Earlier this week we talked about the benefits of having a concrete paver patio.  Today we are going to go a bit further – tips for removing stains from concrete pavers.   This will help your pavers stay looking newer longer.

Removing Stains from Pavers – Oil

Since we’re coming to the warm weather, we thought we’d start out with a common problem that comes with grilling season – oil stains. Now, you can also get grease and oil on your pavers from your vehicles as well. But it also comes with an outdoor kitchen or a grill.

• Keep rags, paper towels, and some oil-absorbent material nearby in your garage or near your grill.
• If oil or grease has just spilled, lightly blot, rather than rub, that area using paper towels or one of your clean rags. Liquid laundry detergent or dish soap can remove most of the oil stains. Apply it right to your stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Then use a brush with nylon bristles to scrub it, rinsing it using hot water. Do again if needed.
• If the stain has become dry and it’s been absorbed, do your best to soak up whatever you can. Leave some granular material on the area for around 6 hours. Then sweep the material up.

Removing Stains from Pavers – Hard Water

When you see a water stain on a paver, it’s actually efflorescence. Pavers start exhibiting a deposit that looks like a powder, usually in the first 2-3 years after they were installed.

This happens when those soluble salts that the pavers contain start reacting with fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and rainfall. As this water evaporates, those salts rise to the surface. This creates a whitish appearance.

If you want to get rid of this look, there is something called efflorescence remover that the majority of manufacturers offer. It’s a bit abrasive, so you want to use it in an area that isn’t conspicuous first. Then use it for cleaning your whole surface.

Removing Stains from Pavers – Rust

If iron or steel items sit above or on your paver area for a certain amount of time, it’s possible that you are going to see rust stains. Since this builds up as time goes by, it can be really hard to remove it.

Removing the stains means that you have to use something that can damage the sealer that has been applied. It also can cause etching on your pavers’ surface, so it’s a good idea to apply it to your whole area so the look is uniform. First, test a little area and if you have questions, consult with a contractor.

If you can, remove the rusting material. But if you need to do cleaning, manufacturers often will offer materials for rust removal. Apply that material based on the directions on the label. Then scrub using a brush with soft nylon bristles and thoroughly rinse the area.

We hope that you found this blog about removing stains from pavers useful. Don’t forget, we offer hardscaping services along with a lot of other services. interested in knowing more? Contact us here.

Are you planning to add a new patio to your yard? If so, chances are that you are looking at the different options for material. Have you considered a concrete paver patio? If not, it’s something that you should think about. Below are the benefits of choosing a concrete paver patio.

Concrete Paver Patio Benefit 1 – Design

When you choose concrete pavers, you’re going to find many options from which to choose. You can lay them in patterns that will complement the design of the home. they come in many shapes, finishes, and colors, so you can make the patio look the way that you want it to look.

Concrete Paver Patio Benefit 2 – Sustainability

The lawn requires a lot of upkeep, from mowing to regular watering. When you add concrete pavers to your yard, you are going to have a smaller area that you have to upkeep. The pavers offer a great design that is simple for you to incorporate into your landscape’s natural elements and is user-friendly. Rather than filling in the open spaces using grass, they create intrigue. They also help you with partitioning off areas for entertaining.

Concrete Paver Patio Benefit 3 – Simple to Repair

If you’ve discovered that one of your pavers has become broken or stained, it’s a lot easier to change it out. Since the patio’s made from multiple components, it’s quite simple to replace a single one. You also can replace it easily because you don’t have to disrupt the design of your patio. Many times, you also can do it yourself based on how intricate your design is.

Concrete Paver Patio Benefit 4 – Good in Bad Weather

Concrete pavers are made to withstand bad weather conditions and are very durable and strong when compared with stamped concrete. When you are looking for patio options that won’t crack easily, one of the best choices is concrete pavers. You also going to find that they’re less likely to have damage from sudden temperature changes.

These are four benefits of choosing a concrete paver patio. If you are looking for a stylish way to add to your backyard and you want something that is simple and will last a long time, then a concrete paver patio may just be for you.

Interested in knowing more? We offer hardscaping services. We are happy to answer your questions and show you what we can do. Contact us here to find out more.

Patios are a great place when the weather is nice, and you have friends and family to visit. But a lot of people make patio maintenance mistakes that can make their patio last less time and look worse. Below are four common patio maintenance mistakes that you want to avoid making with your patio.

Patio Maintenance Mistakes 1 – Not Sealing the Patio

A lot of people make the biggest mistake possible with their patio, and that is not sealing it. Sealing your patio will help protect it as well as make sure it keeps looking shiny and nice the whole year through. year. it also will make it easier to keep it clean. You should seal it every couple of years.

Patio Maintenance Mistakes 2 – Using an Incorrect Cleaner

Bleach and household detergents aren’t made with patios in mind. You should only use them inside. Rather, you should look for cleaners specifically made for wood or stone. Otherwise, the cleaner could damage the surface.

Patio Maintenance Mistakes 3 – Waiting to Clean Up Spills

Accidents and spills will happen. The way that you are responding to them will make a huge difference. Just like you wouldn’t wait to clean up coffee or wine on a carpet, you shouldn’t wait to clean a spill on a patio either.

Cleaning the spills right away will stop the spill from becoming permanent. Use the right cleaner and you will keep your patio looking newer for longer.

Patio Maintenance Mistakes 4 = Excessively Pressure Washing It

Using your pressure washer to clean the patio is very efficient and quick. However, it’s a bad idea to do it too often.

When you pressure wash your patio, it removes the sealant. So, you want to do it only once each year. you shouldn’t use a lot of pressure. You also should make sure that you aren’t keeping your nozzle very close to your patio’s surface.

Do you want to have your patio repaired or replaced? We offer hardscaping services that can help you have a nice new patio if you have made any of these patio maintenance mistakes. Contact us for more information.

Now that the weather is nice, one of the things that you want to do is to use your patio a lot more. Want to improve your patio? Below are 5 patio improvement tips that  you can use to make it the place to be this summer.

Patio Improvement Tips 1 – Use Pavers

Rather than having a big slab of concrete, it’s a good idea to use pavers instead. These are carved stones that function similar to a slab of concrete but will give your patio a look that is more modern. They’re also a lot easier to replace and come in many colors and materials.

Patio Improvement Tips 2 – Add a Fire Pit

You are going to love how things heat up with a fire pit. You can use it for the atmosphere look and feel,  or you can even cook on it. There are so many options for it.

Patio Improvement Tips 3 – Add a Water Feature

If you’re not fond of the fire pit idea, you also can put in a water feature to make a relaxing look and feel for your patio.

Patio Improvement Tips 4 – Brighten It UP

Outdoor lighting not only will make it a lot more enjoyable at night but also extend the amount of time that you can use your patio at the night. You can sit out there and read, talk or just enjoy the patio in the evening.

Patio Improvement Tips 5 – Get Good Quality Furniture

One of the best things that you can do to help you with increasing the quality of your patio is to get some good quality furniture. When your furniture is comfortable, you are going to want to spend a lot more time outside on the patio. Rather than using furniture that’s ready to assemble, look for weather-resistant furniture.

Do you want to have a new patio put in or maybe you don’t have one and would like one? If you are interested in having a patio put in, contact us. We’ll be glad to give you a quote and show you what we can do for you.