Paving stone driveways are a popular choice for not only their classy appearance, but also the reduced maintenance they provide compared to asphalt or concrete.
Even if you choose to have a landscaping company or paving contractor install pavers, there could come a point when your driveway may experienced unwanted stains. Removing stains on pavers is possible in most circumstances if you follow these helpful tips.
Manufactured concrete pavers are similar to many other driveway, patio, or walkway materials in one respect. Their surface is porous and can easily absorb stains. Even if protective measures are taken and sealants are applied to their surface, paver stains and typical dirt deposits can happen even with the best care.
Paving stones can be removed and replaced as a last resort, making them far superior over asphalt or concrete. However, before replacement is considered, try removing stains on pavers with these general guidelines and specific strategies.
We’ll get to specific remedies for removing stains on pavers in a moment, but here are some general guidelines to follow.
Paver manufacturers may slightly vary with recommendations depending upon the stain and specific product used for your driveway, walkway, or patio. However, these are some common, specific tips for removing stains on pavers.
Oils of many sources may stain pavers. The most common source can be oil dripping from a vehicle parked on a paving stone driveway. However, oil and grease deposits can be commonly found on paver patios near a grill or outdoor kitchen.
Most of what people refer to as water stains on pavers is actually a natural process called efflorescence. Pavers begin to exhibit a powder-like deposit, most commonly in the first couple years after installation.
Efflorescence is caused when the soluble salt salts in the pavers react with rainfall, humidity and temperatures fluctuating. As the water evaporates, the salts come to the surface, creating a whitish appearance.
If you wish to speed up nature’s cleaning process, most paver manufacturers offer an Efflorescence Remover. This cleaner can be somewhat abrasive, so be sure to test an inconspicuous area first, and then clean the entire paver surface.
If steel or iron items sit on or above paver areas for a period of time, you may end up with rust stains on pavers. As rusting metal drips onto these areas, particularly over a long period of time, removing rust stains on pavers becomes very difficult.
Removing rust stains on pavers requires a material that can damage sealers that may have been previously applied. This material may also cause some surface etching on pavers so you may want to apply the material to the entire paver area surface for uniform look. Test a small area first and consult with a paving stone contractor if needed.
If possible, remove rusting metals from these areas. However, if cleaning is needed, paver manufacturers often offer rust remover materials. Apply the material according its label’s directions. Scrub the area with a soft, nylon bristle brush and rinse thoroughly.
The best defense against stains on pavers is regular inspection. The longer a contaminant sits on a paving stone, the greater the potential for staining. Make it part of your routine to inspect these areas weekly.
Clean the areas thoroughly a few times a year, before typical dirt can settle in. Talk to a reputable paving stone installer to discuss any options for adding sealants to these areas for added protection against stains on pavers.
Remember that one of the best features of pavers over other surface materials is that if you can still remove a stained section and replace them with new paving stones. This is less conspicuous the newer your surface is.