We all love the look and feel of beautiful paver patios, walkways, and driveways. They add a touch of class to our homes. But keeping them pristine can feel like a never-ending game of catch-up. Climate, sand, and salt spray are the main culprits!
In “The Cigar City,” the average daily temperature is a balmy 77°F (25°C). Thanks to the 245 sunny days we have and a humid subtropical climate, we can stay outdoors as much as we want. We can enjoy the sand and the beach, have a relaxing walk at the Centennial Park at Ybor City, go zip lining in Oldsmar, ride the Tampa Bay Fun Boat, or enjoy watersports activities in Crystal River - with so many things to do, having that much sunny days all year is a boon.
This sunshine is good for our beaches and good for our spirits, but it’s bad for our pavers. Though our area enjoys a warm, humid climate with four distinct seasons, Florida’s high humidity can lead to mold growth, and the relentless rays of the sun can bleach some paver materials. And then there is the occasional ‘liquid sunshine’ that we are all too familiar with in Florida – a sudden downpour that can wash away sand between pavers, leaving behind a dusty film of debris.
But fear not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and cleaning know-how to transform your pavers from drab to fab.
We all know the frustration of stepping onto a grimy paver and leaving behind a trail of "Guava Glazed" footprints (because, let's be honest, who can resist a flaky guava pastry?) Regular cleaning goes way beyond aesthetics, though. Here's why you should keep your pavers clean:
- Prevent Staining and Mold: Tampa’s humidity is very conducive to mold and mildew. Besides being bad for your health, they can make your pavers look dingy, not a good look for modern lofts and condos in SoHo.
- Keep it From the Coast: If you live in Tampa or St. Petersburg, you know that your close proximity to the coast can affect your pavers - they are constantly assaulted by salt spray. That airborne salt pummels outdoor surfaces, cutting grooves and eating away at coatings. Regular maintenance removes this multipurpose erosive threat and saves your investment.
- Protect Your Investment: Leaving pavers uncleaned can lead to erosion. This small damage can turn into visible cracks and chips and even lead to uneven units. By tending and maintaining your pavers, you save yourself the expense of replacing them.
- Preserve Structural Integrity: Unswept sand between pavers will exacerbate structural issues in your walkways and driveways. Weekly-to-biweekly sweeping and sand refilling keep your walkways and driveways safe and sound.
Just like our diverse Tampa Bay community, pavers come in all shapes, sizes, and, well, materials. Knowing what type of paver you have is crucial for choosing the right cleaning method. Here's a quick rundown of some common Tampa paver materials:
- Clay Pavers: These terracotta beauties add a timeless charm to any outdoor space, perfectly complementing the historic architecture found in neighborhoods like Hyde Park (Bayshore Blvd) or SoHo (South Howard Ave). Clay pavers are budget-friendly, but their porous nature necessitates gentler cleaning methods.
- Concrete Pavers: This material is durable and versatile. It can withstand the high foot traffic of busy Tampa sidewalks. It can even handle gameday crowds flocking to Raymond James Stadium (1 Bucs Place). They’re available in different styles and colors to help you make your outdoor space memorable. Also, since concrete is not as sensitive as other materials, you don’t have to be extra careful when doing regular cleaning. See also: Is It Cheaper to Lay Concrete or Pavers
- Travertine Pavers: This type of paver is elegant and chic and can elevate any outdoor area. This type of natural stone is a popular choice among Tampa homeowners. It is commonly used in waterfront communities such as Davis Islands or Bayshore Boulevard. However, travertine is an extremely porous stone. Take extra caution when cleaning or leave it up to professionals.
Tampa Bay Bonus Tip: Remember, Tampa's coastal environment, with its salty air and occasional storms, has an impact on your pavers. Opt for materials with high durability and consider sealing them regularly for added protection against the elements.
Let's face it: Tampa Bay isn't called "The Big Guava" for nothing – we're a resourceful bunch! So, for the budget-conscious homeowner, the DIY approach can be a win-win. Here's what you'll need for cleaning pavers:
- Clear the Decks (or Pavers): Remove everything that might hinder your effort. It includes furniture, planters, and anything else placed on top of the flooring.
- Give it the Gator Chomp: Grab your trusty broom and give those pavers a good sweeping. Remove loose dirt, leaves, and debris. Think of it like clearing the field for the big game – a sparkling clean surface ready for action.
- Mix Up Your Magic Potion: Choose your eco-friendly cleaning solution based on the severity of the grime. Remember, safety first! Before you handle any cleaning products, wear gloves and eye protection.
- Spray and Scrub: Apply the solution generously to a small section of the paver. Start small instead of working on big sections. Doing this makes cleaning easier. Plus, in the event you have to stop mid-way, your entire deck or driveway won’t look messier than usual. Use a stiff bristle brush and scrub the pavers in a circular motion. Pay extra attention to stained areas.
- Rinse and Repeat: Attach your hose nozzle to a strong jet setting and rinse the cleaned area with water thoroughly. Repeat steps 3-5 until all your pavers are sparkling clean.
- Sweet Sunshine Salute: Allow your pavers to air dry completely in the glorious Tampa sunshine.
Pro Tip: Always test a solution on a small, inconspicuous area. By doing this, you can test if the solution can cause discoloration and avoid using it.
While DIY can be effective for many situations, there are times when calling in the Tampa Bay professional cleaners is the smarter move.
- Deep Stains: For tough stains like oil spills or rust, professional service with specialized equipment might be necessary.
- Extensive Areas: Scrubbing a large patio or driveway can be a time-consuming endeavor. Consider hiring a professional for efficiency.
- Delicate Pavers: Certain materials, like travertine, require special care. If you are worried you’ll cause damage, call experts for help.
Sometimes, a little extra muscle is needed. Here's where pressure washing enters the picture.
- Powerhouse Performance: For heavily soiled pavers, stubborn stains like oil or grease, and extensive areas, pressure washing is the champion.
- Time-Saving Efficiency: Pressure washing blasts through grime much faster than manual scrubbing, freeing up your valuable Tampa Bay time.
- Deep Clean Satisfaction: A good pressure washing can remove deeply embedded dirt and restore the original beauty of your pavers.
Get a professional cleaning service in case you decide to use a pressure washer to clean your pavers. Here's what to look for:
- Licensed and Insured: Before hiring any contractor, always check if they are licensed to operate in Tampa. Also, check if they are insured. If anything happens, you know you are covered..
- Experience Matters: Look for a local company that has experience tending pavers in Tampa. This guarantees they know how to handle specific climates and diverse materials specific to our area.
- Free Quote: Before any project, most reputable companies provide a free estimate. You can avoid getting bill shock when you get an estimate of what you have to pay for.
Looking for paver installation in Tampa? Contact Pro Concrete Contractor Tampa for a free quote today.
