5 Tips for Maximizing the Longevity of Patio Pavers in York, PA

February 3, 2020 Stephanie D

Concrete patio pavers are a great choice for outdoor living. They work with any architectural style, they’re durable, and they add value to your home. To protect your investment, here are 5 tips for maximizing the longevity of patio pavers in York, PA.

Before we discuss care tips, it’s important to touch on the key to a long-lasting patio: installation.

Proper Installation

It doesn’t matter how great your patio pavers are if they are improperly installed. Installation involves careful site preparation: excavation to the correct depth, leveling, grading for drainage, creating a foundation for the patio using the right substrate, properly compacting it, building a sturdy perimeter that will keep pavers in place, and, of course, careful installation of a level and attractive surface. Any substrate that is poorly compacted will settle and fail to support the paver surface evenly. If substrate “weeps” into the surrounding soil, it will degrade the outer edges of the patio and cause crumbling. Once this happens, there’s no recourse but to start over and re-install the entire patio.

Soil moves due to the freeze-thaw cycle. A properly installed base will accommodate this and prevent the paver surface from heaving, settling, and shifting. Patio pavers actually mesh together more tightly as they settle, but this requires a base that is strong enough to evenly support the weight of the pavers and edges that prevent the base from eroding.

Proper installation also involves applying the right jointing compound. Jointing sand (commonly called polymeric sand) contains a water-activated polymer that hardens when wet. This creates a durable joint that is nearly as hard as concrete, won’t crack, discourages weeds, and is difficult to displace (it can even be power-washed with care).

Regular Care: The Secret to Long-Lasting Pavers

1. Regular sweeping will keep debris from sticking to the pavers. Debris such as lawn clippings, leaves, and dirt tends to hold water and can lead to ugly staining. Stubborn stuck-on debris can be removed with careful power washing and/or scrubbing a mild dish soap solution or special paver cleaners.

2. Clean up spills right away to prevent staining. This includes food, beverages, cooking oil, automotive oil, and household chemicals.

3. Many pavers come factory sealed for durability and protection from stains and fading. Sealants help protect the paver surface from being scratched by snow shovels or patio furniture. Some pavers don’t need to be re-sealed and some do. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Regular reapplication of sealant (every 3-5 years) will significantly extend the life of your pavers. If you’re not sure which type of sealant to use, our experts will help you choose either a surface sealant or a penetrating sealant depending on the paver type and location.

4. In winter, use a plastic or rubber-edged shovel or use a snowblower with blade protection installed to avoid scratching the pavers. Avoid using deicing salts on paver surfaces, as the salts may permanently etch and stain the pavers. In some cases, manufacturers will recommend a deicer, but even then, use it sparingly and sweep it up after the ice has melted.

5. As part of your regular paver care, inspect the jointing compound and replace any that has worked itself loose. Also, replace any pavers that have cracked or chipped (it’s rare, but it can happen). These tips will help your patio look great many years after you first step onto your brand new patio!