FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When you insist on Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec®, you're provided a quality alternative to traditional pavement - more cost-effective, more durable, more aesthetically pleasing and ultimately more economical than poured concrete, asphalt or brick.
WHAT IS EFFLORESCENCE?
View Managing Efflorescence for details.CAN PAVINGSTONES BE SEALED, AND IF SO ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC GUIDELINES?
Alliance Gator, our supplier of sealers and cleaners, recommends waiting 1 year before sealing, since the efflorescence bleeding process is unpredictable. Before sealing any surface one must ensure that there is no efflorescence in the pavers. Efflorescence is a natural process. It is a condition which occurs in all cement based products, as well as in many other paving products. The condition will usually correct itself with time and exposure to the elements. Sealing is a personal choice based on aesthetic preferences, but is not necessary. Prior to sealing, the pavingstones must be cleaned with an efflorescence cleaner.DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON REMOVING COMMON STAINS FROM CONCRETE PAVINGSTONES? All pavements will stain, but when properly installed, interlocking concrete pavements have very low maintenance and will provide an attractive surface for decades. Under foot and vehicular traffic, they can become exposed to dirt, stains and wear. This is common to all pavements. The below tips address various steps to ensure the durability of interlocking concrete pavements.
Remember, one of the main advantages of concrete pavingstones versus asphalt or concrete is if a stain cannot be removed - the PAVER CAN!
We received these recommendations from Alliance Gator, as well as from contractors. Cambridge Pavers, Inc. does not warranty or guarantee these cleaning methods will work and does not assume any responsibility for the actions of those attempting to clean. Prior to applying the suggested cleaning agent to a large area, test on one or two pavingstones to make sure you are satisfied with the results. If you can, please choose a paver in an area not easily seen.
Asphalt and emulsified asphalt - Use Alliance Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover. Follow the directions and reapply if necessary. You can also try the following: chill with ice (if warm outside) and scrape away the excess with a hard plastic scraper. Apply Alliance XP Oil and Grease remover and follow directions on the container.
Cutback asphalt & roofing tar - Use Alliance Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover and follow the directions.
Blood, candy, ketchup, mustard and grease drippings from food - Use liquid dish soap and let penetrate 20-30 minutes. Scrub and rinse with hot water. You may also use Oxyclean mixed 4 scoops to a gallon of hot water. Let soak for 15 minutes, scrub with a nylon bristle brush, and rinse.
Caulking - Scrape off excess and scrub with a poultice of denatured alcohol and rinse with hot water and liquid dish soap.
Acrylic latex caulk - Use Alliance Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover or Alliance Eco Soy Stripper and follow guidelines for removal of dried paint.
Chewing gum - Same as caulking.
Clay Soil - Scrape off dry material. Scrub and rinse with hot water mixed with Alliance Shampoo.
Creosote - Apply a poultice with paint thinner and talc. Scrub and allow to dry. Scrape off and scrub with scouring powder and rinse with water.
Efflorescence - Use Alliance Efflorescence Remover. Dilute according to instructions on container. Apply and rinse with water.
Leaf stains - Use Clorox Pro Results Outdoor Bleach and follow the instructions for application. Of course- be sure to test one paver at a time. The cause of the problem is leaves which fall annually. This will continue to happen so a decision has to be made whether to live with or remove the tree.
Wood rot, mulch or tobacco stains - Use Oxyclean 4 scoops to a gallon of hot water. Apply and let soak for 15 minutes. Scrub with a nylon bristle brush and rinse with water. You may also use Pool Shock. Wet the entire surface to be cleaned then mix 1/2 lb of pool shock with 4 gallons of water. Apply, scrub, and rinse off.
Mold and mildew - Use Oxyclean or pool shock (follow same directions as above).
Mortar - Extremely difficult to remove. If mortar is fresh and not hardened, try Alliance Efflorescence Remover. Scrub and rinse with water. Reapply if necessary. It may be necessary to replace the paver.
Oil or grease that has penetrated - Soak up excess with rags and apply Alliance XP Oil & Grease Remover. Leave on for 6-8 hours till it dries to a powder and sweep off. Also works on antifreeze, brake fluid, hydraulic oil and citronella wax.
Paint - Fresh paint should be mopped up immediately with rags or paper towels by blotting. Do not wipe as this will spread the stain. Soak and then scrub the area with hot water, scouring powder and a stiff brush until no more improvement is seen. Let the remaining paint dry and remove as described below.
Dried paint - Scrape any excess oil based paint, varnish or water based latex paint off the surface. Use Alliance Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover or Alliance Eco Soy Stripper and follow the directions on the container. Another option is to purchase a commercial paint remover and follow the directions. Loosen with gentle scrubbing. Do not rub the loosened paint into the surface of the paver. Instead, blot up the loosened paint and thinner. Repeat as necessary. Note: latex paints once dried are more difficult to remove.
Soot from smoke - Use a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) diluted to directions on container. Scrub and rinse with water.
Tire skid marks - Use Alliance Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover or scrub the black area with water, detergent and scouring powder. In the case of small stained areas, removal and replacement of marred pavers may be an easier option.
Rust - Define the source of the rust stain (e.g.: sprinklers, patio furniture, fertilizers) and eliminate it to prevent reoccurrences. Apply Alliance Rust Remover and scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Multiple applications may be necessary. Follow directions accordingly. Test a small area of pavers first. Note: Rust Remover will damage a sealer.