Hardscape Maintenance
What Is Hardscape Maintenance?
Hardscape maintenance is the process of caring for walkways, patios, and other masonry structures after installation. Over time, being exposed to Mother Nature and the outdoor elements, maintenance is essential for the longevity of a structure(s). Depending on the location of the structure(s) as well as the type of material(s) that were used, some hardscapes require more maintenance than others.
The most common type of maintenance service we offer for clients is sealing pavers, power washing and re-installing new polymeric sand in paver joints, and repointing mortar for masonry installations. Depending on the installation practice and materials used, you can anticipate to have a maintence service done on your hardscape ranging from 5-10 years up to 50-75 years.
Power Washing & Re-Installing Polymeric Sand
Over time after a hardscape is installed, there is a small build up of organic debris (dirt, weeds, and/or food spills, etc.) that can accumulate on the surface or in the joints of a hardscape. Power washing is the processing of taking water at a high pressure to clean the organic debris off the surface. Depending on the amount and type of build up of organic debris, specific cleaners can be used to help loosen everything up to get a cleaner end result.
How to clean pavers?
For best results, use a surface cleaner attachment on the power washer when cleaning pavers. A surface cleaner attachment has a circular head which has multiple noels that spin and spray water at a high pressure allowing for a more even and efficient cleaning process.
How long does polymeric sand last?
During the power washing process, it is a very high likelihood that the pre-existing polymeric sand in the joints of the pavers get washed out. New polymeric sand would have to be installed. Typically, depending on the type of polymeric sand, you can anticipate it to last anywhere from 5-15 years before breaking down and not having the same benefits from the original installation.
Once the pavers are all clean, have new polymeric sand installed, and dried off, you’re ready to start enjoying the hardscape again!
Hardscape Sealants
Another form of hardscape maintence is applying a sealer. A sealer can be applied to bother pavers or concrete. The purpose of a sealer is to protect the surface from stains and/or fading of its original color.
What is the benefit of sealing pavers?
Over time, after a hardscape is installed, the pigmentation in pavers or concrete could fade due to sun exposure. Also, due to be exposed to the elements of Mother Nature, the stain resistance could lessen. The use of a sealer will give the pavers a great clean new look as well as provide the durability needed to withstand a lifetime of use.
What types of paver sealers are there?
There are two main different type of sealers, a wet look and a dry looks. It is all personal preference on what is applied, but they provide two very different looks. To see samples, please ask the Golden Wolf Landscape & Design team if you would like to ensure you are making the best decision for your hardscape!
How do you apply paver sealers?
Sealers require the surface to be cleaned and power washed prior. Once dry, the sealer is applied via a paint rolling brush or a spray depending on the product used. It is crucial to time application properly to allow for no moisture build up under the sealer. If moisture is under the sealer, it could lead to white haze accumulation which would result in the process needing to be redone.
How long do paver sealers last?
Depending on the sealer and exposure to the elements, you can anticipate sealers to last approx. 3-5 years. Modern technology has come out with paver manufactures producing pavers with sealers already worked into it along with other compounds to provide extra durability. These pavers provide the benefit to the consumer for the lifetime of the paver. These pavers are on the upper end of the price scale when comparing products, but there are added lifetime benefits that you will get if selecting a type of product such as this.
Repointing
What is repointing?
Repointing is the process of installing new mortar into the joints masonry structures. Mortar is a construction material used to adhere brick and stone together filling the irregular gaps in between the masonry units.
How long does mortar last?
Including veneer and brick work, when mortar is used, over time, after being exposed to the elements of Mother Nature, the mortar can break down. When done, it can restore the true beauty of a masonry structure. Repointing is a process that is done infrequently. If done right, it can last upwards of 30-75 years in some cases depending on the application and exposure to the elements.
