Outdoor pavers can give your yard clear structure, unique charm, and undeniable vibrancy. Nevertheless, without proper care and maintenance, their colors can fade. Therefore, to preserve the special atmosphere in your yard, you should learn how to prevent paver discoloration.
What causes the problem?
The first step to appropriately dealing with any problem is to understand its underlying causes. Hence, we should first discuss why pavers can lose their colors in the first place. Broadly speaking, the two greatest threats to your pavers’ color profiles are nature and other human beings.
As it beats down on your pavers day after day, ultraviolet radiation can slowly break down the chemical pigments that coat them. Rain, humidity, sudden temperature changes, and other types of inclement weather can also exact their toll by washing away protective coatings and causing subtle expansion or contraction, which may then create tiny cracks. Dirt, debris, and growing plants may sully your pavers, making discoloration appear more severe than it really is.
The human threat to your pavers’ chromatic vitality comes mainly from foot traffic. As people walk on your pavers, their shoes will scrape against them and gradually wear off layers of their color, either in general or in specific areas. Furthermore, the additional dirt and debris on people’s shoes can exacerbate the problems stemming from nature-given dirt.
Which materials best resist discoloration?
Having given you a clear view of the dangers your pavers face, we can move on to offering preventive advice. Here, the question of paver material is of absolutely critical importance. We strongly suggest that you choose pavers made of things like granite or bluestone. Not only are these stones exceptionally hard, making them resistant to scraping and other forms of blunt damage, but they also maintain their peculiar hues naturally. This means that, rather than simply sitting on their surfaces, their colors run all the way through.
You should also pay close attention to finish types. Pavers with integrated colors and textured finishes can mask minor damage and retain the same appearance over long stretches of time. Even concrete pavers can work well, provided that the dyes coloring them have seeped deep beneath their surfaces. If dyed in this way, concrete pavers can resist discoloration as effectively as most naturally colored stones can.
How should you take care of your pavers?
No paver material, however excellent its quality, is indestructible. Hence, if you want them to retain their vibrant appearances, you’ll have to give your pavers periodic maintenance. Be sure to clean them regularly and remove as much dirt, grime, leaves, and organic buildup from them as you can. Also, don’t forget to apply and periodically reapply sealant to them as this procedure will protect them from the ravages of moisture and ultraviolet radiation.
To preserve the color and character of your pavers for years to come, you’ll simply need some foresight and dedication. For additional inspiration on how to enhance and maintain your outdoor spaces, visit our Instagram page. Then, if you think it’s time to either restore or upgrade your pavers, check out our Marketplace page and find a professional.
