clients in Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.