Brick Pavers Cleaning & Sealing Now in Season for Summer

The summer season has began for cleaning & sealing of brick pavers in Southeast Michigan.  As the temperatures and dryer weather prevail, the conditions for an optimal sealing of brick pavers exists. These homeowners in Canton, MI decided to have their brick pavers done in June. 

Spring in Southeast Michigan presents a lot of challenges for cleaning and sealing brick pavers.  Weather and temperatures are erratic and can cause anxiety and frustration when executing a brick paver sealing project.  I usually would recommend that cleaning & sealing of brick pavers be scheduled after mid-May to insure optimal conditions for the best appearance.  The cleaning and sealing season will usually end by the end of October.  

The desired temperatures for brick paver sealants is between 50-90 degrees.  When deciding to seal pavers at the 2 extreme temps, its important to take in effect sunlight, humidity, and wind.  Cleaning of brick pavers and re-sanding of paver joints does not really have any weather restrictions.  Brick paver projects that do not involve using sealer, I will perform as early as late March to Thanksgiving.  

Cleaning & sealing of brick pavers can be performed as a DIY project or by a professional brick paver contractor.  Depending on which approach the homeowner decides to take, great patience and detail must be executed to have an optimal result and appearance.  

Brick Paver Walkway Brought Back to Life!

 Before

This homeowner had a brick paver walkway that was installed 32 years ago.  There has been no repair or maintenance work done to these pavers since the initial installation.  The homeowner considered having the brick walkway replaced with new pavers or concrete. 

After getting quotes for over $13,000 for replacing with new pavers and over $8,000 for a new concrete walk, this homeowner decided to go with my recommendation to "bring it back to life" with a brick paver restoration approach.  The cost for this "bring it back to life" paver restoration would be under $2,000.  The approach is to repair just some of the severely sunken pavers, but a lot imperfections would still remain.  

Before

Running a plate compactor over ALL the pavers would help improve performance by locking up the pavers.  This plate compaction also helps improve the overall appearance of the pavers.   

Powerwash cleaning the brick pavers and paver joints is a tedious job, even if using a 4000 psi powerwasher.  Great care is taken to reduce the mess from debris but using some common sense and experienced strategies makes the work successful.   

After

Clean up is done and then waiting for the pavers & pavers joints to dry begins.  The next day paver joint sand is swept in joints, blown off clean, and touched up to prepare for sealing.  

A high quality "matte" finish brick paver sealant is applied.  The first coat is a "flood coat" so it soaks into the joints, then shortly after, a light second coat is applied to adhere more sealant to the paver surface.  

After

The before & after pictures of this brick paver walkway tell the story. It is an incredible paver restoration & overall appearance but reversing the years of neglect is limited. 

I always advise if you stay on a routine brick paver maintenance program for your brick pavers, they can look like the day they were installed!

Brick Pavers Installed in the Midwest

Brick pavers patios, walks, and driveways

Brick Pavers in the last 30 years has evolved into one the most popular pavement options in the Midwest. The aesthetics and functional value of brick pavers make it the best financial choice for patios, walks, and driveways.  For purpose of this article, I will discuss grade (ground) level options and exclude elevated structures that compete with composite decks or landings.  In the Midwest, there are many challenges to pavement performance, mainly from the freeze thaw cycles (ground frost) we experience. 

The initial cost of installing brick pavers will exceed most cement and asphalt pavements.  Stamped concrete costs will be closer to the cost of a brick paver installation, but a variety of high end designed pavers will keep costs higher.  Brick paver manufacturers have spent incredible investment funds for research to improve the density, appearance, and performance of brick pavers.  Customer needs have changed over the past 30 years and meeting that need has improved the brick paver industry's response by giving many design, color, and texture options for homeowners.  

The cost of a brick paver installations have doubled over the past 15 years, mainly due to the cost of labor.  The brick paver market is a skilled labor that cannot be efficient or qualitative if done by a standard landscape crew.  Admittedly, it is not as skilled as masonry installations, but it takes an experienced and creative crew to execute the specifications and quality installation of todays brick paver designs.  General labor is still needed but this work is physical and time consuming.  Most brick pavers are installed for residential applications and each individual brick paver is handled and installed.  Mass installation of pavers by specialized equipment typically is reserved for large commercial or municipal applications.  Costs for base material has skyrocketed due the cost of mining and shipping.  Base materials are used for the base prep as well as the production of the asphalt, concrete, and brick pavers.

