Pressure washing brick pavers is a crucial step in maintaining their appearance and longevity. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the key details and technical specifications for pressure washing and sealing brick pavers, ensuring your outdoor living spaces remain beautiful and well-protected for years to come.
Preparation and Pressure Washing
Preparation
- Wetting the Surface: Before starting the pressure washing process, thoroughly soak the brick paver surface with regular water using a low-pressure spray pattern. This helps prevent damage to the pavers by reducing the impact of the high-pressure water.
- Clearing the Area: Ensure the area is free of any debris, such as leaves, twigs, or other obstructions, to allow for efficient and thorough cleaning.
Pressure Washing
- Pressure Washer Concentrate: Use a bleach-free pressure washer concentrate to help loosen and remove any built-up grime or stains on the pavers before switching to a higher pressure nozzle.
- Posture and Safety: Maintain a good, balanced posture while pressure washing, and wear appropriate eye protection to avoid injury from debris or water splashing.
- Cleaning Pattern: Utilize an “S” pattern when cleaning each individual brick, working in sections to ensure consistent and efficient coverage.
- Pressure Setting: Consider using a lower pressure setting, around 1,000-1,500 PSI, to avoid damaging the brick pavers. Higher pressure settings can potentially chip or crack the pavers.
Sealing Brick Pavers
Sealing
- Sealer Application: After pressure washing, seal the pavers to protect them from the elements and enhance their appearance. Use a brick paver sealer and apply it with a pumpable sprayer or a flood coat to ensure thorough and even coverage.
- Sealer Benefits: Sealing the pavers helps prevent the growth of mold, algae, and weeds in the joints, while also improving the overall color and vibrancy of the pavers.
Sand Replacement
- Sand Replenishment: Following the pressure washing, replace the sand in the joints with fresh silica sand using a push broom. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the paver system and prevents the growth of weeds.
- Sand Depth: Ensure the sand is approximately an eighth of an inch (0.125 inches or 3.175 mm) below the paver line for optimal results.
Technical Specifications
- Pressure Washer PSI Recommendation: For pressure washing brick pavers, it is recommended to use a pressure washer with a setting between 1,000-1,500 PSI to avoid potential damage to the pavers.
- Sealing Frequency: Brick pavers should be sealed every 2-3 years, depending on the level of usage and environmental conditions they are exposed to.
- Sealing Costs: The cost of sealing brick pavers can range from $0.25 to $9 per square foot, depending on the size of the area and the type of sealer used. High-quality sealers may cost more but provide better long-term protection.
Additional Tips
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly cleaning and maintaining the brick pavers, including pressure washing and sealing, can help prevent the buildup of grime and extend the lifespan of the pavers.
- Teamwork: Consider dividing the pressure washing and sealing tasks into sections and working with a partner to make the process more manageable and efficient.
- Safety Precautions: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and gloves, when pressure washing to ensure your safety.
References
- Pressure Washers Direct. (n.d.). How to Pressure Wash Brick Patios and Walkways. Retrieved from https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/186-How-to-Pressure-Wash-Brick-Patios-and-Walkways.html
- Reddit. (2023). Okay, so I definitely got this job, but just out of curiosity, how… Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/pressurewashing/comments/10liefz/okay_so_i_definitely_got_this_job_but_just_out_of/
- That Home Bird Life. (2020). How to Clean Brick Pavers (And My Love/Hate Relationship with… Retrieved from https://thathomebirdlife.com/how-to-clean-pressure-power-wash-brick-pavers/
- Contractor Talk. (2008). Can pavers be pressure washed? Retrieved from https://www.contractortalk.com/threads/can-pavers-be-pressure-washed.35112/
- King Of Pressure Washing. (2023). CLEANING AND SEALING PAVERS IN-DEPTH STEP BY… Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZvkR5IWcww
By following the detailed instructions and technical specifications provided in this guide, you can effectively pressure wash and seal your brick pavers, ensuring they maintain their beautiful appearance and structural integrity for years to come.