Advice

PAVING & FLAGS

Routine Care

The purchase of paving is a long term investment and to maintain its appearance, periodic cleaning is essential – two or three times a year and certainly during spring and autumn. Regular brushing to keep the paving clean is recommended.

General Dirt

Scrubbing with a stiff brush using a mild detergent and hot water is normally sufficient to remove this.

Weeds, Moss, Lichen

Easily controlled as long as it is regularly treated.
Treat as soon as they appear, during a dry period in spring and autumn.
Weed and grass growth need to be attacked with a proprietary weed killer.
Moss, lichen, etc need to be treated with a proprietary water based fungicide and algaecide.
DIY outlets, builders merchants and hardware stores stock a range of weed, moss and lichen control products. Always take care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Heavy Staining

Proprietary cleaners are available but many are acid based and are therefore best avoided, as they may damage the paving. Test a small area first before an overall application and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Oil Stains

Oil penetrates readily into most surfaces and once staining occurs it is difficult to deal with.
Do not wipe as this drives the oil deeperinto the surface.
Stains should be removed promptly by soaking up with an absorbent material, eg. a paper towel.
If the stain persists, use a proprietary cleaner in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Should staining be substantial, it may prove necessary to replace the affected area.

Power Washing

Use of a power hose is not recommended and if the simple, regular maintenance outlined is carried out it should not be necessary. If you do decide to use a power washer the risk of damage will be
minimised by observing the following:
Remove loose debris.
Test a small area first.
The lance should be held at no more than 30˚ angle and a medium pressure selected.
Any jointing sand which is removed must be replaced after the paving has dried.

Sealing of Paving & Flags

A variety of sealers and cleaners are available through many DIY outlets, builders merchants and hardware stores.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check its suitability.
Please note that applying sealant may affect the colour of paving.
Responsibility for the performance of sealers and cleaners rests with the user and the manufacturer of the product.

GARDEN WALLING

Concrete Adhesive

As Anchor walling is a mortarless system, caps should be applied using a concrete adhesive, eliminating the need for mortar and the associated risk of mortar stains.

General Dirt & Grime

This can be cleaned off by using a stiff brush, mild detergent and water from a low pressure hose.

Remedial Work

Any type of remedial work should be tested on a small area which is not easily seen, so that it can be assessed before carrying out work on a large area. Remedial cleaning procedures may affect the final appearance of the masonry. It is essential that appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is used while carrying out any remedial works i.e. gloves, goggles, safety helmet, etc.

Power Washing

Use of a power hose is not recommended as it may damage the surface of the product.

Graffiti

It is best to take preventative measures if graffiti is likely to occur. Antigraffiti systems are available which consist of a protective sacrificial coating on the masonry which acts as a barrier against the adhesion of the graffiti.

ADVICE & ASSISTANCE

Choosing a brick layer, paving layer or a landscape contractor is an important factor in achieving a quality finish to your project. Take the time to consider previous jobs they have completed and ask for a list of reference sites to inspect.
Newly completed areas of pavement should only receive a light brushing in the early months to allow joints to naturally settle. From then on general cleaning of paved areas should be done regularly.

ORDERING & RETURNS

Before placing an order ask your contractor to calculate exact area measurements for you; this will reduce the risk of over/under ordering. Please note: project plans and actual size frequently vary and unfortunately Acheson & Glover cannot accept returns.

EFFLORESCENCE

All quality products with a high cement content may, in their early life, exhibit milky-white staining. This is known as efflorescence (or white bloom). It is a temporary phenomenon which is in no way detrimental to the performance of the product.
It is difficult to predict how long it will last as factors such as climate conditions, location and aspect all have an effect. However, in some instances it can take in excess of twelve months to disappear.

Acheson & Glover cannot be held responsible for the occurrence of this phenomenon and the best course of action is to let nature take its course.