Al Manaratain FAQ: How Long Do Concrete Pavers Last?
A frequently asked question we always get asked here at Al Manaratain is: How long do concrete pavers last? This is a great question as the lifespan of products that construction companies in Bahrain use can vary greatly. In short, concrete pavers and concrete paving blocks usually last anywhere from 50 – 100 years. However, it is important to remember that in order for concrete products to last for a long period of time, it is important that they are cleaning, treated and cared for properly. Here are the steps that you can take to ensure your concrete paving stones stand the test of time…
Keep Your Concrete Pavers Clean & Well Maintained
The best tip we can give you to make your pavers last is to keep them clean and well maintained. This can certainly seem like a chore in the moment, but only takes up a few minutes of your time. If your concrete pavers are new or in good condition, the first step and simplest way to clean your paving involves simple brushing with soapy, warm water. For the most part, you will not need special products for cleaning paving slabs: a mild, gentle soap such as washing up liquid and water will often work just fine and some good old elbow grease.
If your concrete paving stones are extremely dirty and are in need of some real TLC, concrete paver cleaner is available to purchase online or will be available at a DIY store near you. We would also recommend using a powerwash if the grim is being extra stubborn.
Concrete Pavers Can Easily Be Replaced
It goes without saying that over time concrete paving blocks can get damaged and cracks – in most cases they do get used daily after all! It is important to remember that if one of your concrete pavers gets a crack in it, the entire concrete paving that you have does not need to be replaced – you can simply replace a square or a part of the pattern, depending on what type of concrete paving you have.
Our top tip is to purchase additional concrete products if you are having new concrete paving blocks put into your outside space. This is especially true if you are having a decorative paving style that may be hard to find years down the line to get an exact match. You will also need more spare pavers than if you were to opt for a regular style as an entire patch may need to be changed.
If you are deciding not to seek help from a professional, we would always recommend carrying out the work on a nice warm and sunny day. This is to ensure that the concrete can be set in the best environment possible.
To Seal Or Not To Seal?
To seal or not to seal your concrete pavers? It is a very good question and to be honest, is all down to personal choice. There are many benefits to sealing concrete, however, it is not at all essential. If you are someone who likes to do as little as possible when it comes to care and upkeep in the garden though, sealing may be the best option for you. Pavers that aren’t sealed will be more likely to grow weeds in the joints, they will fade and lose their colour from wear and UV breakdown, and because most newer paver sealers include an additive that will harden the joint sand it is less likely that you will have settling or shifting caused by joint sand loss. Therefore if you do not seal your concrete paving blocks, you’ll simply have to clean and maintain the weeds more often…
Hopefully, you will never have to wonder ‘how long do concrete pavers last’ ever again. If you have any more questions regarding concrete pavers or any other concrete products, please feel free to contact a member of the Al Manaratain team.