Technical Resource Guide_WEB_BEL25-D-516650 - Page 9 of 84

9 | belgard ® product installation guide | belgard.com | 877-235-4273 Paver Maintenance Concrete paving products can last generations when placed on a well-prepared base and installed in accordance with industry guidelines and Belgard recommendations. JOINT SAND Loss of joint sand can occur in paving areas subject to wind, surface water runoff scour, vehicular traffic, or on sloped surfaces. Joint sand loss greater than 1/2 in. (measured from the bottom of the chamfer) requires joint infill replacement. To minimize joint sand maintenance, utilize Techniseal polymeric jointing sand based on project-specific conditions. Always follow manufacturer's recommendations when using polymeric jointing sand. PREVENTING WEEDS AND INSECTS Weeds can germinate between pavers from windblown seeds lodged in the joints. Weeds can be removed by hand or with herbicides. Take care in using herbicides to not damage adjacent vegetated areas. Use biodegradable products that won’t damage other vegetation or pollute water supplies when washed from the pavement surface. CLEANING PAVERS AND SLABS Concrete pavers and slabs are produced with pigments integrally mixed within the concrete at the time of production. Over time, dirt, wear, food and oil stains will affect the appearance of the paver surface. Pavers that are installed properly with a 2% pitch will drain quickly and carry most surface sediment to the edge of pavement or to storm drain inlets. Stains should be addressed quickly by using a cleaner & brush appropriate for the type of stain and hosed to the nearest drain inlet. This process will serve most paver surfaces and will not require additional attention beyond the use of leaf blowers to remove grass clippings, leaves and other surface clutter. Stains that cannot be removed with common cleaning agents, may require use of paver cleaners as provided by Techniseal using brushes and low flow water to rinse the cleaning material from the paver surface. High pressure sprayers are typically used by professional contractors experienced with paver cleaning and joint sand replacement. Paver surfaces may be enhanced or protected from food and oil stains by applying a paver sealer after use of a cleaner. Sealers should be applied after one year of service to allow for any potential efflorescence to dissipate from your pavement system. Efflorescence (calcium carbonate) is a white powder- like deposit which can appear on any concrete product. Efflorescence does not affect the structural performance or durability of concrete pavers and can appear within months of installation and may wear away. If there is a need to remove these deposits, best results can be obtained by using Techniseal efflorescence cleaner. More guidance is available from www.Techniseal. com or your local Belgard representative. STRUCTURAL REPAIRS Interlocking concrete pavements may require structural repairs during the life of the pavement to correct pavement distresses and to maintain an acceptable level of service. Corrective action if needed should be evaluated by an engineer. Broken or cracked pavers that impact the structural performance of the pavement can be removed and replaced. Follow industry guidelines for paver reinstatement best practices. SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL Concrete pavers and slabs offer freeze-thaw durability and can resist damage from deicing salts such as sodium chloride (rock salt) when properly used. Calcium chloride can be used in moderation if air temperatures are below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Belgard recommend using sodium chloride for most applications. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for use and application of proprietary deicing products including applications rates. Snow and ice can be removed with shovels or plows like any other pavement. Used rubber or plastic shovels or plows to prevent scratching of the pavers, particularly if the paver is textured. Pavers with effloescence Pavers after cleaning