Pavers are usually the first choice for outdoor surface landscaping. However, pavers can get very dirty over the years, especially if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. Generally, pavers are made of pre cast concrete, brick or granite which has a strong tendency to attract dirt and grime. Therefore, cleaning pavers is a very important step in maintaining the hygiene as well as beauty of your home and its surroundings.
The best way to clean pavers is by using a pressure cleaner. Pressure cleaning pavers involves using water which is sprayed at a very high pressure. The water hits the surface at a very high pressure dislocating the dirt and thoroughly cleans the surface of the pavers. The pressure level of pressure cleaners can be adjusted according to the level of dirt on the pavers.
Cleaning pavers with the help of a pressure cleaner is an easy task as dirt and stains can be easily removed with this device. Stains can get formed on the pavers on the driveway due to spills and leaks from oil, tar, etc. All these stubborn stains can be easily removed by pressure cleaning. You can also use stain removal chemicals and solvents during pressure cleaning.
Like all mechanical devices, a pressure cleaner too comes along with its own list of do's and don'ts. There are a few things to keep in mind when you decide to get your pavers cleaned by a pressure cleaner:
* Water is stored in the water pump in a pressure cleaner. Always ensure that the water is up to the sufficient level in the water pump. If the water falls below this mark, it could cause serious harm to the pressure cleaner.
* Always keep a safe distance from the area of the surface being pressure cleaned. The pressure of the water at the nozzle is very powerful. It is powerful enough to separate flesh from bone. Therefore, ensure that there is nobody, especially children and pets, roaming about near the place that is being pressure cleaned.
* Sometimes, cleaning pavers with only water with a pressure cleaner may not be enough. You may need to use detergents or other solvents to get rid of stains. However, read the instruction manual carefully before you use anything other than water in the water pump of the device. Most pressure cleaning usually involves detergents mixed with water.
* Always make sure that you are applying the correct level of pressure. The pressure level can be adjusted on the nozzle of the device.
* Before actually using a pressure cleaner, sweep the area to be cleaned with a broom. This will take care of large debris and loose dust that could otherwise create problems if the pressure cleaner is used directly.
* Make sure that the surface to be cleaned is hard enough to endure the high pressure.
Thus, pressure cleaning is the best away for cleaning pavers as long as you follow the guidelines and safety tips.
By: Erin Maldonado
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Tips for Cleaning Pavers and Sealing Pavers
Pavers add to the beauty of your landscape. A well maintained pavement reflects on the beauty of your house. Therefore, it is essential that you maintain it well. Cleaning pavers would be easy once you know about pavers. Choosing wrong cleaning materials and faulty cleaning methods spoil the look of pavements. Therefore it is important that you learn about pavers before venturing into cleaning.
Understand Pavers
Concrete or limestone is generally used in making pavers. Often bricks and natural stones are also used. You should ensure that pavers are sealed as soon as they are laid in your backyard, driveways or patio. If you do not seal it, stains and cracks on the surface of the pavers can damage your pavements soon. Sealing pavers will enhance the color of the pavers giving a new look. Once applied a sealant, the surface will remain stain free and it will also be easy to clean it.
Cleaning of bricks
Bricks absorb oil and stains fast, making your pavement dirty and slippery. High pressure cleaning is not recommended for brick pavers as it can damage the bricks. Always clean it using a low pressure cleaner.
Cleaning concrete pavers
Color pigments are often used in concrete pavers. Rampant usage of chemicals can cause fading or discoloration of the pavers. Consult a professional before start cleaning concrete pavers. After cleaning you can apply a sealant so that the color remains protected for a long time.
Use simple methods
Your job does not end with sealing pavers. You have to clean pavers regularly because damp weather makes pavers absorb moisture from the environment along with dust and can spoil the show of your pavement. So, clean them and mop them regularly. Avoid using any highly concentrated chemicals that damage the environment. Always look for natural formulae for cleaning. You can use a high pressure cleaner and spray the pavers with salt water. For cleaning stains that are lighter, a solution of detergent and warm water would be advisable. However, stains of petrol or oil will not dissolve in water or soap. You can use a commercial product available in the market under the guidance of a professional. Another way of cleaning oil or petrol stains is the use of kitty litter on pavers on the previous night and sweep off the next day.
Use of chemicals
A solution of bleach powder and water in a proportion of 1:10 can also be used for cleaning pavers. Apply the solution over the pavers with a brush and then scrub. Remember that bleach can cause discoloration. Therefore try it on one of the pavers in a corner and see the result before you start cleaning. For removing paint from pavers, paint thinner can be applied on the pavers and then scrape it out with a rag carefully. The most difficult job is to remove rust stains from pavers. When the normal methods do not work, use an appropriate chemical with the help of a professional. After cleaning pavers allow it to dry.
Safety
You should take adequate safety precautions before starting cleaning pavers. Always wear hand gear and safety goggles if you are doing the cleaning yourself using a chemical agent.
By: Jeraldine Travis
Understand Pavers
Concrete or limestone is generally used in making pavers. Often bricks and natural stones are also used. You should ensure that pavers are sealed as soon as they are laid in your backyard, driveways or patio. If you do not seal it, stains and cracks on the surface of the pavers can damage your pavements soon. Sealing pavers will enhance the color of the pavers giving a new look. Once applied a sealant, the surface will remain stain free and it will also be easy to clean it.
Cleaning of bricks
Bricks absorb oil and stains fast, making your pavement dirty and slippery. High pressure cleaning is not recommended for brick pavers as it can damage the bricks. Always clean it using a low pressure cleaner.
