Sealed Paving Maintenance
Whilst our resin based polyurethane paving sealers bring many additional superb advantages to block/cobble paving, we do not suggest its looks are permanent. It requires maintenance to retain its appearance. Resin based sealers are 'the best' block/cobble paving sealers on the market today, achieving better results in the most demanding situations over less expensive acrylic sealers. In most domestic applications, block/cobble paved surfaces sealed with our resin based paving sealer will last for years!
1) Efflorescence
Efflorescence also known as 'lime bloom' or 'laitence', can occasionally affect the appearance of block/cobble paving, shown as white powdery patches on the surface of the block. Lime bloom is a naturally occurring phenomenon which is why J & M Shaw follow strict guidelines to reduce the occurrence of this nuisance.
Cleaning of the affected area can sometimes irritate lime bloom causing it to re-surface over time. The occurrence of lime bloom is a natural nuisance embedded within the blocks, cleaning of the surface does not create the lime bloom but disturbs any unseen affected areas.
Once cleaned, surfaces are left a minimum of 14 days for any efflorescence to appear before sealing can take place. If sealing is undergone before this time, lime bloom may appear beneath the sealer as creamish patches. If lime bloom does appear after cleaning an efflorescence remover can be used to remove white patches from the surface and upper layers of the blocks. As it is almost impossible to remove the sealer once applied, J & M Shaw take these steps to reduce the incidence of efflorescence before sealing.
2) Oil Spillages
No problem. If engine oil, diesel or grease is spilled onto your drive, simply apply a mild detergent with a soft scrubbing brush and rinse away. When surfaces are sealed with our resin sealer stains are easily removed. Stubborn stains should first be released with an oil remover product and then washed off using a pressure cleaner.
3) Algae/Lichen
As the surface of your block/cobble paving is now sealed, this problem will have been greatly reduced. However, in areas where there is foliage or dampness, growth can re-occur. Washing and gentle scrubbing on a regular basis will remove such growth matter. Should this not be the case, our flat surface cleaning process will release even the most stubborn growth.
4) Weed/Grass Growth
We install our resin based paving sealer to the highest standard so this should not occur. However occasionally small areas of sand may not have been fully penetrated by the sealer and hence tufts of grass can appear. All that is required is for the weeds to be pulled out by hand and a small amount of sealer applied to the joint. J & M Shaw offer this service at no extra charge if required.
5) General Cleaning
Over time the surface will lose its appearance through atmospheric borne grime, oil, food spillages, moss and animal waste, hence regular (seasonal) cleaning is recommended by flat surface cleaning with our rotary jet cleaning system.
6) Re-Sealing
Nothing lasts for ever, even tough resin sealers. On occasion it may be necessary to re-seal a surface because it has worn through foot/vehicular traffic or simply to maintain its satin or wet-look appearance. Most domestic applications will last for years, only areas which have been exposed to extremely heavy foot or vehicular traffic may require re-sealing.
7) We Really Do Care!
J & M Shaw are committed to ensuring you get the best service possible. We take pride in cleaning and sealing your surfaces, but we don't stop there. If you are in any doubt or require some friendly professional advice, don't hesitate to contact us.
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