Care & Maintenance

Just like concrete and asphalt pavements, Techno-bloc pavers can be plowed and shoveled. The edges and joints around pavers assist in melting snow and ice. When using a contractor for snow removal, it is recommended to verify that their equipment uses Teflon blades to avoid scratching pavers. Using de-icing salt (sodium chloride or calcium chloride) to remove snow and ice will not harm Techno-Bloc paving stones, but WILL harm other paver types and stone. It is best to use materials that are Pet Safe Only like Safe Paw.

Sealing pavers, slabs and walls can help improve the beauty and longevity of your products much like waxing a car. However, sealing pavers is really for aesthetic purposes as the quality of the products is not compromised if you do not seal them. Contact us if you are interested in sealing your pavers.

Avoid wire brushes and strong acids like sulfuric and muriatic as this can do serious damage to a concrete paver. Acids should be limited to professional use only.

This residue is often referred to as efflorescence and is both normal and common in all concrete and clay brick products. Occasionally, the mineral salts from the cement and aggregates that are embedded in the product are dislodged by absorbed water and transported to the surface; it is not a product defect nor is it harmful to Techo-Bloc papers. Typically, efflorescence will stop developing in approximately 90 days but it could take 18 to 24 months after manufacturing process. Concrete product manufacturers are unable to warrant against the presence of efflorescence.

Recommended Efflorescence cleaners: FlexLock or Alliance Gator

Clean your paved area when you see that it is necessary. Again, sweep off leaves regularly to avoid staining. Hose down your pavers to remove any dirt, clay, or debris that have stuck on. When the snow melts, a thorough, overall spring cleaning with a light product shampoo or dishwashing soap works best to get your pavers ready to enjoy.

Cleaners are sold for different purposes. For maximum results, be sure to use professional or properly diluted household products. We recommend that you start with the mildest or least invasive cleaner (household dish soap) and work your way toward a stronger one. Sometimes two or three applications of a mild cleaner is all you need. If you choose to use an industry cleaner, be sure to read and follow the labels carefully. We recommend Alliance Gator or Flexlock hardscape cleaning products.

Concrete is a porous material that can absorb pigments from leaves, petals and buds from trees/shrubs. Organic stains can be tough to remove if they stay on the pavers beneath the snow or when left on damp surfaces for a period of time. We recommend that you sweep away dead leaves regularly. If you live in an area that is prone to more foliage, consider protecting your paved area. Using a protectant can make your pavement more stain resistant and easier to keep clean. (See page 10 for more information regarding protectants.) Note that there is no need to use a protectant with Klean-Bloc products as they are already sealed. Organic Stain Remover also removes mildew, algae, kills moss and tough stains from tannins.

Food or beverages (like wine) spilled on the pavement should be removed quickly and the area should be rinsed with hot water immediately. Liquid dish soap or laundry detergent will remove most food and beverage stains on pavers. Mix a solution of the soap or detergent with hot water and gently brush the stain away with a cloth or a soft-bristled brush that you have dipped into the mixture.

Some fertilizers contain iron that can leave stains on the surface of your patio. After spreading lawn or plant fertilizer, be sure to sweep the surface of your pavement to prevent rust spots. Rust stains from steel or iron, such as patio furniture, fertilizer or high iron content water (irrigation) can be removed using professional products such as Gator Rust Remover or household iron removers.

Light oil and grease stains can generally be removed with an application of liquid dish soap. Directly apply the soap to the affected area and let sit for 20-30 minutes, scrub with a nylon brush and rinse with hot water. Re-apply and repeat until the stain is removed. If it is a fresh stain, lightly rub the area with a clean rag or paper towel. If an area is heavily soiled, a professional product such as Gator Oil and Grease Removal may be used. Please refer to product instructions.

Pre-soak area to be treated and let water absorb into pavers. b Apply cleaning solution in manageable areas at a time.

Scrub area with nylon brush or broom. For Wet-Cast, KleanBloc or natural stone products, use a microfibre cloth. Rinse area and repeat as needed.

NOTES: Clean in cool temperatures and out of direct sunlight. b Always test in a small inconspicuous area.

Don’t allow soap to dry.

The goal is to remove the stain without harming the surface of the pavers. Therefore, patience and multiple applications may be required.

Do not attempt these solutions on Klean-Bloc or natural stone products. Simply use a mild, diluted dish-washing soap in warm water and a microfibre cloth.

Simply use a mild, diluted dish-washing soap in warm water and a microfibre cloth.