The cost advantage of brick pavers installation comes over time!  All pavements require some maintenance but asphalt requires the most frequent attention of surface maintenance and replacement.  Cement can be quiet for about 5 years in the Midwest but once cracks, shifting, and spalling occur, maintenance begins to accelerate for this pavement.  Replacement is the highest cost for cement pavements.  You can choose to do ongoing maintenance of crack filling, re-leveling, and staining but the aesthetic value declines considerably after 5 years.  

Brick pavers on the other hand give you the best value on costs over 10+ years.  Brick pavers do require some ongoing maintenance like sanding joints & sealing (optional) but these costs are nominal.  The aesthetic value is unmatched by other pavements as you can choose a design maximizing creative design, textures, and colors.  The functional value of brick pavers is the best pavement option for the Midwest's frequent freeze thaw cycle which moves or flexes all pavements during the Winter and early Spring.  I do not care how deep you prepare your base material for any pavement option, the earth will decide what it's going to do!  The beauty of brick pavers is that they have more flexibility to the movements of ground frost than asphalt and cement.  Brick pavers can easily be reset and do not require the replacement of the pavement over the long term.  Properly maintained brick paver applications like patios, walks, and driveways can last over 30 years before replacement may be considered.  

Brick Paver Patio Repair in High Demand for 2021

Canton, Plymouth, & Northville bids for patio repair & restoration soars 

Due to the pandemic, homeowners are requesting more than ever to have their brick paver patios updated, repaired, and restored to accommodate more entertaining and their family relaxing outside.  Brick pavers patios are the most popular outdoor living space throughout Southeast Michigan.  

The most popular style of brick paver patios is the Raised Paver Patio.  This patio is raised off the ground or grade level and is usually supported by modular retaining wall blocks & caps. The are very attractive and functional, but they do require more ongoing maintenance & repair than the basic ground level (grass level) brick paver patio.

The Raised Paver Patio was on fire during the 1990's and 2000's replacing wooden decks as the most designed outdoor living space extension in Metro Detroit.  During my company days, we removed more decks and cement patios than I can count.  Rarely did a homeowner request for a ground level patio.  The Raised Paver Patio design offered a more prominent structure and elegance.  I often would design a Multi-Level Raised Patio that offered some height variety & function for improving the landscape and home appearance.

As 15 years has past, the long-term feedback became apparent with Raised Paver Patios.  They require more upkeep than the traditional ground level paver patio.  The main culprit is the natural climate.  In Southeast Michigan, winter ground frost is that culprit.  Assuming the brick paver contractor installed the paver patio to the standard specifications, routine maintenance & repair like all outdoor structures is still needed. 

Homeowners wanting to entertain for this coming Summer and future years, need their brick paver
patios in top notch condition.  Appearance, safety, and functionality is paramount. Years of neglect and tolerance have gone out the window since this pandemic started in Spring 2020.  Creating an improved outdoor experience and necessity for 2021 is soaring as restoration contractors are overwhelmed with early season leads.  Homeowners are smart to get a jump on having this brick paver repair & restoration work contracted early so they can enjoy their Spring and Summer outside.

Raised Brick Paver Patio Rebuild in Plymouth MI

Experience is essential when doing Brick Paver Patio rebuilds

This past month we did a total rebuild and restoration of a Raised Brick Paver Patio in Plymouth, MI.  After 15 years of brutal winter frost / freeze thaw cycles, poor original installation, lack of routine maintenance, and just plain total neglect, we were able to bring this brick paver patio and steps back to life!

All the brick pavers and paver blocks & caps were lifted up and rebuilt to similar shape, design, and dimensions.  Any loose original base material was re-compacted and additional base material was added to raise, relevel, and properly repitch from the house.  

Deconstructing the current brick paver patio is a planned method and a strategy that we have developed over the years to maximize the re-use and function of the current products.  

Great care is taken to insure that products can be re-utilized and properly reconstruct the paver patio to its original design and beauty.  

After careful base prep and optimized heights are determined, the original brick pavers and paver blocks & caps are re-installed.

