Brick Paving Maintenance & Aftercare Guide – How to Clean, Protect and Maintain Brick Paving
Brick paving is widely used in domestic gardens for pathways, patios, driveways and feature areas, offering flexibility in design and long-term durability. However, correct brick paving maintenance and aftercare is essential to prevent staining, joint failure, weed growth and surface movement. This guide sets out clear routine, annual and long-term care advice to help protect brick paving and extend its lifespan.
Brick paving, either pathways, driveways, features or patios may be designed into domestic gardens, in a wide variety of patterns. Most bricks are standard size 75mm x 200mm x 100mm, although some specialised bricks are available at 50mm thick, comprised of natural clays, hard fired depending on use and traffic. (See Block paving for concrete products)
Routine Maintenance – Weekly or Monthly, Depending on Site Conditions
Sweeping – by hand broom – remove leaves, dirt and detritus, grit or organic debris to prevent staining and discouraging moss and algae growth.
Remove any stains, including oil, leaf tannins, sap or wine/coffee etc promptly to prevent staining, by use of warm soapy water and stiff brushes. Avoid using any chemical cleaners unless specifically recommended by the manufacturers.
Some bricks may be more porous than others, due to manufacturing and firing variations, creating varying densities and strengths. Always refer to the suppliers information sheets before using any cleaners.
Spot cleaning may be required to prevent discolouration. Avoid kitchen cleaners, including vinegar and bleach based products.
If the bricks have been laid with sand joints, do not use a vacuum device, as this will remove the kiln dried sand from the joints and weaken the surface of the feature. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IF THE SURFACE IS LAID TO SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE METHODS, AS THE JOINTS ARE SLIGHTLY WIDER DUE TO INBUILT NIBS.
Annual Maintenance – As Required, According to Site Conditions
If required, use a low-pressure washer or garden hose to loosen and remove any detritus from the surface, using a wide angle/spread nozzle, avoiding thin jets, as they may cause uneven patterning to occur.
Check the jointing, especially if sand filled, and replace with fresh kiln dried sand by gently brushing into the gaps. Polymeric sand (mix of sand and polymer binders, that harden when wet) will stabilise the bricks and prevent weed growth may be used, except on permeable projects as the sand prevent water filtration.
LONGER TERM MAINTENANCE (As required, according to site conditions)
Longer Term Maintenance – As Required, According to Site Conditions
Check for loose or cracked bricks, and replace/re-set into position.
If required, a suitable protective sealant may be applied, following the manufacturers instructions. Sealants will reduce the risk of staining, colour fading or moisture damage. Their use may enhance the colour of the brick paving.
Any low areas may be lifted, and relaid over a new sharp sand/cement laying bed as required.
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.
