Maintainence
Care and Maintenance
For optimum performance paving generally requires regular maintenance, so to achieve the best results, DOLMEN STONE recommend that paving is cleaned two or three times per year.
Initial Cleaning
When an area has just been paved, allow it to settle for a few weeks. After this, you might wish to lightly hose down the paving to remove any excess sand or dirt. The area should then be treated with a weed killer, two or three times per year or as required.
General Dirt
Regular sweeping to prevent the build up of debris is recommended. Light coloured blocks, emphasise tyre marks and oil spills on driveways. It must be accepted that these products will require more maintenance if the overall appearance is to be maintained. A power hose at medium pressure is generally all that is required to clean general dirt and grime. Any jointing sand that is removed must be replaced (jointing sand is available from DOLMEN STONE in 25kg bags). Do not use a high pressure power washer as this aggressive washing will remove sand and may damage the product surface. A trial area should be tested before large scale power washing takes place. Special cleaning agents are available from DOLMEN STONE and these should be used prior to improve the cleaning process. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed when using these products.
For optimum performance paving generally requires regular maintenance, so to achieve the best results, DOLMEN STONE recommend that paving is cleaned two or three times per year.
Initial Cleaning
When an area has just been paved, allow it to settle for a few weeks. After this, you might wish to lightly hose down the paving to remove any excess sand or dirt. The area should then be treated with a weed killer, two or three times per year or as required.
General Dirt
Regular sweeping to prevent the build up of debris is recommended. Light coloured blocks, emphasise tyre marks and oil spills on driveways. It must be accepted that these products will require more maintenance if the overall appearance is to be maintained. A power hose at medium pressure is generally all that is required to clean general dirt and grime. Any jointing sand that is removed must be replaced (jointing sand is available from DOLMEN STONE in 25kg bags). Do not use a high pressure power washer as this aggressive washing will remove sand and may damage the product surface. A trial area should be tested before large scale power washing takes place. Special cleaning agents are available from DOLMEN STONE and these should be used prior to improve the cleaning process. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed when using these products.
Moss and Algae
For general cleaning of dirt and algae, vigorous brushing with a stiff yard brush and plenty hot detergent solution (washing up liquid or non-bio washing powder should be used) thoroughly rinse with clean water. Repeated treatment may be required for paved areas sited beneath trees or in permanent or near permanent shade. Thick growths of moss or lichen must be removed first by scrapping out the joints and then treating the area with moss killer such as Anti-moss Paving Cleaner. Anti-moss is designed to remove moss and algae. It should be applied in good weather. After being applied it will take a few days to be fully effective. Once the moss and lichens have been killed, they can easily be brushed off. Anti-moss also leaves a residue in the sand which will help reduce the reoccurrence of the growth.
Weeds
Large weeds should be removed by hand and the area sprayed with weed killer e.g. Pathclear (available from most garden centres or hardware stores). Smaller weeds can be treated directly with weed killer. These weeds will begin to die within days. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
For general cleaning of dirt and algae, vigorous brushing with a stiff yard brush and plenty hot detergent solution (washing up liquid or non-bio washing powder should be used) thoroughly rinse with clean water. Repeated treatment may be required for paved areas sited beneath trees or in permanent or near permanent shade. Thick growths of moss or lichen must be removed first by scrapping out the joints and then treating the area with moss killer such as Anti-moss Paving Cleaner. Anti-moss is designed to remove moss and algae. It should be applied in good weather. After being applied it will take a few days to be fully effective. Once the moss and lichens have been killed, they can easily be brushed off. Anti-moss also leaves a residue in the sand which will help reduce the reoccurrence of the growth.
Weeds
Large weeds should be removed by hand and the area sprayed with weed killer e.g. Pathclear (available from most garden centres or hardware stores). Smaller weeds can be treated directly with weed killer. These weeds will begin to die within days. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
