Extending the life of your paved walkways in Mascot

Paved walkways give a put-together and solid appearance to your landscape which is why longevity in a walkway design is a precious gift. However, the way you use your paved walkways defines their lifespan and the amount of effort you will have to put in for maintenance. Uneven spacing, cracking, and shifting can all result from improper installation of your walkways. However, such effects can be significantly delayed with proper care and maintenance. Fortunately, as experienced Paving Contractors in Mascot, we have some useful tactics to help you preserve your walkways and extend their lifetime.

Use a concrete slab base.

Uneven settling is one of the most common problems people have with paved sideways. Due to changing temperatures of the seasons and the shifting of the ground beneath us, the design of walkways is bound to change. With time and changes in temperature, your walkways will develop gaps and become uneven, which can be tripping hazards. However, in worst-case scenarios, they may crack and crumble. It is best to call in professional paving contractors in Mascot to take look at what is causing the cracking or uneven spacing.

However, you will not have to worry about uneven settling if you lay a concrete slab base beneath your walkways. It takes care of the settling problem as the concrete manages uneven grounds and helps your paved walkways in retaining their original position.

Manage plant growth

If trees and bushes along the walkway passage are not managed properly, they can compromise the integrity of your concrete. They can grow beneath the concrete and push it up causing cracks; and once it gets to that, you will need to replace your walkway. This, however, can be avoided by regularly trimming the plants and removing trees that develop an extensive root system.

Seal the walkways after installation

It might be worthwhile to seal your walkways once they are properly installed over a concrete slab base. Sealing prevents water damage and protects your walkways from all types of staining by preventing the stone exterior, which is naturally porous, from absorbing any liquids. Hence, not only does sealing safeguard your walkways from moss and fungus, but it also keeps them from decolorizing.

Applying the sealant once a year after will help your paved walkways look good, and preserve the overall good look for your home’s exterior. Therefore, getting the walkways sealed by professional paving contractors in Mascot is the best approach.

Keep it Clean

With the cycle of seasons, your paved walkways experience different sorts of activities. Water and soil can wear away at the stone and natural metals, and this can happen to your paved walkways too if you do not keep them clean. Hence, you will be required to sweep or blow dirt and debris off your walkways. Make sure to spray them down with water and trim the plants around your walkway’s surface.

If need be, use a mild detergent and a pressured hose for grease stains, food spills, or anything that can jeopardize the quality of your walkway. However, avoid using high pressures as they can damage or pit the material. By keeping your walkway free from debris and other foreign contaminants every week or two, you will extend its life, by preventing the surface from developing holes and crumbling sooner than normal.

Rules for maintenance

Avoid chemicals— the sealant is designed to resist normal wear and tear, and strong elements. However, heavy-duty chemicals can corrode the sealant and eliminate the sheen prematurely. Chemicals containing ammonium sulfates and nitrates are a major threat. Therefore, it is vital to avoid using such chemicals and salts, especially during the first winter of your concrete walkway as the sealer is more vulnerable.

Provide an overhead cover— the lifespan of your walkway depends on its interaction with elements. You can add a few extra years to your paved walkways with a tarp or a pergola. This addition is desirable for looks and comfort making the investment worth it.

Wax stamped or polished concrete— although the sealer will protect the sheen of your walkway, for the most part, you can always polish or wax the concrete in summers for an even brighter shine. It will help combat the copious amount of foot traffic your paved walkway may receive daily and will reduce the risk of wear patterns. It adds an extra layer of protection against grime and scratches, extending the life of your walkway.

Takeaway

With paved walkways, it is crucial to treat issues fixed sooner, rather than later. Call paving contractors in Mascot to treat problems before they become critical. The low maintenance facet of walkways is one of their most popular features; minimal effort, as suggested in this article, when made regularly can preserve your walkway for years to come.

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