Mar 10, 2017 | Patio Pavers
With spring’s arrival, it’s time to start tackling your list of outdoor cleaning projects, including cleaning patio pavers. Your yard’s patio brick pavers bear the brunt of passing foot traffic and may begin to look worn and dirty by the end of winter. Living in Florida with high humidity and precipitation can also lead to mold growth on your pavers. Cleaning patio brick pavers can restore their natural look and keep them looking their best for years to come.
Step 1: Attack the Weeds Surrounding Your Pavers
Tenacious weeds can sprout up in just about any crack, even a tiny one. Allowing weeds to grow between your pavers can harm the pavers and will look unsightly. Digging out each weed one by one is an effective, if tedious, way to remove the problem. Don’t simply remove the top of the weed; use a tool to remove the root of the weed to prevent it from returning.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt
Winter wind and rainstorms deposit leaves and dirt on your pool or patio brick pavers. You can remove some dirt and debris from your pavers with nothing more than a broom and a brush. Using just a broom should remove most of the dirt and pollen, but getting down closer to the ground with a brush can help you remove the dirt and plant debris between the cracks.
Step 3: Cleaning Patio Bricks with Water
Water can help you remove tough dirt clumps and dead weeds. You can start this step with your garden hose, but you may need more power to get the job done. A pressure washer can make a dramatic difference to the cleanliness of your pavers and is effective on persistent vegetation, including moss. However, you need to use care with a pressure washer; too much pressure at one spot can cause damage to your pavers and the filler between each individual paver.
Step 4: Tackle Stains and Remove Mold from Pavers
Over the winter, precipitation and dirt can combine to make unsightly stains on your pavers. High moisture also provides the essential ingredient for mold growth on your brick pavers. Some stains can be removed easily with water alone, but others will take extra effort to remove. Using a mixture of water and dish detergent is an inexpensive way to remove stains. You can reuse your brush for this job to spread the mixture around and remove tough stains. If you’ve having difficulty removing some stains, allowing the soapy mixture to sit on the stain for a few minutes may help. If the stains are very stubborn, try a little bleach, but be careful not to get it on the grass.
Step 5: Finish Up with a Final Rinse
After using a soapy mixture to eliminate the most persistent stains and mold, you can finish up your work with a final rinse of water. Hose your patio brick pavers down and let them dry. Once they’ve dried, you can assess the condition of each paver to see if further spot cleaning is required.
Spring is a great time to inspect and work on cleaning concrete and brick patio pavers so that your yard is ready for summer fun. We’ve also written an article on how to clean your patio screen enclosure. Dulando Screen & Awning has been helping homeowners build their backyard patios for over four decades. If you need to expand your patio or possibly add a screen enclosure, call Dulando Screen & Awning to learn more about the services we offer for your Florida backyard.
Dulando Screen & Awning has been helping homeowners build their backyard patios for over four decades. If you need to expand your patio or possibly add a screen enclosure, call Dulando Screen & Awning or fill out our online quote form to learn more about the services we offer for your Florida backyard.
Dec 19, 2016 | Patio Pavers
Does the concrete pool deck surrounding your swimming pool strike you as boring? Are cracks and stains starting to make it seem a little shabby? If the idea of giving your pool deck a stylish new look appeals to you, it may be time to consider upgrading your pool deck with patio pavers.
Patio Paver Options
When it comes to working with patio pavers, you have countless options. Pavers are available in numerous colors, shapes and sizes. You can even choose different materials to get the look that suits your budget and taste perfectly. Are you a fan of the classic style offered by brick pavers? Do you prefer the natural beauty of flagstone pavers? Will the affordable price and sheer variety of looks offered by concrete pavers make these your top pick for pool deck pavers?
With pavers, your design options don’t stop once you’ve selected the type of paver you want to use. You can also play with the layout of the pavers. Whether you want to mix colors and shapes to create striking patterns that immediately draw attention to your pool area, create a traditional look with a classic pattern, or generate a soothing atmosphere with calming colors that blend beautifully to delight the eye, you can do it with pavers. With so many paver patio designs to consider, it’s a cinch to give your pool area a custom look.
