Brick pavers make an elegant and durable addition to any home in Oakland or Macomb counties, providing versatility, elegance, and lasting value. However, just like any outdoor surface, they require care and maintenance in Michigan’s unique climate—with harsh winters, scorching summers, unpredictable spring weather conditions, and all sorts of changing climate conditions that may present difficulties even for sturdy pavers.
Therefore, we have developed this comprehensive guide to assist you in safeguarding your investment and maintaining beautiful brick pavers for years. By adhering to these seasonal tips and tricks, you can avoid damage while upholding their beauty for many seasons and boosting curb appeal in your home year after year.
Spring Maintenance for Pavers: Kick Start Your Pavers Now
As winter melts away and warmer weather returns, now is an opportune time to give your brick pavers some love and TLC. Spring provides the ideal opportunity to assess any damage since winter’s arrival and take care of any maintenance requirements accumulated during their absence.
- Thorough Cleaning: Start by thoroughly cleaning your pavers. Use a broom or leaf blower to clear away debris before turning on a power washer with low settings on to remove stubborn dirt or grime build-up. Be careful not to apply too much pressure – overdoing it may damage the pavers!
- Weed Removal: Springtime is also primetime for weed growth, so take special care in clearing any sprouting between pavers. A weed killer explicitly designed for patios and walkways may help prevent future expansion.
- Re-Sanding: If any sand is missing from your pavers’ joints, it is vitally important that it be replenished. Sand secures them into place, prevents weed growth, and ensures proper drainage. Polymeric sand hardens when wet for extra durability.
Summer Care: Shield from Sunlight and Heat
Michigan summers can be intense, with high temperatures and intense UV rays that can damage outdoor surfaces such as brick pavers. To safeguard them against such weather conditions, take these precautions:
- Sealing: A high-quality sealer applied to your pavers can effectively defend against stains, fade, and moisture penetration. Choose a sealer made explicitly for brick pavers and follow its application instructions accordingly.
- Stain Removal: Spills and stains are more likely to occur during summer dining and entertaining events; to minimize damage, spills should be cleaned up promptly using a mild detergent mixed with water or mild bleach detergent, though harsher chemicals could damage pavers more permanently.
- Moss and Algae Prevention: High humidity levels during the summer can create the ideal environment for moss and algae growth on pavers. Keep them clean and dry to reduce chances of future build-up, and use preventers if necessary.
Autumn Prepare Now for Changes in Temperature and Humidity Conditions
As leaves begin to turn and temperatures decrease, now is the time to ensure your brick pavers will withstand winter. Preventative measures now could save both time and money down the line.
- Leaf Removal: Leaves can trap moisture, leading to staining or even moss growth on pavers. Regularly sweep or blow away leaves from your pavers to keep them looking clean and dry.
- Inspection for Damage: Autumn is an ideal time to thoroughly examine your pavers for cracks or chips that have occurred over the summer. Repairs now can prevent these minor issues from worsening during the cold months of winter.
- Final Cleaning: Give your pavers a thorough cleaning before winter begins to help avoid damage caused by winter’s freezing and thawing cycles. Please remove any dirt, debris, or stains that have accumulated on them that could prevent further freezing/thawing cycles that might otherwise damage them during the freezing/thawing cycles.
Winter Protection: Dealing With the Cold
Michigan winters can be punishing, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures taking their toll on outdoor surfaces like brick pavers. Take these steps to protect them this season:
- Avoid De-Iicing Salts: Although de-icing salts can help melt away snow and ice quickly, they may damage brick pavers if used too frequently. Instead, use sand or kitty litter as a traction aid or an eco-friendly de-icing product to protect brick pavers.
- Snow Removal: Use a plastic shovel or snow blower to remove snow from your pavers. Metal shovels could chip or scratch their surface, letting snow and ice accumulate, which could lead to moisture penetration and costly damages over time.
- Prevent Ice Dams: For best results, ensure proper drainage to help prevent ice dams from forming along the edges of your pavers and trapping water that could freeze over. Ice dams can then expand and contract as temperatures change, causing costly damages when they freeze over.
Year-Round Tips to Promote Paver Longevity
As well as regular maintenance, there are some general tips you can follow to keep your brick pavers looking their best year-round:
- Regular Sweeping: Sweep your pavers regularly to remove dirt, debris, and leaves to reduce buildup and preserve their beauty. This will help prevent buildup from accumulating and maintain their elegance for years.
- Assuring Adequate Drainage for Pavers: Make sure that your pavers have sufficient drainage to prevent pooled water from pooling up and causing irreparable damage.
- Reapply Sealants: Depending on the type of sealer you use, you may need to reapply it every few years to maintain its protective qualities.
Trust PMS Brick Pavers for their expertise!
Maintaining brick pavers doesn’t need to be a tedious chore – with proper preventive maintenance, they will remain an asset and source of beauty for many years.
If you have any inquiries or require advice for your Oakland or Macomb County paver project, don’t hesitate to reach out! The professionals at PMS Brick Pavers are willing to offer guidance and support so your outdoor spaces look their best.