After the raised brick paver patio was totally reconstructed using the same brick pavers and paver blocks & caps, we cleaned and sealed to complete the restoration project.  See the results that you can have for your brick paver patio, walk, steps, driveway, and more!

Our brick paver company is one of the top rebuild and restoration brick paver contractors in Metro Detroit.  This is our signature work and our specialty.  Hiring the right brick paver company is essential for getting the best work & service done when repairing & restoring brick pavers.

Brick Pavers Patio and Steps repair, restoration, and maintenance

Pavers Patios, Steps,Walkways, Driveways, Entrances, and more!

Brick Doctor Bill and Team are wrapping up the 2017 season for brick pavers repair, restoration, cleaning, sealing, and maintenance services as the weather changes in Michigan. 2017 was a promising season for brick pavers as the economic conditions and education about maintenance for brick pavers grows.

Repair & Cleaning

Homeowners not only have some expendable income to restore their brick paver patios, walkways, driveways, or more, they also are receiving better education and knowledge on the yearly maintenance needs for maintaining their brick pavers.  Many homeowners that were able to purchase homes the past five years inherited many neglected and dilapidated brick paver structures that were not maintained over the many years.

These outdoor brick paver structures become a major priority for homeowners as they complete interior projects and these outdoor living spaces not only are a visual blight but become a serious hazard to use.  The outdoor living space is becoming the biggest growth in home improvement projects that homeowners consider in there home projects.

Patio Restored

Hiring a qualified brick paver restoration contractor is very important.  It is not just acceptable to hire a contractor that "installs" brick pavers.  Repair, restoration, and maintenance of brick pavers patios, walks, driveways, entrances, requires a specific skill, experience, and knowledge for an effective result. Many landscape and brick paver installing companies are only interested in installing your paver patio, walks, etc.. but do not offer timely or economical follow up services which are essential to maintain the appearance and performance of your investment.  Installing a new brick pavers structure is a much easier task than rebuilding and restoring an existing brick paver installation.

Patio Sealed

Hiring a qualified and experience brick pavers restoration contractor will save you a lot of unnecessary expense by using your current brick pavers, paver blocks & caps, and base material.  We have great expectations for future years as repair, restoration, and maintenance of brick pavers is better understood and utilized by homeowners. 

Over 30 Years Experience In All Our Paver Projects

Brick Pavers Restoration, Repair, Cleaning, & Sealing

The brick pavers industry in Southeast Michigan during 2015 faced a lot of challenges and twists & turns.  After a record Winter, the Detroit Area had a prolonged ground frost that stalled the start of the brick pavers and other pavement projects.  As the ground finally thawed during mid April, the onslaught of severe rainy weather continued well into late Summer.  As Fall weather has been normal, we are finally back on

BEFORE

track as production stays on schedule and restored brick pavers steam ahead for customers looking to improve the safety and appearance of their patio, steps, walks, drives, etc.. .

As weather continued to pound on brick paver contractors and landscaper alike this Spring and Summer, Brick Doctor Bill and crew continued to provide timely and quality brick pavers services for pavers patios, walkways, driveways, pool areas, and more!  Cleaning, sanding, and sealing pavers was faced with many scheduling challenges that only a committed brick pavers full service company can meet.

AFTER

Brick Doctor Bill and crew have committed their resources and experience to providing after market brick pavers restoration services that best meets customer's budget and needs.   Brick pavers require routine maintenance and our company structure offers these services in a timely and affordable manner. Estimates are done within a week and quotes are quickly recommended and detailed.restoration services that best meets customer's budget and needs.

BEFORE

 
We have been a top brick pavers contractor on Angie's List and many other referral sites & services.  Fendt Builder's Supply and Unilock, Inc recommend our brick pavers services with confidence.  We do not print advertise as we receive many referral leads, as well as, internet exposure and reviews.  We are always committed to brick pavers restoration issues and educating you on the proper maintenance and care involved with pavers patios, walkways, driveways, pool areas, and more.

AFTER

We have serviced the Canton, Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Northville, Novi, and  Livonia areas for over 30 years. We only work with interlocking brick pavers application and our experience and expertise shows!  We are a perfect balance of quality & price and our follow up services are unmatched.  Take the right step in restoring the performance, appearance, protection, and structural integrity of your brick pavers today, call Brick Doctor Bill for you house call!

