A question we often receive from homeowners is, "How do we stop weeds from growing between my pavers?". To answer this question, we'll demystify elements of the problem.
Myth
A common objection to installing concrete pavers is that you will get weeds between the joints.
Myth Busting
You'll only get weeds when industry standards are not met both on the installation and maintenance side of concrete pavers.
Weeds do not grow from underneath the pavers unless the pavers are installed on the soil.
Weeds can grow on the surface of the joint if natural sand was used and if dirt is present. With a little bit of wind, weed seeds will blow into the joints, and with sun and water, they will root into these areas.
How to Stop Weeds
There are two stages where you can prevent weeds. They are during the installation and maintenance stages of concrete pavers.
Installation Stage:
When interlock pavers are installed, polymeric sand should be installed between the joints. It should be established according to manufacturer instructions.
Polymeric sand such as Alliance's Super Sand G2 or Techniseal's HP NextGel, is essentially glue and sand mixed to form a strong bond that is also flexible enough to float with the pavers during its freeze and thaw cycles. While flexible, polymeric sand when cured is rock hard to the touch and doesn't contain moisture or nutrients for weeds.
Maintenance Stage:
With any item ever created by man, there is inevitably maintenance. With concrete paver surfaces, three things need to be maintained over time.
Number One: Polymeric sand based on the micro-climate conditions, will need to be replaced when it no longer has its bonding strength. Many owners will opt for merely topping up the low joints with new polymeric sand. While this can work great most of the time, new sand will not bond with old sand, and eventually, the new sand will crack and pop out.
We often recommend a full replacement which consists of power washing the joint completing out (or as best as possible) and installing a new batch of polymeric sand. Not only will this keep weeds out indefinitely, but it will also bring back the interlocking structural strength that polymeric sand provides to the paver system. Without it, pavers will slide, rotate and shift with the freeze-thaw cycles and traffic.
Number Two: Although not a primary preventative for weeds or moss, cleaning and sealing your pavers every 2-4 years will keep them cleaned and protected from the elements. This will inevitably remove and prevent dirt and debris. It will also maintain the look and appearance of the pavers over their lifetime (remember, they will last a lifetime, backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty from most manufacturers).
For cleaning products, Alliance's Paver Cleaners and Techniseal's Paver Cleaners are rated the best in the industry. They also have Alliance's Paver Sealers and Techniseal's Paver Sealers as well.
Number Three: As with any product, repairs will always be needed in some shape or form. The benefit to pavers over other paving surfaces is you will only need to repair the sections that need it rather than removing the entire surface.
We recommend paver lift & relays during a joint replacement or before cleaning and sealing.
Enjoyment for a Lifetime
Equipped with this list, you'll enjoy your concrete paver surface for a lifetime. Friends, family and neighbours will be wondering how your driveway, patio or walkway, hasn't aged a day!
Questions?
Do you have questions about your pavers? We help homeowners with landscaping across the Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge regions. We can assist you in installing and maintaining your interlock pavers, enabling you to destress, enjoy life more, and connect with your family.
If you're interested in giving your pavers some tender love and care, contact our team to begin the discussion. Whether you're in Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, or Cambridge, we'd be glad to help you!