The natural beauty of sandstone pavers is always impressive. No matter how you set them out, they bring any home landscaping up to a new level. Though durable, as the years go on though, like all stones, they do face the possibility of wear and tear. It is not out of your hands though. Despite the harsh conditions they may face, sandstone pavers in Melbourne still are able to look as impressive as the day you laid them for years to come. It is all about treating them right.
Cleaning your Sandstone Pavers
One way to ensure the look of your sandstone pavers is to keep them clean. While they are easy to clean, if left too long grime and dirt can become difficult to remove. Also, their shades of white tend to show a little more dirt than other natural pavers- so giving them a bit of a clean will most likely become part of your regular outdoor maintenance schedule. One thing to note is that since it is a natural stone, being gentle with your sandstone pavers will help with longevity.
What is the best way to clean the pavers?
Keeping it as natural as possible is the best way to go. Harsher, acidic chemicals can erode or damage the sandstone, so it is best to steer clear of using these types of products. That being said, a little bleach does go a long way to help keep its elegant finish.
If the sandstone just needs a light clean, then a sweep and a gentle hose down is fine. Avoid using any pressure washing as over time, this can damage the stone. You can even vacuum the pavers to get rid of that excess dirt.
For a stronger clean, this is where chlorine bleach or a non-acidic tile cleaner can be used. Dilute the cleaner with water, around a cup to about 3.5 litres of water, and spray lightly onto the sandstone pavers. Leave it to soak for about 10 to 15 minutes and then give it a hose down. Remember, hose gently. Vinegar can also be used in place of the chlorine bleach if you prefer a more natural product- just change to mix to 50% water, 50% vinegar.
The bleach or vinegar clean not only helps the sandstone pavers retain their stunning colour- they also help prevent mould from growing on your pavers. A perfect remedy for those more humid Melbourne days.
To Seal or Not to Seal?
A solid cleaning regime is one way to maintain your pavers but there are some other ways you can help your sandstone pavers age gracefully. Keep them protected by removing any leaves, dirt or other grime as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you do not go the route of sealing your pavers. Even though they are a porous material, sealing can trap moisture and that is how you get discoloration and staining.
If you are still wanting to seal your pavers, there are some options out there. When looking for a sealant, ensure that it is a natural one that allows the sandstone to breathe. It is best to avoid any type of synthetic and urethane sealants. The main thing you want is for any water that the sandstone pavers are exposed to is able to escape because trapped moisture can degrade the quality of your sandstone pavers. If you do decide to seal, then reseal on an annual basis to keep up that level of protection.
At the end of the day, the choice of whether you want to seal your sandstone pavers is up to you. Sandstone is naturally forming and when you buy sandstone pavers in Melbourne, remember that in nature it is exposed to all types of elements without any sort of sealant or protection. As long as you are staying on top of the cleaning and repolishing, even without sealing you are able to keep that beautiful finish that made you choose sandstone pavers in the first place. The sealing is just that extra layer of protection, as long as it is done properly.
Final Maintenance Advice
Sandstone pavers provide your landscaping areas with a real touch of elegance. If you are considering purchasing sandstone pavers in Melbourne for your next landscaping project, there are some incredible options out there and they really can bring up the value of any property. Staying on top of the care with polishing, cleaning and sealing will just add further life to your investment. While it may sound like there is a lot involved in taking care of them – it is more about consistency than anything. The more care you put into looking after them, the longer they will stay as bright and beautiful as the day they were laid.