Benefits of Patio Pavers
Pavers are a wonderful choice if you want to improve the appearance of your pool deck, but they are more than just pretty. They’re also incredibly practical.
- For starters, patio pavers are naturally non-slip, so surrounding your pool with pavers can reduce the risk of slips and falls. Who doesn’t want to make their pool area a safer space?
- We mentioned above patio pavers come in a variety of colors and shapes.
- They’re also very easy to keep looking their best. A quick sweeping and the occasional rinsing is generally all that pavers require in the way of routine maintenance.
- If something does happen that causes damage to one or more of your pool deck pavers, it’s not a major catastrophe. In fact, the fix is easy and relatively inexpensive. You don’t have to redo the whole pool deck; you can simply repair or replace the damaged pavers.
The ease of maintaining your patio pavers means you can spend less time pampering your pool deck and more time swimming in the crisp, clear waters of your pool.
While concrete pads are prone to cracking, pavers are smaller and very durable. When properly installed, quality pavers will provide years of practical beauty.
The pool deck helps to set the tone for the pool area. If pool deck isn’t creating the impression that you want, it’s time for an upgrade. Make a splash by upgrading it with patio pavers.
Dulando Screen & Awning is ready to help you transform your pool deck. A family-owned and operated outdoor living company, we’ve been helping people in the Orlando area improve their backyard spaces since 1968. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to learn more about our services and schedule a free in-home design consultation.
Nov 22, 2015 | Patio Pavers
Patio pavers are perfect for so many projects. Whether you want to update your old pool deck, add a patio to your backyard, dress up your driveway or shape your landscaping with new walkways, pavers offer an attractive solution.
Why Homeowners Favor Pavers
Why do so many homeowners choose pavers for their hardscaping? Offering several advantages over a concrete slab, patio pavers:
- Require minimal maintenance to look fantastic.
- Provide remarkable durability and last for years.
- Are installed with joints between the pavers that allow for expansion and contraction which prevents cracking.
- Can be used to create a nearly infinite range of visually interesting designs.
- Are easy to repair because damaged pavers can be replaced individually without disturbing the rest of the surface.
- Can be installed on a prepared surface to create a new feature or over old concrete to refresh an existing one.
Pavers are available in an impressive variety of colors, shapes and materials. With so many choices, how do you choose which paver will work best for you?
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers is definitely one of the most popular types of pavers because they come in a variety of sizes and colors. They can be laid in a simple repetitive pattern or arranged in an intricate pattern, offering the opportunity to construct a look that is classic and traditional or edgy and modern. This familiar material withstands a great deal of pressure and holds up well to the elements. It also offers a nonslip surface that makes it a good choice for pools, patios and other outdoor surfaces.
Stone Pavers
While typically more expensive than other types of pavers, stone pavers offer a lush natural beauty that’s hard to match. Whether they’re cut from marble, slate or flagstone, these pavers are incredibly strong and water-resistant, withstanding high traffic, strong storms and the hot Florida sun without trouble. They are also available in a variety of appealing finishes; some present a smooth, elegant look while others deliver a rougher, more natural touch.
Concrete Pavers
Less pricy than stone and offering more colors than brick, concrete pavers are another option worth considering. Durable and incredibly versatile, they come in a huge range of colors, sizes and textures. With stamping, stenciling, engraving and exposed aggregate among the many design choices, it’s easy to see why concrete pavers is a smart choice when looking to craft a unique look that will set your hardscaping apart.
Pavers are a fantastic choice for an array of outdoor features, but the job of paver installation is one best left to the professionals because proper installation is vital to the stability and appearance of the finished hardscaping. In fact, improper paver installation will deteriorate the finished look you were trying to accomplish. When pavers are installed properly, the surface will maintain the finished look for years to come.
If you’re interested in using pavers to bring new style and functionality to your patio or backyard, contact Dulando Screen & Awning. A family-owned and -operated business serving central Florida for nearly half a century, we take pride in using our expertise and skill to create outdoor features that exceed your expectations. Call 407-862-6060 today to learn more about the various types of pavers and the possibilities they offer. Don’t forget to request a free estimate for your project.
