Paver patios that are constructed properly need very little care. Once a year, we recommend cleaning the patio with a mild, plant-safe detergent to remove dirt, debris, and build-up. Although not required, this keeps your patio looking like new.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
Even though Belgard® pavers are extremely durable and come with a lifetime structural warranty, seasonal maintenance is encouraged to preserve the beauty and integrity of your hardscape installation. To keep pavers looking their best, plan to clean and reseal them every three to five years.
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin.
You're wondering what happens if you don't seal pavers. Your pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they'll likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. You'll also need to clean them more often, and the stains won't be as easy to remove.
The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
You can expect a concrete or brick paver patio to last 25 to 45 years, with an average of 35 years. Proper installation is critical and begins with a well-compacted base. Maintenance is also important, such as regular re-application of a surface sealer and repair/replacement of damaged pavers.
It's recommended that the scheduling of these projects should be in early spring, right after the winter frost has melted. Here, you will find a few important reasons behind this guidance. Working outdoors is easier when it's not too cold or warm for comfort.
That makes fall the perfect time to pour. The weather is cool enough to make working outdoors easier, and it's also dry enough that rain shouldn't interfere too much with any excavating you may need to do to put the pavers down.
During the winter months, when temperatures drop below freezing, and freeze-thaw cycles occur, pavers can shift due to the expansion and contraction of the materials used in the installation. Temperature changes can also cause small gaps to appear between the pavers.
An influx of water that sits for a long period of time can damage your paver surfaces by weakening the cracks or chips already present. If your pavers are already loose, they may collapse. Flooding can also lead to erosion when soil and rock are transported and deposited into the area.
The truth is that pavers can add value to your home. The amount of value that is added will depend on several different factors. For instance, the first factor to consider is your property's current size and the area in which it is located. Aside from this, how the pavers are used will also make a difference.
Pavers are Durable
Patio pavers not only look good, but they are also very durable. They're strong, abrasion-resistant, and flexible. They can take a lot of hits without cracking, and they are extremely weather resistant. Snow, ice, rain, and even small earthquakes won't damage your patio.
Whilst it is technically possible to lay pavers on bare, unprepared ground, this practice is not recommended as the ground will shift over time, causing the pavers to develop a sunken look, or even crack.
Driveway pavers add a look and feel to your home that paved concrete and asphalt driveways can't give you. They elevate your home's curb appeal; they're easy to repair, stand up to the weight of cars, and are low maintenance. The catch is they are more expensive.
You can choose to fill the cracks between pavers with a polymer sand. This filler, once wet with a hose, turns hard, almost like mortar. It will make it tougher for weeds to take root. Or, plan to seal the patio once it's complete.
Con: Paver Patios Grow Weeds Over Time
Paver patios are built from individual small pieces. They have a lot of joints that are filled with sand when first installed. Over time the sand can wash out and needs to be replenished and maintained.
Unfortunately, pavers sink from time-to-time, most commonly because of uneven soil drainage. There is hope, however! To fix sunken pavers, follow the six-step process we've outlined below. Sunken pavers are quite the tripping hazard and can leave you with large, unsightly puddles of water.
Strength and Durability
Concrete will begin to crack with increased foot or car traffic while pavers can handle much more pressure before they would crack. Due to the fact that water does not settle on the paver, it does not crack as often as concrete which makes it much more durable over time.
Most contractors and manufacturers recommend sealing pavers for the many benefits. Both concrete and brick pavers are porous materials that can change quality and appearance when they absorb liquids.