Your outdoor space is an investment, and like any investment, it requires care to maintain its beauty and functionality. From polymeric sand to sealants, regular upkeep will extend the life of your hardscape features, helping them look pristine for years to come.
Whether you're maintaining your patio, walkways, or retaining walls, here’s everything you need to know about keeping your outdoor living space in top condition:
Polymeric Sand: A Must for Paver Joints
Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand and polymeric additives that is used to fill in the joints between pavers, tiles, and other pavement materials. When water comes into contact with the polymeric sand, it activates the bonding agent that binds materials together, resulting in a flexible, concrete-like material to fill in between the joints.
The most common polymeric sand colors include tan and grey, offering a natural look that complements various paver styles. This type of sand provides several benefits, including durability and resistance to weeds, insects, and rain.
Compared to regular sand, polymeric sand is more effective at preventing weed growth and insect penetration while also being more resistant to erosion caused by rain.
How to Clean & Sand
Brick paver sanding should be refreshed approximately every 3 – 5 years, depending on the area's conditions. Whether you have a traditional patio or a curved paver walkway, proper maintenance will help prevent shifting and ensure long-term durability.
In shaded, frequently damp locations, moss growth is more likely. The entire process takes about two days to complete, with cleaning on the first day and sanding on the second.
Day 1: Cleaning
A pressure washer is used to remove all existing joint sand and debris.
The area must dry completely before sanding can begin.
Drying time depends on:
The base material used for the original paver installation
Weather conditions
The location of the pavers
The pitch (slope) of the pavers
Day 2: Sanding
New polymeric sand is poured and spread into the joints.
The sand is compacted using a plate compactor.
Excess sand is carefully removed.
The surface is lightly watered to activate the bonding agent.
All foam from the activation process must be removed to prevent hazing (a two-person task).
Important Notes:
Although polymeric sand is weed-resistant, it is not weed-proof. Weeds can form in between joints when seeds are blown from above into unkept paver joints.
If the sand is installed before the area is dry, there is a high likelihood the sand will leave hazing on the pavers.
Power washing and sanding can be done anytime temperatures are above 40 degrees.
Sealing: Protecting Your Pavers
Applying a sealant to brick pavers is an effective way to enhance their appearance while providing long-term protection. Sealants create a protective barrier that helps prevent damage from weather, stains, and organic growth like mold, mildew, weeds, and moss.
Beyond protection, sealing also improves the overall look of pavers by enhancing their natural color and giving them a fresh, well-maintained finish.
Note: If you’re considering upgrading your driveway, check out these brick driveway ideas for inspiration on creating a timeless, durable entrance.
There are 2 main types of sealants: water-based and solvent-based.
Water-based sealants are the most recommended option because they penetrate deeper into the surface and help harden the joint sand, which strengthens the overall paver structure. These sealants also tend to be easier to apply and reapply over time.
Solvent-based sealants, on the other hand, offer greater durability and longevity, making them a preferred choice for high-traffic areas. However, they can be more difficult to reapply when the time comes for maintenance.
In terms of benefits, sealed pavers are easier to clean and maintain since the protective layer prevents dirt and grime from embedding into the surface. Stains from oil, food, and other spills are less likely to seep in, making cleanup much simpler.
Additionally, sealing helps protect against the natural elements, reducing the wear and tear caused by rain, snow, and UV exposure.
How to Clean & Seal
When sealing your paver surface, polymeric sand application is not required beforehand. However, if polymeric sand is used, you must wait at least 30 days after installation before applying a sealant, to ensure proper curing.
For newly installed patios, it is recommended to wait a full year before sealing, to prevent trapping efflorescence—a natural white residue that can appear on pavers.
Ideal Temperature & Weather Conditions
For the best results, sealing should be done under the following conditions:
Temperature: Between 50°F and 90°F
Humidity: Low humidity levels
Rain: No rain expected for at least 24 hours after application
Sealing Step-by-Step
Clean the Surface: Remove all dirt, dust, and debris to ensure a smooth application.
Check for Leveling: Ensure the surface is even and properly set before sealing.
Apply the Sealer: Use the appropriate tools to spread the sealant evenly across the surface.
Allow for Drying: In optimal conditions, the sealer should be allowed to dry approximately 24 hours before the surface is used.
In Michigan, sealing generally takes place between May and August, because of the overnight temperatures.
While sealing is essential for protecting paver surfaces, other hardscape elements, like retaining walls and steps, also require proper maintenance. Though they don’t need sealing, they still benefit from routine care to prevent structural issues.
Wall Maintenance
Unlike pavers, walls and steps do not require aggressive pressure washing, because they are constructed differently. These structures are typically bonded with adhesive glue or connected through pin systems, which can be compromised by high-pressure water. Excessive force can weaken the bonds, causing the materials to shift or separate over time.
Instead, walls and steps should be lightly power washed as part of routine paver maintenance. A gentle wash helps remove dirt, dust, and minor surface buildup without damaging the structural integrity of the wall. For areas with stubborn stains, a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent can be used to spot-clean.
Regular maintenance also includes checking for shifting or loose stones and ensuring proper drainage around the wall. Water buildup behind retaining walls can lead to long-term structural issues, so keeping weep holes or drainage channels clear is essential.
Additionally, applying a sealant can help protect the surface from weathering, stains, and organic growth like moss or mildew.
How to Keep Pavers Looking Good Between Professional Maintenance
Shovel snow off in the winter: Any hard surface (pavers, concrete, asphalt) will have a longer life cycle when snow is removed.
Remove leaves in the fall: If leaves are not removed, they can cause temporary staining and help moss grow.
If water is puddling on the patio, call Decra-Scape: A minor repair can prevent standing water from making the problem worse.
Keep gutters in the area clean: Prevent water overflow onto the pavers or near your home’s foundation.
Do not use heavy chemical salts on pavers: Ask Decra-Scape about our approved salt list.
Do not power wash your patio: Power washing can result in the loss of polymeric sand. Instead, simply use a hose to rinse the surface.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your outdoor living space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a regular maintenance schedule, using high-quality materials like polymeric sand and sealants, and taking simple steps to keep your patio in great shape, you’ll enjoy a luxurious and long-lasting hardscape.
Not sure which materials are best for your space? Explore different patio surface options to find the perfect fit for your outdoor area.
Have more questions about hardscape maintenance and repairs? We’d love to discuss the options with you. For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.
