Block Paving Maintenance & Aftercare Guide – How to Clean, Protect and Maintain Block Paving
Block paving is widely used for driveways, paths, car parks and feature areas due to its durability and versatility. However, without correct block paving maintenance and aftercare, surfaces can suffer from staining, weed growth, joint failure and block movement. This guide provides clear advice on routine, annual and long-term maintenance to help protect block paving and maintain its structural integrity.
Block paving projects may be driveways, car parks, footpaths or feature panels in larger areas, laid in one or more of several designs, including herring-bone, stack bond, basket weave or running bond. They are usually made from coloured concrete, and may be considered a ‘natural’ material.
Routine Maintenance – Weekly or Monthly, Dependent on Site Conditions
Sweeping – by hand broom – remove leaves, dirt and detritus, grit or organic debris to prevent staining and discourage moss or algae growth.
Remove any oil spills, leaf tannins, sap etc promptly, to prevent staining, by use of warm water and stiff brushes. Avoid using any chemical cleaners, unless specifically recommended by the manufacturers.
Weed control – use a proprietary weed killer designated safe to use on concrete products (avoid ferrous sulphate moss killers, as these will cause discolouration). Ideally, remove weeds by hand, or metal tools, including specialised attachments.
Annual Maintenance – As Required, Dependent of Site Conditions
Check the surface for any cracked blocks, and ensure the joints are full with kiln dried sand. Full joints are essential to prevent lateral movement by the blocks, especially near to the edges of the site.
For permeable sustainable projects with wider nib blocks, ensure the joints are filled at all times to maintain stability.
If the blocks are to be sealed, wait until they have dried out thoroughly, applying a suitable sealant carefully following the manufacturers instructions, after any efflorescence has cleared from the surface by natural weathering.
Cleaning, by the use of a pressure washer set to low, with a wide spread nozzle set at 30 degrees, across the joints, to avoid chasing the kiln dried sand from the interstices, should be carried out if deemed necessary. (We do not advise pressure washing as a regular routine task)
Longer Term Maintenance – As Required, According to Site Conditions
Continue with annual checking of the condition of the blocks, replacing as required. Continue with maintaining sanded joints to prevent lateral migration of the blocks.
If the blocks are sealed, this may need reapplying every two to five years, depending on the site, to protect against UV fading and water damage (freeze/thaw) Water based or acrylic sealants are available. Note that there will be colour enhancements with all sealants.
To ensure the longest possible life for your investment, keep a diary log of the site conditions and works programme undertaken.
ALL NATURAL MATERIALS CHANGE COLOUR AFTER EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND THE ELEMENTS. Any changes should not be seen as defects.
