The harsh winter not only affected our evergreen and marginally hardy shrubs but also other outdoor features such as sidewalks and patios. This column addresses maintenance of paved surfaces. This is the second part of an interview with Phil Carlson from Unilock Industries. Unilock is the premier manufacturer of manufactured pavers and retaining wall blocks.
GF: Phil, what can be done as a paver structure is being installed to minimize the amount of maintenance that will be needed?
PC: Typically, paver installations are rather low maintenance. Certain sealers and polymeric sands can minimize maintenance, but we have certain recommendations that pertain to specific product lines. Feel free to have your contractor contact his or her Unilock rep if you’re not sure.
GF: Weeds tend to grow between the pavers on my patio. What do you recommend that we do to prevent this?
PC: We have various stabilizing sands including Unilock’s Easy Pro sand, which is ideal for wider joint products. There are also polymeric sands and sealers that harden the sand in the joints.
GF: Is there edging that is needed on the side of paver structures?
PC: In most cases, a plastic edging is installed around the perimeter of the pavers.
GF: Should this edging be visible?
PC: No.
GF: I occasionally see paver patios that have dips in them. What could have caused this?
PC: Typically it’s caused by minor settling in the sub grade. If it is extreme, it could have been caused by not enough base material, poor compaction, drainage issues, or an unforeseen groundwater issue.
GF: What can be done to correct this?
PC: Generally the pavers can be picked up, the base can be corrected, and the pavers can be re-laid. If it were a concrete slab, it could have cracked!
GF: Can pavers be sealed? Do you recommend this?
PC: Yes they can be. Sealers can change the aesthetic appeal of the pavers, and they can help prevent stains or stabilize joints. They can also help retain a vibrant color in standard pavers; however, we have Enduracolor pavers available that will not fade over time.
GF: If a paver patio is stained, say by grease from a grill, what can be used to clean the grill?
PC: Oil and grease are tough! Try using a basic detergent like dish soap. Over time the stains tend to go away on their own.
GF: What can be used to minimize the ice on a paver sidewalk in the winter?
PC: The pavers can be shoveled and snow blown. Sidewalk salt works great, too, just make sure there is no ammonia in it. Most of the pavers can be plowed, too, but make sure the plow has a plastic edge and the driver is experienced.
GF: Phil, thank you so much for your time. Your knowledge of pavers is of great benefit to the readers of this publication.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
