When it comes to enhancing outdoor beauty, crazy paving is a go-to choice for many homeowners. This unique flooring material is a lost trend from the ’70s, making a comeback with vintage charm and unique design.
Apart from being playful, crazy pavers also offer functionality to your space. However, to preserve both their functionality and natural appeal, it’s essential to take proper care of these building materials. You’d be surprised how much difference a little maintenance of crazy pavers can make!
Further, well-maintained flooring adds value to your property and protects your outdoor space as well. Here is a guide to help you discover some time-saving tips to keep your crazy paving in tip-top shape!
Let’s dive in,
Effective Ways of Maintaining Crazy Pavers
Maintenance of crazy pavers might seem tricky at first, but with the right approach, it’s as easy as adding a cherry on top. Here’s how you can keep them looking stunning with minimal effort
1. Regular Sweeping
One of the simplest ways to keep your crazy pavers clean is to sweep the paving regularly. Use a broom to remove dust, leaves and debris to prevent grime buildup or weed growth. You should aim to sweep your pavers at least once a week, and daily during autumn when fallen leaves are more abundant.
2. Sealing
Sealing helps the pavers look brand new, preventing stains, water or other harmful things from penetrating inside them. Overall, a good sealant serves both as a barrier and a protective layer for crazy pavers. Make sure to choose a quality sealant suitable for your stone.
3. Resealing
Resealing is a process that takes place every 2-3 years when the sealant wears off due to constant exposure to water, heat, foot traffic and other elements. The frequency of resealing depends on how often the area is used. For instance, if they are laid in your outdoor kitchen, they should be resealed every 2-3 years.
Tip: Before resealing, ensure the surface is clean and dry. You can also follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make the sealant long-lasting.
4. Washing
Washing your crazy paving occasionally will help maintain its aesthetic appeal. You can use water with very low pressure to remove grime and dirt. Make sure the pressure is not too high; otherwise, it may damage the stone or grouting.
Tip: Washing these pavers once a week is enough.
5. Removing Stains
It is possible that despite your best efforts, crazy paving might get dirty or have some stubborn stains. Here are two things you can do:
Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft bristle brush to clean the stain. Make sure you’re rubbing the stain lightly. You can also use a microfiber cloth for a gentler approach and to prevent the harsh scrubbing.
Stains can happen anywhere from an outdoor kitchen to driveways but worry not. Just use the above-mentioned methods.
Tip: Always make sure to remove excess cleaning agent after your stain is gone and let the stone dry properly.
6. Replacing Damaged Stones
If somehow your beautiful crazy pavers get damaged, chipped or cracked, don’t worry. You can replace them easily with new ones. It is a very easy process as it doesn’t disturb nearby stones and can be done peacefully. Here’s what you have to do:
Remove the damaged piece, clean the area and fit a new stone with a fresh base and mortar. Let it dry for a day and your floor is good to go.
Tip: Make sure to seal the new stone before installing it.
7. Immediate Spill Cleanup
If somehow anything spills on the pavers, make sure to immediately drop a cloth on the spill to soak the stain. Whether it’s a drink spill, muddy footprints or anything else blot the spill with a clean cloth. Now, rinse the area with water to minimise staining.
8. Avoid Acidic Cleaners
This tip is the most important of all. Never use any acidic substances on your stones. These acidic substances include everything from spirits of salt, vinegar and lemon juice to strong bathroom cleaners. You should keep these products away and use only a pH-neutral cleaner to clean your stone. Also, avoid using vinegar as it can damage the grout and stone.
By following all these tips regularly, you can minimise the cost of maintenance of crazy pavers easily.
Summing It Up
Crazy pavers are unique charmers that add character to your outdoor space. However, following some tips can level up your maintenance game and keep the pavers in good condition. From regularly sweeping them to washing them occasionally and resealing them every 2-3 years, upkeeping these pavers becomes easy with the above-mentioned tips. These practices will also help reduce the overall costs of maintenance of crazy pavers. Are you ready to enjoy the beauty of these pavers forever?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does crazy paving need sealing?
A1. Yes, as mentioned earlier sealing is necessary to protect the pavers from water damage, stains, scratches and harsh weather.
Q2. How do you fill gaps in crazy paving?
A2. You fill gaps between the pavers by applying a mix of mortar or grouting in between the crazy pavers.
Q3. What is the best cleaner for crazy pavers?
A3. The best cleaner is a pH-neutral one that is to be used especially for natural stones. It is gentle on crazy pavers and removes dirt and grime without any harmful effects on the stones.
Q4. How to seal Bluestone crazy paving?
A4. To seal the Bluestone crazy pavers, clean them first, apply the sealant and lay them on the base. Use the rubber mallet to press them and compact the base.
Q5. How to repair crazy paving grout?
A5. To repair grout, you should first remove the damaged grout using a chisel. Next, mix fresh mortar or grout and apply it between the stones. That’s how you fill gaps in crazy paving.