Pavers Driveway Cleaning and Sealing in Bradenton, FL

Brick pavers repair, cleaning, joint sanding, and sealing restores some original beauty!

This past week we completed a pavers driveway restoration project in Bradenton, Florida. Like most brick pavers in the St Petersburg, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, & Sarasota areas, neglect and lack of proper maintenance inhibits the appearance and performance of this exceptional paving surface. With some professional attention to this brick paver driveway, we were able to restore some of its original beauty and long-term performance.

  We began this pavers driveway restoration project by doing some minor touch-up paver repairs by resetting some settled paving stones in the driveway and front paver walk.  We were able to successfully clean the mold, mildew, and organic matter in the joints and paver

surface by performing a high powered power wash cleaning.  By using a surface cleaner and turbo tip powerwash wand, we were able to prep the pavers driveway surface for proper sealing.

We re-sanded the paver joints with the proper paver joint sand, did numerous touch-ups of the joints, and blew off the pavers to remove any reminiscence of joint sand off the paver surface to allow for a clean and quality pavers sealing application.

After cutting in some tight areas, we generously applied with a commercial sprayer the high quality SEAL 'n LOCK Easy Seal brick paver sealant.  Due to the porous and weathered nature of this particular pavers driveway surface, we did apply 2 coats or applications of Easy Seal which normally only requires 1 coat.  Keep in mind that the current condition or porosity of your brick pavers will reflect the amount of paver sealant & applications needed which reflects into the overall job price.

 The end result was an incredible resurgence of the appearance of this brick pavers driveway and walk.  The homeowner was ecstatic about the restoration appearance but we were more concerned about the protection and long-term protection of the brick pavers!  We educated the homeowner on the on going maintenance requirements of their pavers driveway.  Cleaning and sealing of brick pavers should be performed about every 2 years and in between, joint sand sweeping should be performed to keep joints filled that become void from erosion and vehicle/foot traffic. 

Restoration of Brick Pavers Walkway installed 10 years ago

Simple paver maintenance will help avoid repairs and major restoration

This brick pavers walkway in Ann Arbor was recently restored by our company. The condition of this paver walk is a common occurrence that I estimate restoration for on a daily basis.  It was a reminder to me that neglect of simple routine paver maintenance will turn into a major restoration cost in the future.

This pavers walkway had never received any additional sweeping of joint sand since it was installed 10 years ago!  Who is to fault?  Neglect by the homeowner? or the lack of educating the homeowner by the installing contractor?  Either way, the homeowner is now responsible for the cost to restore this pavers walk.

The 2 contributing factors to the deterioration of this pavers walkway was the lack of paver joint sand in the paver joints and the exposure of the cement bead edge restraint.  If these simple maintenance requirements had been addressed, the homeowner would not have the cost of complete re-installation of this paver walkway.

The lack of keeping joint sand in the paver joints allows for water to take the least path of resistance.  Water will rush down the joints instead of running over the paver surface.  The result is the base below slowly erodes over time and allows the paving stones to sink, tilt, or loosen.  Joint sand also is the key factor in keeping the pavers "locked-up" and tight.  Lack of paver joint sand will allow the paving stones to loosen, gap, tilt, and shift.

The lack of the cement bead edge restraint being covered by proper landscaping (i.e. soils, grass, or mulch) allows the edge restraint to erode, crack, and break loose.  In turn, the outside row of pavers begin to "creep" out.  The result is the inner paving stones begin to excessively gap, loosen, and tilt.  I was amazed after 10 years that the cement bead edge restraint was totally exposed.  All the homeowner had to do was allow the grass to grow over the cement bead on the lawn side with a few bags of topsoil & seed and cover with mulch on the inside landscape bed.

We completely lifted up this pavers walkway, re-compacted the existing base, added new base material as needed to re-level, re-installed the pavers in like shape & design, cleaned the pavers, and swept in new pavers joint sand.  The homeowner also elected to have the paver walk sealed to enhance the color and give it the "wet look" appearance. The final result was another successful house call by the Doctor and staff!

Sealing of your Brick Paver Patio

Brick Paver Sealants can bring back the Life of your Pavers Patio

We have begun working this week in Michigan with temperatures topping 85 degrees this mid-March.  As we perform our normal Spring sand sweepings for customers, we have been getting a lot of interest for sealing of their brick paver patios, walks, driveways, and more.

