How to Clean Paving Effectively
As ownership of cars has increased for each household, so has the need to improve and enlarge the drives for parking within the owners’ properties The most attractive method of laying a surface for a drive is with block brick paving. It is a more pleasing sight which blends better with the structure of the house than concrete or bitumen.
There are two main types of paving, concrete block or clay Block Paving . It is a matter of taste as to which are the most appealing. Clay brick is more expensive but is associated with the more traditional form of paving found at many fine historical houses.
When the paving is first laid down it looks fresh and immaculate. For the first few months after it has been laid, the gaps between the paving bricks need to be filled as part of the settling down process. As the seasons pass especially the fall and winter, the pristine appearance gradually fades under a film of moss and dirt. Weeds and lichen also appear from between the bricks. If this build up of humus is not removed, the once attractive driveway will look like a farmers track from a muddy field.
To begin cleaning the paving, any weeds, plants and lawn which have overgrown the paving are removed. The film of greasy moss and dirt is best removed by applying a fungicide. As most weed killers and fungicide contain poisonous elements within them, gloves and goggles need to be used. This is especially important when using a sprayer to apply the chemicals to the paving. Ensure the application done on a dry day with little or no wind. When the weeds and moss have died away, the paving are swept with a stiff broom to remove the loose debris.
There are two ways of cleaning paving. Manufactures recommend paving are cleaned thoroughly with warm water containing a reliable paving cleaner solution. When the paving has dried, it is brushed with a strong broom and rinsed with clean water. Any sand removed during the cleaning process is replaced by brushing fine, sharp sand into the joints. This method of cleaning to done every three months to keep the surface in good condition.
For larger areas this is not practical especially if you only have a weekend of fine weather. Most homeowners use power washers to clean their driveways and sidewalks. Paving manufacturers are not keen on their use as the more powerful models can cause damage. This would invalidate any guarantee they give on the paving materials.
Prior to washing the paving with a pressure washer, you should start at the highest point of the area you intend to clean. This will avoid any filthy water flowing over the already cleaned areas. Ensure there are no sharp objects remaining as they can scratch the surface or worse damage anything in the vicinity where you are working.
When using a wand with a pressure washer, work away from buildings and your neighbour’s boundary. Splashing is unavoidable when using the wand and affected areas such as windows and doors should be washed down immediately. A wide area surface cleaner will avoid this excessive mess. Within the cleaner head is a rotary washing device which reduces splashing and is safer to use. The head glides over the surface due to the pressurized water and gives a complete clean.
After washing and clearing up any remaining residue, allow the paving to dry before applying the sharp fine sand to refill the joints with a soft bristle broom. There are different opinions as to whether a using sealant is helpful. The application should prevent any staining or build up of mould. Whichever method the paving is cleaned it is worth the effort to keep clean and enhance your property.
As ownership of cars has increased for each household, so has the need to improve and enlarge the drives for parking within the owners’ properties The most attractive method of laying a surface for a drive is with block brick paving. It is a more pleasing sight which blends better with the structure of the…