It’s supposed to be winter, but the warm weather outside certainly indicates otherwise.
Still, it’s a little too early to get outside and start working on spring cleanup for your interlocking patio stones.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t think about what needs to be done to your patio to get it ready for spring, summer and fall.
That’s why we’ve put together a handy checklist of what you should do once winter is well and truly behind us (hey, you never know if or when we’ll get another snowfall).
Task 1: Check the edging
All your stones and interlocking pavers and should be firmly and neatly in place.
However, the spaces between the stones may have expanded. If that’s the case, some repair work is required:
- Does your patio have edge restraints? Check if the pavers have pushed the stone edging out of place. If they have, you’ll need to add more stakes or other means of reinforcement.
- No edging? If you don’t have edging and the pavers have shifted out of place, you may want to investigate adding edging to your stones.
As you fix the patio perimeter, you’ll need to remove pavers that have actually shifted. Plus, the joint sand will need to be removed too.
When everything is moved, replace the pavers and sweep the sand back into place.
Task 2: Level the surface
Take a look at the surface of your patio.
Is it smooth? Or have some of the pavers settled unevenly?
It all depends on how the soil under the stones have compacted, it’s normal for some paver stones to settle; even years after initial installation.
Here’s how you can level the surface quickly and easily:
- Use a garden hose to wash away sand between the sinking stones
- Get a screwdriver to help pry out the sunken stones
- Remove the rest of the interlock pavers
- Add sand or other aggregates as needed to level them out
- Replace the missing pavers
- Sweep in new joint sand
Task 3: Remove any stains
A good washing can brighten the appearance of your patio stones and help get rid of unsightly surface stains.
You may be tempted to use a pressure washer, but doing so may wash out joint sand that’s between the paving slabs.
Instead, reach out to Lane’s Landscaping Supplies and ask for an authorized dealer product that’s designed for your patio stones.
If you can’t get any specialized cleaning product, a safe alternative is to create your own cleaning solution using dishwashing liquid, warm water and apply with a stiff brush.
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Task 4: Seal the patio
Once your patio pavers are thoroughly cleaned, you should consider sealing them.
If you do it right, you won’t have to seal them again for another four years.
Sealing your patio stones enhances their appearance and protects them from rain, heat, snow and other elements.
Before you seal your stones, make sure to:
- Use a sealant that’s made for your brand of paving stones
- Always use the same product each time you seal them
- Do a test application on a single paver before a widespread coating
Task 5: Replace the joint sand
Pavers with polymeric joint sand don’t require much maintenance or care.
Other types of sand, however, may need some attention:
- Top off any low-level areas with new, fresh sand
- Pull out any weeds which have sprouted between pavers
- Sweep in new sand as needed
If you’re having trouble keeping your patio stone sand fresh, weed-free or topped off, then consider using a sealer that’s made to stabilize and protect joint sand.
We’ve got the paver stones and supplies you need
Whether you only need to perform spring maintenance on your patio stones or if you’re thinking about building a brand new outdoor living area, we’ve got the products and advice to help you do it right.
Contact us for a FREE quote on any of our products.
