Do Pavers Scratch?
Pavers are an outstanding choice for beautiful and long-lasting outdoor floors. Due to their durability, low maintenance, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, Pavers are great for designing patios, driveways, and sidewalks. Are they susceptible to anything? Do pavers scratch?
Do Pavers Scratch?
Yes, pavers do scratch. Although highly durable, pavers are not entirely resistant to unsightly scratches. The pavers in your home could scratch upon impact with several objects, ranging from sharp metals to heavy furniture.
Fortunately, there are quite a number of ways to minimize the chances of your pavers getting scratched, as well as ways to redeem the integrity of your pavers after they have been scratched.
What Type of Pavers Are Most Liable to Scratches?
Remember the saying, “prevention is better than cure?” If you do, then great, because it offers a prominent strategy you can employ to limit the risk of scratches your pavers are exposed to. If you are still looking for a connection between the popular phrase and your pavers, here is a breakdown.
More often than not, many people find themselves focusing more on ways to maintain their pavers and prevent scratches than they do on making use of durable materials for their pavers in the first place.
The truth is, all pavers are liable to scratches of varying degrees. So, let us take a look at the different kinds of materials you can use for your pavers and how much risk they tend to pose.
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers have been in existence for many years and are still the go-to choice for many home designers. This is no doubt thanks to their great appearance, ease of use, low cost of maintenance, and durability. So, does durability equal strength?
Generally, brick pavers are known to be strong enough to withstand heavy loads, making them great choices for exterior pavers. However, bricks vary in their sturdiness and resistance, so it is important to look out for the ones that are good enough to be used as pavers.
Stone Pavers
It is not difficult to understand why many people go for natural stones for their pavers. Although quite expensive, stones -provided they are at least 2 inches thick- are strong enough to withstand heavy weight without scratching or cracking. Examples of stones you can use for your pavers include:
Sandstone
Flagstone
Gravel
Slate
Limestone
Granite
Cobblestone - mostly made out of granite, sandstone, or limestone
Concrete
Concrete has a reputation for its adaptability in design and affordability. However, it turns out to be vulnerable to the impact of tools, furniture, foot traffic, and extremely high or low temperature when subjected over time, especially if not sealed.
Ways to Protect Your Pavers From Scratches
Although important, choosing the right material is not the only way to ensure your pavers are not exposed to the risks of scratching. You should also try to embrace other precautionary measures and practices. Thankfully, there isn't much maintenance needed for pavers. Here are some tips to help guide you in ensuring that your pavers last long.
Seal Your Pavers
Covering your pavers with a protective coating called a sealant can help in preventing damage. Although sealants are mainly used in preserving the pavers from water damage, they also work great to minimize the wear and tear that could lead to weakening, scratches, and cracks. If you use salt to deice during winter months, sealed pavers might just save you a lot of money.
Put Soft Protective Pads Under Your Furniture
Putting soft protective pads underneath your furniture can be another great way to protect your pavers from scratches, especially if you are not willing to seal them yet. This will ensure that you can move your furniture around your pavers without the fear of leaving behind any scratches or rust stains if they are metal.
Keep Your Pavers Clean
With just a periodic sweeping or rinsing, your pavers can be kept clean enough. Dirt and weeds that get stuck in between bricks can cause them to shift, so pulling them out as they appear prevents frequent replacements. Typically, special adhesives and cleaners can be used to remove stains, but be sure to check with the manufacturer for guidance.
Proper Installation
It is safe to say that regardless of how beautiful and strong your pavers are if they are not properly installed, you are going to experience a lot of issues with them. Installation goes beyond laying the pavers. It has to do with all the preparatory work like careful site grooming, foundation creation, and base installation.
There is only one way to ensure proper installation, hiring professionals. An experienced and credible paver installation company like Aviara Pavers the following amazing services:
Expert advice on the best time to pave and the best materials to make use of
Functionality, well-laid and sturdy pavers.
Pavers that fit right into your budget
Strict safety standards and certifications set by ICPI
Related Questions
How Long Should I Stay Off Newly Sealed Pavers?
You should keep foot traffic away from your newly sealed driveway pavers for anywhere between 4 and 12 hours after sealing them. For vehicle traffic and heavy furniture, the recommended time to stay off is a minimum of 48 hours. Typically, sealers will dry within a few hours but could take days to harden fully.
How Do I Fix Scratched Paver?
Scratches on pavers can be fixed with a few simple steps without specialized tools or professional assistance:
Mix a few drops of dish soap with about 2 cups of lukewarm water. Mix together until it gets frothy
Dip a piece of cloth into the water and wipe down the affected paver
Rub a steel wool pad on the surface of the paver to get rid of the scratches. Sweep off the dust created
Dip a brush into the soap and water mixture and scrub the paver to clean it up.
Rinse the paver with water to get rid of the detergent.
Conclusion
Scratches on pavers not only reduce their integrity but also make them less appealing and beautiful. We hope the tips we have provided above will help you reduce the risks of scratches on your pavers. Most importantly, remember that experts can only do the best installations in the field, such as Aviara Pavers.