Though the world has urbanized fast, man still prefers to live in the lap of nature. Good landscaping is therefore almost must! Landscape reflect a living synthesis of people and place that is vital to local and national identity. The character of the landscape helps define the image of the people living over there. As far as landscaping is concerned, both soft as well as hard landscape, is equally important. Right from natural stones, concrete pavers, brick pavers, different materials are used. While in Asian Countries, concrete pavers are more popular, but in countries like Australia, brick pavers are extensively used.
Brick pavers can be found right across Australia; they’re almost synonymous with the Australian home, providing practicality and beauty at the same time. One of the reasons that paving can be so important is that the walkway to your home is often the first thing that visitors to your property see, and we all know how important first impressions can be. Brick pavers are not only durable, they can also be extremely beautiful too, whether under a golden sun or glistening after rainfall. But to keep brick pavers looking great, you will need to clean brick pavers regularly using a pressure washer.
Let’s take a look at why pressure wash of brick pavers is essential, and how to do it without damaging the pavers.
How to Pressure Wash Brick Pavers?
Why Do You Need to Pressure Wash Brick Pavers?
Your brick pavers are exposed to the prevailing weather conditions 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and the combination of heat and moisture means they can become a perfect breeding ground for algae. If your pavers are attacked by algae they will take on a greenish tinge, and not only is this unsightly it can be dangerous too. Wet algae and moss can be very slippery to walk upon, particularly if the walker hasn’t looked down and is unaware of it. Added to this, pavers can pick up dirt, mud and debris from the soles of our shoes over time, so it’s important to clean this away as well as any algal deposits. Pressure washing is the perfect way for cleaning brick pavers.
Be Careful When You Wash Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are dense and strong, and can handle the pressure of people walking up and down on them day after day, and even vehicles driving across them on the way to a garage or driveway. The direct pressure from a power washer is a very different thing, however, as its intense pressure is targeted in a very small area, and this can easily damage brick pavers if it isn’t done carefully and correctly. That’s why you should always keep a close eye on the surface being cleaned, especially if you’re new to pressure washing brick pavers; you want to remove dirt, debris and algae, but you don’t want to remove the surface of the pavers.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning of Brick Pavers
Pressure washing can be the very best way to get your brick pavers looking pristine again, but it shouldn’t be used too regularly. We recommend that it be undertaken as part of a yearly paver maintenance plan, and that throughout the rest of the year you implement a gentler cleaning plan. This means that every week you should clean the pavers using a brush and detergent, which can be as simple as soapy water. If you undertake this cleaning on a regular basis, you’ll find that it becomes easier to do, because you won’t have as much to clean away.
How to Use the Pressure Washer Correctly?
Set aside one day each year as the day on which you’re going to pressure wash brick pavers – don’t worry, it won’t take all day as it’s a very quick process.
- If possible, use a fine tip on your pressure washer as whilst you want to clean the bricks themselves you should, as much as possible, keep away from the joints between the pavers.
- If you pressure wash the joints, there is a danger that individual pavers can be dislodged, and sand will certainly be displaced. Don’t use too much pressure, turn it down, and you’ll be amazed at how effective it can be for cleaning your pavers.
- After cleaning, inspect the whole area, and add a fresh layer of polymeric sand if needed.
- To negate the chance of using too much pressure, it can be an even better idea to employ the services of a specialist company such as Jetclean, Kleenit, Pride Brick Cleaning, are the experts in pressure washing for pavers, walls and other substrates.
Removing Stubborn Stains
Ground in dirt, oil, paint, and food stains for barbecues can all leave marks on your brick pavers that are tough to remove. Never be tempted to blast this area with the power washer for too long, but instead agitate the area first with a detergent and a stiff bristled brush. After this, gently power washing the area, as outlined above, should bring positive stain removal results.
You’ll be amazed at how much gently pressure wash brick pavers can improve their appearance for the better. They will have a sheen as if they were brand new, and they will also be safer to walk upon as well as being sure to impress your house guests. For that reason, pressure washing is a great choice after winter is over, just in time for barbie season, whether you do it yourself or call in the experts.