Aftercare

• Sealing and Protecting
• General Dirt and Colour Masking
• Moss, Lichens and Algae Growth
• Efflorescence or ‘Lime Bloom’
• Removal of Chewing Gum
  

Sealing & Protecting

We recommend that you protect your investment with our growing range of enviro-friendly aftercare products. Our sealer offers all-round protection.  It is a water-based impregnating treatment for concrete paving. Without changing the colour or texture of the surface it provides a liquid and oil resistant surface.  Our sealer comes in a standard and wet-look finish.

Ideal for use on driveways, patios and paths, our sealer protects surfaces from weathering and helps keep them cleaner by resisting penetration of:

• Water • Air-borne dirt • Food stains • Drinks

• General dirt • Oil and grease stains • Chewing gum • Organic growth (moss and lichens)

In addition to limiting the appearance of efflorescence, our sealer also reduces spalling through repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

A properly sealed surface will make maintenance of the area much easier with reduced need for weed killers and power-washing equipment. Cleaning frequencies are significantly reduced, leaving you to enjoy your home and garden!

General Dirt and Colour Masking

General dirt can be removed and kept away by regular brushing. When dirt has become somewhat ingrained onto the surface of the paving or if the paving has become dull or discoloured, then scrubbing with soap and warm water will usually restore the surface. However some dulling of colour and ageing of the product is to be expected over time.

When a power-hose is used for cleaning paved surfaces it is important to note that this is likely to remove some of the jointing material which will need to be replaced. Excessive power-washing can also damage the surface of the paving.

Moss, Lichens and Algae Growth

The growth of moss, lichens or algae usually only occurs on paved areas which are not regularly trafficked by vehicles/pedestrians, and where there is shading or insufficiently drained paving. Where growths of this kind are encountered there are several commercially available patio and paving cleaners that can be found in local DIY Stores and Garden Centres.

The patio and paving cleaner should be used strictly as per the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully applied as directed.  Many of these cleaning agents are designed to inhibit the re-growth of moss, lichen, algae and weeds. In situations where re-growth is likely, more frequent use of such cleaning agents may be required.

Please note: Pets and children should be kept clear from areas treated with chemical-based cleaners as they make contain harmful ingredients. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Efflorescence or ‘Lime Bloom’

The appearance of white stains on the surface of paving products is known as efflorescence. This is a superficial problem where calcium hydroxide, which is a by-product of the reaction of cement with water, deposits itself on the surface of the concrete.

There are typically two types of efflorescence associated with concrete paving, initial efflorescence occurs soon after production and is usually very easily removed during the sanding and finishing operation. The second type of efflorescence occurs soon after laying where white patches appear on the paved area.

When concrete becomes wet and dries slowly, this can occasionally result in temporary efflorescence deposits.

It should be noted that efflorescence is in no way caused by poor manufacturing or sub-standard materials as it can occur with any type of concrete materials, nor is it in any way detrimental to the soundness of the paved area. It is merely a cosmetic issue.

Efflorescence will disappear over time and the deposit tends to disappear more rapidly on more trafficked areas. Generally most efflorescence will disappear in the first year or two when exposed to natural weathering.

Where it is desirable to remove efflorescence more quickly, there are commercially based cleaning agents available for this purpose. It must be noted that most such cleaning agents contain acids and/or detergents which when not used correctly may cause injury, damage and discolouration to the paving. If using such products, it is best to test it on a small inconspicuous area first before proceeding. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times when using such products.

Please note:  Kilsaran does not recommend the use of chemical or acid based cleaners for the removal of efflorescence.

Removal of Chewing Gum

In small quantities, freshly deposited chewing gum can be scraped off using an item such as a paint scraper. Older deposits may be removed using a chisel or steam/hot water removal methods. There are also spray-on freezing agents that are useful to freeze the gum and then it can be chiselled off when it has hardened.

Disclaimer: The above information serves as a guideline only. Kilsaran does not accept responsibility for damage or colour leaching/fading caused by the use of third party cleaning or detergent chemicals when used on our paving products. As concrete paving is made from naturally occurring aggregates some slight and normal colour variation may occur. Efflorescence may occur as a naturally occurring phenomenon when temporary white stains may appear on the paving surface. Kilsaran cannot accept responsibility for these natural occurrences.