Oct 14, 2015 | Patio Pavers
Are you wondering how to clean brick pavers? Hardscaping with pavers brings structure and utility to your outdoor spaces, creating a framework for your landscaping and providing delightful features like pool decks, patios and walkways. While an accumulation of debris and grime can leave your natural stone, concrete or brick pavers looking less than their best, it’s easy to refresh them with a quick cleaning. Just follow these five simple steps to clean brick pavers.
1. Gather your equipment.
Any task is easier to accomplish if you have the necessary tools at your fingertips. Before you begin cleaning concrete pavers, natural stone pavers or brick pavers, you’ll want to gather a few items.
- a broom
- a scrub brush or pressure washer – see #5
- a garden hose
- preferred weed killer
- a cleanser that is safe for your pavers, pets and environment
2. Make a clean sweep.
The first step is obvious to clean brick pavers. Take a broom and briskly sweep your patio pavers to remove loose debris like leaves, twigs and dirt. If your patio pavers have sand joints between them, try not to dislodge too much of this sand, but do your best to clear away whatever doesn’t belong.
3. Inspect your pavers
Spend a few minutes visually inspecting your pavers. Note any weeds that have invaded and check for stains on the stone. Pay extra attention to any places where it looks like a paver might be damaged. You’ll want to work with extra care here. If the damage is truly severe, you may want to consider having the ruined pavers replaced.
4. Deal with any weeds.
Weeds are stubborn opportunists. Given half a chance, they’ll sprout in the joints between pavers. When cleaning brick pavers, concrete pavers or natural stone pavers, deal with weeds that you come across the same way that you would deal with any that you found in your flowerbed or garden. If you pull the weed by hand, get as much of the root as possible. For a more hands-off option, you can spray it with weed killer or douse it with vinegar or boiling water.
5. Wash away persistent grime.
Did sweeping your pavers clear away the worst of the mess? You may be able to just rinse them off with the garden hose. If grime is still clinging to your pavers, it’s time to break out the scrub brush and a cleaner that is safe for the stone. Mix the cleaner with water as directed, splash it on the stone, and then use the scrub brush and a little elbow grease to clean the pavers. Work in small areas and try erasing stubborn stains by putting the cleanser on a rag and scrubbing them by hand. Once you’ve finished scrubbing the pavers, use the garden hose to rinse away any soapy residue from the cleanser and reveal your fresh, clean pavers.
If there are still stains, it’s time for the pressure washer, but be extremely careful if you go this route. Many pressure washers are powerful enough to damage the surface of pavers and the sand joints between them. So if you have to use a pressure washer, angle the wand at a 45-degree angle. Don’t point the wand directly into the sand joints.
Do you have questions about patio pavers or other backyard features? Turn to Dulando Screen & Awning as we provide award-winning design and installation services for over 50 years. We make your satisfaction our priority. Call 407-862-6060 today to schedule a free consultation.
Jul 27, 2015 | Patio Pavers
Your backyard swimming pool area is a private oasis when you want to relax and the center of fun when you entertain. Why not make it absolutely fabulous? Has your concrete pool deck seen better days? Are there a few cracks here and there? Affordable pool deck pavers are an ideal upgrade to pool patio area with unlimited design possibilities and smart benefits that homeowners really appreciate.
Remodel With Pool Deck Pavers
Older pool decking materials don’t age gracefully, and strategically dropped beach towels can’t really disguise cracks and stains. You can restore the pool’s good looks with new pool deck pavers that combine durability and unlimited design choices.
- Classic brick pavers create warm visual interest with geometric patterns, inlays and contrasting borders.
- Versatile stone pavers are available in styles ranging from travertine and marble to flagstone.
Whether you want a show-stopping combination of colors or something that quietly welcomes everyone, pool deck pavers can customize your outdoor living space.
Benefits of Pool Deck Pavers
When you upgrade the old concrete deck with modern pool deck pavers, you get more than a beautiful artistic selection of pool deck designs. You also enjoy these added benefits that last for years to come including:
- Poolside safety with non-slip surfaces
- Easy cleaning and low maintenance
- Superior crack and stain resistance
- Cool comfort underfoot on the hottest days
- Low-cost maintenance/replacement
Brick Pavers are not only confined to your pool deck. Imagine expanding these paver deck advantages to the patio or your grilling station. Professional paver installations offer affordable options for creating new pathways and replacing worn-out sidewalks. You can create a private retreat in the garden or extend that new deck to the hot tub. The benefits of pavers explore multiple possibilities around the house and the pool.
