Top 7 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Maintaining Their Brick Pavers (And How to Avoid Them)

Brick pavers add timeless charm and durability to driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks. But without proper maintenance, even the best-looking surface can deteriorate quickly—especially in Florida’s demanding climate.

At Premier Coatings, we’ve restored countless paver surfaces damaged by simple, avoidable missteps. Here are the top seven maintenance mistakes we see homeowners make—and how to avoid them for a longer-lasting, better-looking brick paver surface.

1. Ignoring Regular Cleaning

The Mistake: Letting dirt, grime, and algae build up over time.

The Problem: Organic debris stains pavers and creates slippery surfaces. If left untreated, it can penetrate the surface and weaken the bricks.

The Fix: Regularly sweep and rinse your pavers. For deeper buildup, schedule professional brick paver cleaning to remove algae, mold, and tough stains without damaging the surface.

2. Skipping Sealing or Using the Wrong Sealer

The Mistake: Either skipping sealing altogether or applying an incompatible or low-quality product.

The Problem: Without a proper sealer, your pavers are left vulnerable to Florida’s harsh UV rays and rain, which cause fading, erosion, and staining.

The Fix: Use a premium, breathable sealer appropriate for Florida’s climate. Our brick paver sealing service offers wet-look and natural finishes for long-term beauty and protection.

3. Using High-Pressure Washing Incorrectly

The Mistake: Blasting pavers with high-pressure water, assuming more pressure means better cleaning.

The Problem: Excessive PSI can strip sealers, erode joint sand, and even crack the pavers.

The Fix: Limit pressure washing to 1,000–1,500 PSI and use a wide fan-tip nozzle. Or, let our trained team clean your surface using methods that protect the structure while delivering pristine results.

4. Neglecting Joint Sand Maintenance

The Mistake: Allowing the sand between pavers to wash away without replacement.

The Problem: Missing joint sand leads to instability, weed growth, and shifting pavers.

The Fix: Replace lost sand with nutrient-free silica sand. Our brick paver maintenance service includes joint sanding to lock pavers in place and prevent future damage.

5. Ignoring Drainage Problems

The Mistake: Letting water pool around or on your pavers.

The Problem: Standing water damages the sub-base, causing pavers to sink, shift, or crack. It also fuels algae and mold growth.

The Fix: Grade your surface properly and install drainage where necessary. We can inspect your pavers and recommend drainage solutions during a service call.

6. Using Harsh Chemicals

The Mistake: Cleaning with bleach, vinegar, or other strong chemicals.

The Problem: Harsh cleaners can degrade the paver’s surface, strip away protective sealers, and damage surrounding landscaping.

The Fix: Stick with pH-neutral cleaners designed specifically for brick pavers. If in doubt, ask the experts at Premier Coatings—we’ll guide you toward safe, effective options.

7. Attempting Complex Repairs Without Experience

The Mistake: Taking on re-leveling or paver replacement as a DIY project.

The Problem: Poor base compaction, uneven resetting, and mismatched pavers can make the problem worse and cost more to fix later.

The Fix: Leave complex brick paver restoration to professionals. We’ll re-level, replace, and reseal with precision so the surface stays durable and beautiful.

Why Trust Premier Coatings?

• Expertise Across Florida’s Toughest Conditions: We’ve serviced thousands of square feet of pavers from driveways to pool decks.

• Premium-Grade Products: From sealers to sands, we use only the best materials for long-term results.

• Tailored Services: Every home and surface is unique, and we treat them accordingly.

• Customer Satisfaction First: We aim to exceed expectations—not just meet them.

  
  

Don’t Let Mistakes Cost You

Proper maintenance protects your investment and enhances the value of your home. If you’re unsure how to care for your brick pavers—or want to reverse the damage—we’re ready to help.

📞 Call Premier Coatings at 727-237-5953🔗 Request your free estimate here

Premier Coatings – Florida’s Trusted Experts in Brick Paver Maintenance