I always explain to my customers that sealing of pavers is optional. You do not have to seal brick pavers to insure the long-term success of their structural integrity.  If you want to insure the long-term surface appearance from the effects of weathering or need to bring your aging pavers patio or walk back to life, then sealing is a viable option.

My professional opinion is to seal your brick pavers for "aesthetic" purposes first. If you like the enhanced or darkened color of your pavers when sealed, then consider having them sealed by a professional & experienced brick paver contractor.  To get a preview, just wet your pavers down on a cloudy day or when your pavers are in the shade to get a close representation of how they will look sealed.  That should be your number one reason to seal!

Sealing your pavers patio, walkway, driveway, etc.. for the sand joints or weed deterrence is the wrong reasons to seal pavers!  Keeping up with the routine maintenance requirements of brick pavers will help alleviate these issues. It is much cheaper to do Spring maintenance programs with full service brick pavers contractor than to pay the cost of sealing each 2-3years.  In addition, the sealed joint sand in frost states such as Michigan will still loosen over the winter months and need periodic touch-ups. 

One complication that has been arising this year is that customers we did extensive paver patio cleaning & sanding last year, now want to seal this year.  The issue is that their pavers patio has to have a general prep or cleaning prior to sealing because many customers have let the patio get dirty or stained.  Depending on the severity of the conditions, I have convinced most to do the cleaning prep themselves and we will fill the paver joints with sand as needed and properly apply the paver sealant.

In an earlier post I did on prepping for sealing, I explained the reasons for prep that are needed prior to applying an approved brick paver sealant to high density interlocking concrete pavers.  When you are dealing with a horizontal surface, outside, uncovered ,and unprotected from the elements, its an uncontrolled environment that has a lot of variables. You can not make it perfect and you just try to do the best you can to get the best possible results!

Protecting Brick Pavers and Steps from Winter damage

Options for protecting your paving stones and steps from de-icing materials

I was recently contacted by a civil engineer in eastern Pennsylvania about solutions to protect interlocking pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps from the ill effect of de-icing materilas during the winter months. Below is his email and my response for helping his clients protect their investment in high density concrete pavers & blocks.

Civil Engineer:

Bill,
I enjoyed finding and reading your blog today.  I am a civil engineer in eastern PA and so I spec a lot of modular retaining walls, but have never seen a contractor provide the detail and information that you do for post-installation maintenance.

I did have one question that i would like to pick your brain about, if you have the time.  Quite a few of the people who install these also salt the modular retaining wall steps over the winter and I've seen them crack, chip and deteriorate even sometimes after just one or 2 winters.  Is this normal and should I warn them about salting the stairs?  Because it seems that affects the block more than the temperature variation.

My Response:

Kyle,

Good to hear from you.  I am assuming you are referring to commercial or municipal applications which use alot of rock salt during the winter.  There are a few things that I believe will help this problem. Modular retaining walls & caps are denser than poured concrete so there absorption rates are less.  Assuming you are specifying a quality product, it should considerably outlast poured concrete but corrosive materials will still break down their structural integrity or surface.

The first and easiest step would be for them to reduce the amount of rock salt used. I know liability is a factor but excessive use of rock salt will break down any concrete product. Also, the use of liquid de-icers are showing better results too.

The second option is for them to use a calcium chloride based product or similar "ice" melt (white pellets), NOT rock salt.  I know this is not usually reasonable with municipalities. Residential applications can easily switch to this option. This option is more expensive but preserves the life of the concrete products and is better for the surrounding landscaping.

Another option would be to seal the high density concrete pavers, walls, & caps with a water base paver sealant.  This is a tricky situation in commercial or municipality applications.  The reason is that the areas need to be cut off from access for prep cleaning, sealant application, and curing.  If you do in sections, the result of  the sealer may show some noticeable differences due to weather & temperature conditions during appliapplicationo, the sealer will initially be slick which can create some liability issues if wet. This sealant will wear in over a few weeks.  Residential applications can easily be controlled. 

