There is no doubt that pavers are the perfect way to add both beauty and functionality to your property. They are durable and long-lasting, which means that if they are properly maintained, you will enjoy the look of your paved walkway or patio for many years to come.
However, if not properly looked after, over time the colored pavers that used to brighten up your driveway or pool area, can start to look faded. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent paver fading and keep them looking good for longer.
What Are The Major Causes of Paver Fading?
The best way to keep your pavers in tip top condition is to keep them looking their best for as long as possible. To do that, it is important to understand that there are 3 main factors that can cause pavers to fade:
1) Sunlight: As the years pass, the uv rays can be one of the most damaging for your paver’s appearance. As with so many other surfaces, sun damage can also cause discoloration of your paving stones, leaving them looking dull and washed over time.
2) Dirt & Dust: If you have a patio or driveway that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, dirt and grime can stain your pavers and make them start to look dull and worn. If you don’t clean them often, you will watch those once bright paver colors start to fade away. To keep the stone clean, use a broom and then a pressure washer on a low setting to avoid unnecessary cracks and damage to the pavers.
3) Harmful Chemicals: When it comes to keeping your pavers clean, you would be wrong in trying to wash down your driveway with the strongest chemical compound you can get your hands on, like bleach for example. The problem is, some of the more aggressive chemicals can eat away at the top layers of pigmented pavers, not to mention the damage to your lawn if some should make its way onto your grass. So take extra care when choosing the cleaning products to keep your patio stones clean. We recommend using moderate amounts of biodegradable detergent mixed in with the water. This should make cleaning easier, but at the same time avoid any unwanted fading to the stone or damage to the grass.
How To Prevent Pavers from Fading?
Take these steps to keep your pavers looking bright and vibrant for longer and minimize fading:
Choose The Color Wisely: When pavers are manufactured, they are made in a variety of different color pigments so that when you decide to pave your patio or driveway, you have a wide variety of color choices to choose from. The problem is that some colors are more fade resistant, while others fade more easily. So if you are laying down the pavers for the first time, choose a color that will withstand UV exposure without fading or losing its color as quickly to keep the stone looking good for longer periods.
Sealing: Consider using an invisible sealer specifically made for paving stones for an extra layer of protection. Sealing your paver will help keep the pigment for much longer than if you chose to leave the stone or cement unprotected. Before applying any sealer though, make sure to give the pavers a thorough cleaning as described above, then let the surface dry off. You should apply multiple coats of sealing to protect the surface for longer and reapply every 2-3 years to keep the stone looking fresh and new. To learn more about the different types of sealers you can use, click here.
Keep Regular Maintenance
There is no doubt that paver stones make a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. You want your pavers to look as good years from now as they did when you first laid them down. For the best results, the key is to take the necessary steps to avoid fading in the first place and always keeping up with regular maintenance.
If you need professional assistance in placing, repairing or resealing your pavers, contact us any time for a free estimate. Call us right now at 941-773-3098 or email us at sales@sspavers.com. We are happy to help.
