Correct Method Of Brick Paver Restoration
Brick paver restoration is not as easy as it may seem. Many companies now offer this service, yet few truly understand how to produce quailty & lasting results. There is all kinds of conflicting information out there about cleaning & sealing brick pavers.
Pressure washing is the first step in the restoration process, but how is this accomplished? Using the wand method, sweeping back & forth will not produce the same results our specialized surface cleaning tool. The wand method is inferior because it results in missed area’s. With all the dirt & moss laying on the surface it’s impossible to see what is clean & dirty. Moss & dirt will deflect onto the surroundings making a huge mess. Our surface cleaning tool cleans every inch of the surface & contains the overspray during the cleaning process.
After the pavers are dry, it’s time to fill paver joints with sand. Other companies will recommend polymeric sand as opposed commercial grade sand. Polymeric sand works great if you are NOT planning on sealing the pavers & want to avoid sand loss due to washout. However, it’s not necessary to use polymeric sand if you are sealing the brick pavers. Even the best polymeric sand available contains a fine powder which sticks to the pores of the pavers causing a hazy residue to appear on the surface. We have found using commercial grade sand, as opposed to polymeric sand, then saturating the sand with Paver Gloss sealer produces the longest lasting results. First the sand contains no residue. Second, the sand will absorb the acrylic sealer deeper causing a lasting permanent bond which is more effective than polymeric sand over time.
Lastly, the application method of sealer is very important. You may be told that it’s better to apply acrylic sealer with a roller than a low pressure sprayer because it will apply a heavier coat which lasts longer. Nothing could be further from the truth. The roller head touches the sand often removing it from the joints between the pavers & depositing it on the surface. A roller applies the sealer very heavy which often leads to a hazing effect in a short period of time. This result occurs when a clear acrylic sealer is applied to thick & heavy with a roller.