A few practical tips on caring for pavers

A key factor influencing the effectiveness of maintaining a concrete paver surface is regularity. The surface should be swept and washed regularly, preferably with a pressure washer fitted with a special attachment. This will remove dust that has penetrated the material’s crevices, as well as lichen covering the pavers in shaded and damp areas.

You should avoid mechanically removing moss and lichen from the surface, as this can damage the structure of the top layer – it is better to use chemical agents to remove green growth, which will definitely help solve the problem.

For grease and engine oil stains, it is best to use specialist cleaning products for paving slabs and pavers, bearing in mind that overly strong agents may cause discolouration of the surface being cleaned.

Lime efflorescence may also appear on pavers, which forms during the natural curing of the concrete. These usually disappear on their own over time, but if you wish to remove them quickly, it is best to wash the paver surface with a product designed to remove efflorescence. This is usually a liquid based on diluted acid, so you should read the information on the label before use.

After washing the pavers, rinse them thoroughly with water. Remember that from time to time you should sweep the surface with fine sand and fill the gaps between the stones to maintain their stability.

Impregnating the pavers is also extremely important. It is particularly recommended in areas exposed to heavy soiling, such as barbecue areas, driveways and parking spaces. This involves coating the pavers with a protective agent that prevents the absorption of water and liquid contaminants. Impregnation has a positive effect on the durability of the material and enhances aesthetic qualities such as colour intensity.