Cleaning concrete pavers
Color pigments are often used in concrete pavers. Rampant usage of chemicals can cause fading or discoloration of the pavers. Consult a professional before start cleaning concrete pavers. After cleaning you can apply a sealant so that the color remains protected for a long time.
Use simple methods
Your job does not end with sealing pavers. You have to clean pavers regularly because damp weather makes pavers absorb moisture from the environment along with dust and can spoil the show of your pavement. So, clean them and mop them regularly. Avoid using any highly concentrated chemicals that damage the environment. Always look for natural formulae for cleaning. You can use a high pressure cleaner and spray the pavers with salt water. For cleaning stains that are lighter, a solution of detergent and warm water would be advisable. However, stains of petrol or oil will not dissolve in water or soap. You can use a commercial product available in the market under the guidance of a professional. Another way of cleaning oil or petrol stains is the use of kitty litter on pavers on the previous night and sweep off the next day.
Use of chemicals
A solution of bleach powder and water in a proportion of 1:10 can also be used for cleaning pavers. Apply the solution over the pavers with a brush and then scrub. Remember that bleach can cause discoloration. Therefore try it on one of the pavers in a corner and see the result before you start cleaning. For removing paint from pavers, paint thinner can be applied on the pavers and then scrape it out with a rag carefully. The most difficult job is to remove rust stains from pavers. When the normal methods do not work, use an appropriate chemical with the help of a professional. After cleaning pavers allow it to dry.
Safety
You should take adequate safety precautions before starting cleaning pavers. Always wear hand gear and safety goggles if you are doing the cleaning yourself using a chemical agent.
By: Jeraldine Travis
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Positive Impact of Rain Gardens
Thinking about the current concern to conserve and be eco-friendly, I decided that I would let you in on one great way anyone can help further conservation. There is a recent trend receiving a lot of popularity among homeowners and other real estate owners called rain gardens. These are designed to help prevent rainwater run-off into sewers, rivers, and streams and help replenish the local groundwater.
What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a strategically placed flower or plant bed of native, deep rooted plants, in a shallow depression. The location of it is planned out to receive the run-off from rooftops, sidewalks, and driveways. This helps conserve municipal water and prevents contamination of streams and rivers since they are not receiving the run-off which may contain fertilizers and other commonly used chemicals.
Why is it okay for the flower or plant beds to receive contaminated run-off instead of the rivers and streams? The water that is re-routed to the rain gardens slowly soaks into the ground and filters naturally in the process. This does not happen when the water is directed to the gutter, into the sewer, and then into streams and rivers. In this process the water just collects even more contaminants, which then contaminates our water systems and reliant wildlife.
A typical rain garden is dug four to eight inches deep, although sometimes as much as one or two feet deep. It is ideal to plant them with deep-rooted native plants as they are more hardy and acclimated to the environment and soil make-up. The depth of the garden is important so that it can hold large quantities of water to decrease the need for irrigation. This also helps recharge the local groundwater while it slowly seeps into the surrounding soil. Because the water is below ground it diminishes standing water and reduces mosquito breeding.
Aside from the environmental benefits of having a rain garden, there are aesthetic benefits as well. With the plants naturally receiving all the water they need, they are able to flourish and create a natural habitat, even during dry periods. This invites natural wild-life, such as butterflies, to grace your garden with their beautiful presence. Also, rainwater is actually better for your plants as it does not contain the added minerals that tap water does, such as lime, calcium, and chlorine. These minerals decrease the quality of the soil and make it harder for the plants to receive the nutrients they need.
Rain gardens can be pretty easy to install on your own. All you would have to do is a little bit of research on native plants that would thrive in a rain garden and download detailed directions on how to install it. Otherwise, you can always hire your local landscape contractor to help you pick out the best plants and do the labor instead. Either way, I hope you have been enlightened and inspired by the importance and benefits of having a rain garden!
By: Jennifer Murphree
What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a strategically placed flower or plant bed of native, deep rooted plants, in a shallow depression. The location of it is planned out to receive the run-off from rooftops, sidewalks, and driveways. This helps conserve municipal water and prevents contamination of streams and rivers since they are not receiving the run-off which may contain fertilizers and other commonly used chemicals.
Why is it okay for the flower or plant beds to receive contaminated run-off instead of the rivers and streams? The water that is re-routed to the rain gardens slowly soaks into the ground and filters naturally in the process. This does not happen when the water is directed to the gutter, into the sewer, and then into streams and rivers. In this process the water just collects even more contaminants, which then contaminates our water systems and reliant wildlife.
A typical rain garden is dug four to eight inches deep, although sometimes as much as one or two feet deep. It is ideal to plant them with deep-rooted native plants as they are more hardy and acclimated to the environment and soil make-up. The depth of the garden is important so that it can hold large quantities of water to decrease the need for irrigation. This also helps recharge the local groundwater while it slowly seeps into the surrounding soil. Because the water is below ground it diminishes standing water and reduces mosquito breeding.
Aside from the environmental benefits of having a rain garden, there are aesthetic benefits as well. With the plants naturally receiving all the water they need, they are able to flourish and create a natural habitat, even during dry periods. This invites natural wild-life, such as butterflies, to grace your garden with their beautiful presence. Also, rainwater is actually better for your plants as it does not contain the added minerals that tap water does, such as lime, calcium, and chlorine. These minerals decrease the quality of the soil and make it harder for the plants to receive the nutrients they need.
Rain gardens can be pretty easy to install on your own. All you would have to do is a little bit of research on native plants that would thrive in a rain garden and download detailed directions on how to install it. Otherwise, you can always hire your local landscape contractor to help you pick out the best plants and do the labor instead. Either way, I hope you have been enlightened and inspired by the importance and benefits of having a rain garden!
By: Jennifer Murphree
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