Q)We would like a new driveway but so many of the examples we have seen locally have puddles and weeds!
A)If a driveway is constructed properly this should never happen, paving is only as good as whats underneath it. Fail to prepare prepare to fail!
Treat a new Driveway or Patio as if it were a new expensive carpet...
You wouldnt think about not hoovering it or cleaning it if you spilt a drink!
Driveways and Patios can last for years with the correct cleaning and maintenance. A light brush over once every 8 - 10 weeks to remove any debris or moss will prolong the life and save you money in the future!...
Important FAQS About Cleaning...
Efflorescence
All concrete products may, in their early life, appear to lose some intensity of colour and experience a milky-white stain on the face of the product. This is efflorescence staining. It is a temporary phenomenon and is in no way detrimental to the performance of the material. Clay products may also suffer from a temporary white stain called efflorescence. This is quite different from efflorescence in concrete products and is caused by soluble salts within the clay being transported by water to the surface as they dry out.
Maintenance
Paving materials require periodic cleaning to maintain their appearance. Regular sweeping to prevent the build-up of detritus is recommended. Light coloured blocks, whilst structurally sound for driveway use, do emphasise tyre marks and oil spills on the driveway. It must be accepted that these products will need more maintenance if the overall appearance is to be maintained. Proprietary cleaning agents are widely available and details of which are always given upon completing of any new drive or patio. Care should be taken when buying cleaning agents as some varieties contain a concentration of acid, which can adversely affect the appearance of concrete products, clay and natural stone. For general cleaning of dirt and algae, vigorous brushing with a stiff yard broom with plenty of hot detergent solution (washing up liquid or non-bio washing powder), thoroughly rinsed with clean water should suffice. Repeated treatment may be required for paved areas sited beneath trees or in permanent/near permanent shade. In certain circumstances, prolonged contact with wet leaves can result in staining of the paved area. Such contact should be avoided wherever practical.
Power-washing
Power-washing with high-pressure equipment is not normally required. Should these methods be employed, the following precautions should be observed:
- Paving should be thoroughly swept to remove detritus (loose debris) that could act as an abrasive agent when moved by the force of a power jet.
- A trial area should be tested before larger scale power-washing takes place.
- No more than a medium pressure should be applied when washing paving.
- The power-washing lance should be held at an oblique angle to the paving and at least 200mm (8”) from the surface.
- If excess sand is washed from the joints during the washing exercise, it is important that the joints are re-sanded with similar materials upon completion.
- If mortar joints between pavings are damaged during power washing they should be re-pointed/made good with fresh pointing as required, to maintain the integrity of the paving.
