Category: Cleaning
Exposed Aggregate Sealers
Exposed Aggregate Sealer
Update May 2017
As of 2017, we have found that the Super Seal 30, Super Seal 25, and the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealers are the most popular sealers for Exposed Aggregate surfaces. If you have any questions as to the best type of concrete sealer for your project, please ask below in our Q&A area. We are here to help!
Sealing Exposed Aggregate patios, driveways, and walkways will enhance and protect your surface from damaging weathering and deicing salts. Sealing aggregate stone is something any homeowner can do with great results.
Benefits of Sealing Exposed Aggregate
- Improves appearance
- Blocks U.V. rays that cause fading
- Reduces mold/mildew infiltration
- Increases longevity of surface
- Stabilizes the foundation
- Minimizes damages from water and freezing
How To Restore Brick Pavers
Landscaping with brick pavers is a great way to increase your home’s curb appeal. Brick pavers come in many different sizes, colors, shapes, and textures. They are versatile and can be used for many different applications. With pavers your own imagination is the limit. The downside, if there is one, is that brick pavers do require some maintenance. If brick pavers are not maintained they can fade, discolor, and be overwhelmed by weeds and moss.
If your brick pavers have been neglected do not fear; they can be restored. How to restore brick pavers is a common question. Without the proper knowledge, it can seem like a daunting task. But knowing how can revive their color and appearance and bring some appeal back to your home’s exterior.
What is Poly Sand Haze?
Poly Sand White Haze
What is Poly Sand Haze and How to Fix?
To understand what poly sand haze is, let’s first take a look at how pavers are installed. Most pavers, regardless if it is a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or pool deck area, are laid on a compacted bed of sand. The bricks are laid out in whatever pattern you desire and are leveled to create an entire paver structure. Sand is then poured onto the paver surface and swept into the gaps between the pavers. This is typically fine polymeric sand especially designed for paver construction.
The polymeric sand joints are then misted with water. The water reacts with the poly sand and creates a binding agent that helps bind the sand particles together. However, before water is misted onto the surface, the poly sand dust left over on the surface must be completely removed. If the poly sand dust is not removed, it will create a white haze on top of the pavers. This is called poly sand haze.
How to Clean Efflorescence from Bricks
Efflorescence Brick Pavers
How to Clean White Efflorescence from Bricks and Concrete
Efflorescence is a white deposit of water soluble salts that can appear on masonry bricks. It can be a fine powdery substance or a crystallized buildup. Depending on the type of salts present it can also appear green, brown, or yellow. Efflorescence happens when soluble alkalis are present in the brick or grout and moisture is able to penetrate the brick forcing salt deposits to the surface. This can happen a month after the brick was laid or as long as a year later.
Concrete Cleaning Tips
Efflorescence On Brick
Before applying a concrete sealer or water repellent it is typically needed to prep the surface first. Prepping consists of cleaning with water and using a chemical cleaner that is specific to the stain you are trying to remove. Cleaners for concrete and brick pavers come in many different formulas.
Let’s look at the main reasons to clean and prep your concrete:
General Dirt and Grime Cleaning
When cleaning to remove dirt and grime you may just need water and a pressure washer. If the stains are stubborn, then a general all-purpose concrete cleaner or even bleach would help with the washing.
Stamped Concrete or Paver Sealer Turned White
Paver Sealer Turned White
Why has my Brick Paver or Stamped Concrete Sealer Turned White?
This is a very common question and a fairly common occurrence. Typically this happens to filming acrylic based sealers that leave a shine on the surface. These sealers are typically applied to brick pavers and stamped concrete surfaces to enhance the overall appearance.
There is not one specific reason that your old sealer has blushed by turning white or cloudy so there is not one remedy to fix. In this article, we will go over the main reasons that your sealer has failed so you will be able to fix this problem permanently.