Spring Paver Maintenance
Sealing Your Pavers
Getting your pavers sealed should be your first Spring paver maintenance task. Stone pavers become faded and start to lose their colors gradually over time. Especially after severe winters which are common in Westchester County. Ice, frost, and snow are commonly the culprit for faded, dull pavers. Sealing your pavers will enhance and deepen the colors. As a result, it will keep the pavers looking brand new. Sealers also allow the pavers to retain their natural colors longer. If your pavers are already faded, sealers will restore them and make them look new again. Ideally, homeowners should have their pavers sealed every two to four years. However, this depends on how faded the colors of the stones get over time. Sealing your stone pavers also adds additional protection from staining and oil spills. Gas, oils, and de-icers can stain pavers permanentley.
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Spring Paver Maintenance Involves Weed Removal
Weeds, grasses, and plants will commonly grow in between the cracks of stone pavers. The easiest way to prevent this is to fill the joints in your stones with polymetric sand to effectively prevent weed growth. However, if your pavers are not jointed with polymetric sand, you can simply remove the weeds by hand. or use a weed killer that won’t stain or damage the pavers.
What Causes Asphalt Cracking In Residential Driveways In Mahopac, New York
Asphalt Cracking? What Causes It?
Asphalt cracking is a direct result of frost heave. It’s a common winter problem throughout Westchester/Putnam Counties. It occurs when the freezing and thawing effects of frost result in the formation of ice pockets underneath the asphalt in the sub-base. As the ice pockets grow, they start to push the asphalt up, which causes heaving and cracking in the asphalt. Over time asphalt damaged by heaving will crack in a pattern that is referred to as “Alligator Cracking”, cracking that resembles the hide of an alligator, interconnected or interlaced. Driveways that suffer from heaving and aren’t properly maintained will continue to deteriorate with each upcoming winter. As these cracks proliferate, they will allow water to enter under the asphalt, thus ruining a smoothly paved driveway.
Other Related Issues To Asphalt Cracking
For many homeowners, water will enter underneath their driveways. This will occur anywhere the asphalt meets another surface and forms a joint. A joint is a space between two layers of asphalt. Joints may appear small at first. However, they can eventually become large enough to allow enough water to slip underneath and cause problems. Asphalt joints will commonly form in certain locations. The most common place to look for them is where the asphalt meets another surface, such as concrete. Garage floors are often the root cause of heaving in residential driveways. Over time the asphalt settles and shifts slightly away from the concrete floor forming a gap.
Driveways that meet concrete sidewalks are also prone to heaving. The curb is another place where joints typically form. This is because water frequently flows towards the curb. This can vary depending on the pitch of the driveway. Persistent running water and ice over time will cause erosion. As a result, it will open joints against the curb of the driveway.
Fixing the Problem
The severity of the cracking/upheaval caused by heaving will dictate how the problem should be fixed. Small spots with minimal cracks can be fixed by saw cutting around the cracked area and laying down an asphalt patch. However extensive cracking and/or upheaval throughout the entire driveway needs more extensive evaluation, to determine if there are underlying drainage issues or sub-base repairs that need to be addressed.
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Winter Maintenance And Care For Your Stone Pavers In Somers, New York
Winter Maintenance For Pavers Is Important! Here’s Why
Stone Pavers add curb appeal to your home. They come in a variety of designs. They’re also durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. In addition, they’re resistant to cracking/physical damage. Also, most pavers are stain-resistant to spills. However, if not maintained, you will notice changes in their appearance. Winter maintenance for pavers is important to keep them looking sharp. Here are a few steps you can take in order to properly care for your stone pavers.
Winter Maintenance
Pavers can withstand freezing cold, snow, and ice during winter. Winter maintenance for stone pavers is as simple as following these steps.
- De-icing Products: Use a proper de-icer. Apply them to effectively melt ice and snow.
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Sodium chloride is commonly known as “rock salt.” it will melt away ice that freezes on your pavers. It is best used in cold temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Calcium Chloride (CaCl2): Calcium chloride is a great alternative. It’s effective in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
While De-Icers Prevent Ice From Forming, They Must Be Cleaned Afterwards
- Apply de-icing products minimally. Avoid over-applying them to pavers.
- Remove leftover de-icing chemicals. Do this after all ice and snow have melted.
- Avoid using de-icers that aren’t recommended for pavers such as magnesium-based products.
- Washing pavers after winter is recommended. Use a power washer to remove leftover de-icers. Simple soap and water solutions work well.
Snow Removal
Plastic shovels with rubber blades are a must. Snowplows should have rubber blade protectors. This will prevent your pavers from scratching.
