Pavers are a marvel of the hardscape industry. It has being used for centuries for many cultures across the globe, and for good reason. Nowadays, one of the best brands of pavers you can go for is Belgard. So can you power wash Belgard pavers? Are there any other maintenance restrictions?
Paver maintenance is a big deal. It is extremely important to make sure your investment pays off in the long run. A well cared paver installation can last for years and add tons of value to your house, so that is something you don’t want to take lightly.
So let’s talk about maintenance, starting with the main question on this article.
Power Washing Belgard Pavers
So, can you power wash Belgard pavers? The answer is yes, you can. But you have to be careful about it.
You have to pay attention to the pressure you’re applying, as well as the distance from the pavers and the correct type of nozzle.
To pressure wash your Belgard paver installation, start with a 25-degree nozzle, focusing on the areas that seem to be dirtier. Once the area is soaked, apply a pH-neutral cleaning product. You should always check the cleaning product on a small area first to make sure it is safe.
Let the cleaning product sit for about five minutes and then change to a surface cleaner or rotatory nozzle. The pressure should never exceed 1500 psi. Start at 1000 psi and slowly work your way up until you see all the dirt being washed away.
As important as the right pressure is the right distance. Keep the nozzle about 8 inches away from the pavers at all times, and always at a degree of about 45°. Avoid hitting the joints as much as possible, try to focus only on the pavers themselves.
Still, you are going to dislodge some sand, which will need to be replaced later on.
That’s why it is important to keep an eye on the forecast and try to do this process on a stream of sunny days. You’ll have to leave your pavers to dry after pressure washing them, and later reapply the sand.
Other Maintenance Practices
Aside from a deep cleaning with pressure washing, there are other important practices you can perform on your pavers.
In fact, if you follow those practices, your paver won’t even get dirty enough to be in need of pressure washing anyway.
The ideal cleaning routine would be to regularly sweep your pavers, removing any debris from it. Especially biological material, like leaves, that can stain the pavers when left unchecked for too long.
Keeping your pavers as free from debris as possible and immediately rinsing any spills that might occur will already make sure you won’t have to worry about deep cleaning them for a long time.
And, of course, you can never forget that you need to seal your pavers once about three years if they are porous, like concrete or natural stone.
In fact, the type of paver you choose can greatly influence in the maintenance process.
The most reliable and widely spread type of paver, the concrete ones, are porous, so they need to be cleaned and sealed regularly.
Natural stone works just the same, with the addition that cleaning products designed for stone can be a little more expensive.
As for the non-porous options, like porcelain, they are a huge leg up. You won’t have to worry about stains, as the non-porous nature of the pavers won’t allow them to absorb any spills. In that case, a regular sweep and a deep cleaning once a year are more than enough.
Belgard Recommendations
Belgard has a certain set of recommendations when it comes to paver maintenance.
They recommend the regular sweep of your pavers and the application of granular weed preventative between the joint of the installation.
Weeds can be really damaging to a paver installation. The best way to prevent them is to have a proper bedding and sloe during the installation process, to avoid a good environment for them to grow.
Also, they recommend a seasonal cleaning during spring, starting with a sweeping with a hard bristled broom followed by the pressure washing process.
De-icing substance should be used carefully and only in extreme cases. As for sealers, they should not be applied more than once every three years.
Belgard Pavers: Power Wash and Installation
You will never go wrong when choosing to work with Belgard pavers.
They are one of the best brands available in the market, with more than 20,000 hours spent on the development of new technologies and products every year.
We here at Eagle Pavers have worked closely with Belgard products during the entirety of our 14 years of experience. We have seen them fulfill the dreams of many homeowners with their hardscape projects.
Waste no time in looking for an authorized dealer in your area and acquiring the best pavers the market can offer.
And if you are around the Sarasota and Manatee counties, in FL, why not give us a call to help you?
You can contact us right now at +1 941-210-4192 or email us at sales@eaglepavers.us. We would be happy to hear from you and help you with your paver project.