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Paving stones only look good over a longer period of time if you also keep cleaning the paving joints between them. To keep them that way, they can be sealed. Find out how here.

In a nutshell

  • before the paving joints are cleaned, the stones should be clean
  • different ways to clean your feet
  • Be careful with delicate stones
  • use joint sealant for permanently sealed joints

basic cleaning

In order for the paving joints to be really clean, it is necessary to clean the entire paving first. To do this, sweep away the coarse dirt with a broom. Then, if available, clean the surface with a high-pressure cleaner. With a bit of luck, the joints will already be clean, if not, it's time for the detailed work. There are various tools for this.

Notice: The high-pressure cleaner cleans joints, but it has so much power that even sand can be swept out of the joints.

grout brush

Brushes are made of different materials. The softer the bristles, the gentler they are on the pavement, but the worse they clean. In most cases, however, superficial moss can be successfully removed. Joint brushes are only suitable for wider joints.

joint scraper

Joint scrapers made of metal are very well suited to cleaning even very narrow joints. They are available with or without a long handle. Some can be attached to a long broomstick. Then there is no need to bend over while working.

flaming devices

Another way to clean pavement joints is to use a gas burner. This burns the weeds to their roots. After that, the remains can simply be swept away. Gas burners, while easy to use, also pose a risk of fire. Especially if you use them near flammable materials. This includes, for example, hedge plants if they have been very dry for a long time. In addition, the weeds can sometimes sprout again.

Special cleaners

Cleaning agents for paving stones remove algae, moss and stains of various origins from them. Depending on the type of stone, only the appropriate cleaner should be used. The wrong cleaning agents attack the surface of the stones or discolour them. Color stains and the like can also be removed with special cleaning agents.

Notice: Weed killers are not allowed on paved surfaces.

delicate stones

Softer stone types are sensitive to scratches. The joint scraper must therefore be handled with particular care. A small hand joint scraper is then more suitable than a device with a telescopic handle. Wire brushes should also not be used on soft natural stones. Cleaning agents are first tested on an inconspicuous area. Some lead to discoloration on the stones.

Seal pavement joints

sand

Sand is the easiest and cheapest. However, a permanent seal can hardly be achieved with this. Yet when done properly, weeds are successfully suppressed for some time.

Sweeping in joint sand

Manual:

  • Thoroughly scrape out joints
  • Completely remove soil and weeds
  • Joint depth should be 2 to 3 cm
  • apply fine sand to the surface
  • Sweep thoroughly into the joints with a broom
  • the sand deprives weeds of their livelihood

joint strengthener

Joint strengtheners are only suitable for sealing in conjunction with sand. After you have refilled the paving joints with sand, spray joint sealant onto the area. It solidifies the sand in the joints and makes it more durable. Weeds then take much longer to reappear.

resin base

Resin grout has many advantages. It is flexible and resilient. It can also be easily added later to seal old joints. The composition may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Manual:

  • Clean pavement surface
  • Clean and clear joints
  • Joint depth must be about 3 cm, joint width at least 5 mm
  • Mix the joint compound, possibly use a cement mixer as an aid
  • Pre-wet the surface according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • Apply joint compound to the surface
  • Press into the joints with a rubber squeegee
  • work thoroughly
  • Observe setting time
  • remove excess material with a broom
  • Then protect the surface from rain and do not walk on it until the joints have solidified

frequently asked Questions

How long does a seal last?

That depends on the type of sealing and the load on the surface. Depending on the sealing can last a season or much longer.

Does sand have to be replaced at some point?

Loose sand is washed out of the joints over time. So it has to be refilled at some point. Old sand, on the other hand, is not exchanged.

When is the right time for sealing?

In essence, a paved area should be sealed immediately after the paving has been laid. If that's not possible, you can always do it later, as long as the weather is right. The seal must remain dry for some time.

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Category:

Garden maintenance