One last option that comes with an initial large cost but is greatly recouped over the years is the use of heating coils. There are several options of heating the paving stones & modular retaining wall system and I can not claim on being an expert on their use but only on their results.  When you consider the cost savings of salt application (labor & product) and long-term replacement cost versus the added electric bill (or natural gas) and initial installation cost, melting snow & ice with an effective heating system makes financial sense.

The Step treads should be modular retaining wall cap units that are adhered to the wall blocks that create the rise.  These caps units can be pre-sealed weeks before installing them since they do not require any compaction. These cap units take the brunt of traffic and weathering.  Modular retaining wall & cap units do not have the same density as the paving stones.  The faces of the wall units used for step rises can also be pre-sealed if the project is not too large. Pre-sealing paving stones is not feasible.  Pre-sealing will add to the installation cost and needs to be included in the initial bidding specifications. Keep in mind that good paver sealants in normal conditions only last 2-3 years and will need future application.

I also need to stress the use of a quality product.  High density & low absorption rates are critical.  Unilock, Inc is one of the best throughout the Midwest and your area. They have plants in New York and I am sure they are distributing in your area. There are many other good paver & wall block manufacturers and if you are considering one, check there independent test results for density (psi) and absorption rates. Cover yourself in the initial specifications by specifying minimum rates.

The damaging effects of Winter, frost heaving & de-icing materials, are one of the main reasons interlocking pavers and modular retaining wall systems were created. But the biggest threat to the structural integrity of concrete products are de-icing materials.  De-icing materials, especially rock salt, can penetrate the concrete products and begin to etch & deteriorate the surface, therefore speeding up the ill effects of weathering. The options above will help you avoid future repair & replacement costs from the effects of Winter.

Prep work IS necessary for Sealing Brick Pavers

Brick Paver Sealing

I am amazed by the number of potential brick paver sealing clients who do not think it is necessary to prepare their paver patio, walkway, driveway, etc.. for sealing.  Preparation of the paving stone surface & paver joints is a must for the proper performance and appearance of paver sealant.

Each week I do a brick paver sealing estimate where the homeowner just wants me to apply the proper paver sealant to their brick pavers.  Most times the paving stones exhibit dirt, moss, mold, and stains that need to be addressed. More so, the paver joints need to be filled with paver joint sand and have dirt,moss, weeds, and grass removed prior to sealing their paver patio or walk.  Paver Driveways are a given for extensive prep work to allow for sealing.

The average cost of sealing brick paver patios in Ann Arbor & Saline is @ $1.00/ sq.ft plus the cost of prep work. Price breaks usually start after 1000 sq.ft and for driveways.  The cost of prep work depends on the severity of the condition of the paving stones & paver joints. Just for an easy example, a  400-450 sq.ft ground level paver patio with a couple of steps into doorwall, may cost $650-750 for general power washing, sanding of paver joints, and sealed with an approved brick paver sealant.  Severe paving stone & paver joint cleaning may increase this price range.  Brick paver repair to sunken or settled areas are also an extra cost.  Most of our brick paver patio restorations this year are running in the $600-900 range when you factor in touch-up repairs.

The only exception for applying a brick paver sealant without performing some extensive prep work would be when a paver patio, walkway, driveway, or etc.. was installed about 3 months earlier and the above mentioned foreign substances are not present.  Paver joints may still need some touch ups. Remember that most brick paver manufacturers recommend waiting 60-90 days after installation to allow any efflorescence to exit the paving stones.

The paver manufacturers have a few steps & cleaners of prepping for sealing that is not always necessary, but the minimum amount of prep work is a general power washing of the paving stones & paver joints.  If weeds, grass, mold, & moss are present, a more aggressive power washing will be necessary. After the brick pavers & paver joints dry, an approved paver joint sand needs to be swept in all joints.  Polymeric sand is NOT necessary to use if sealing your brick pavers and actually is discouraged from doing by polymeric sand manufacturers.

After the paver joint sand is carefully swept in all joints, touched up with a wisk broom in tight areas, and blown off the top of the paving stones with a leaf blower, the brick paver sealant can be applied.  An earlier post I had on brick paver sealing methods explains the pros & cons of different methods. 

To insure great performance & appearance from sealing pavers, the prep work must be done to make sure the paving stones & paver joint's appearance is enhanced by the sealant.  Sealing brick pavers is not cheap, and some prep work is necessary to make sure you get the results you are looking to get from your interlocking pavers.