Relax With Confidence
Like most exterior home improvements, an upgrade to pool deck pavers helps increase important property value, but this is the type of home improvement that lets you relax. Your new deck only needs minimum maintenance, and the surface holds up to Florida’s sizzling summer heat and stormy hurricane season. Any repairs are surprisingly easy because damage is usually confined to just a few pavers.
Dulando Screen & Awning uses interlocking pavers which takes the headache out of digging up leaking pipes, rearranging the landscape or expanding your pool area.
If you’re thinking about an upgrade to your pool deck, we’re always happy to answer your questions about design ideas and paver installation options. Our talented teams at DuLando Screen & Awning are at your service with more than 45 years of experience.
Call us today at 407-862-6060 or fill out our online request for quote for a complimentary in-home consultation. Our design consultant will visit your home and provide a free no-obligation estimate on creating your backyard oasis.
Apr 21, 2014 | Patio Pavers
Pool deck pavers are a terrific way to add eye catching design and extra usable square footage to your backyard. A pool deck is also a terrific place to spend fun and relaxing times with family and friends. Adding concrete pool deck pavers provides a durable, yet comfortable, surface for walking, playing and lounging next to the swimming pool.
In addition to pure enjoyment in look and feel, quality paver installation also adds real value to your home.
The three main materials we use to make patios and decks:
- Pool Deck Pavers
- Natural Stone
- Concrete
We use these materials for patio or pool deck paving because they stay strong over time and under constant foot traffic, in harsh weather conditions, as well as the long-term effects of chlorinated or salt water splashing from the pool. Here’s another article if you are debating the pool deck pavers over concrete.
Benefits of Pool Deck Pavers
There’s no substitute for the quality and safety pool deck pavers offer your pool deck and outdoor living areas. Structurally solid, pool deck pavers offer high resistance to wear and tear and feature a durable non-slip surface. Safety is always a top priority near pool areas and on patios where children and pets play. The slip resistant surface of pool deck pavers keeps everyone safe on wet surfaces.
Additional benefits of pool deck pavers:
- Long Wearing Durability with little maintenance
- Affordability and Ease of Installation
- Non-slip Surface
- Variety of Colors and Textures – so many designs, so little time.
These are just a few of the benefits you may expect by choosing pool deck pavers for use around your pool and outdoor living areas. Not to mention, they are easy to care for and create a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy your outdoor living space.
Benefits of Natural Stone for your pool deck and backyard
Do you really want to be the envy of your neighborhood and friends? Nothing is more elegant than natural stone. You will instantly increase the value of your home. Natural stone can be added on top of concrete and will last for years to come. If a natural stone paver cracks, then you only need to replace that one stone. Because the color palettes of these stones are so varied, chances are it will be easier to match a single stone in the future.
Florida means year-round entertaining and outdoor activities. By adding more comfort, space and style to your outdoor living areas, you’ll be ready to invite family and friends over for a backyard barbecue, holiday get together or pool party. Your newly transformed patio and/or pool deck, made beautiful with natural stones, will certainly be the talk of the party!
Natural stone pavers are ideal for:
- Pool Deck
- Patio
- Walkways and Patio Steps
- Pool Deck Resurfacing
Free In-Home Consultation – No Obligation, or Commitment
What are you waiting for? If you are ready to begin your backyard transformation, please contact us today for a free in-home consultation. We will provide you with a variety of plans and ideas to create your perfect outdoor living environment. Dulando Screen & Awning will work with you on a design to best suit your patio and/or pool deck needs and stay within your budget. See why others Choose Dulando for their backyard projects.
Since 1968, our goal is to make your dream of a backyard oasis into reality by turning your space into a paradise for you and your family. We take pride in the quality of our workmanship, the durability of our paver materials and a streamlined approach to complete every project on time and within budget.
The DuLando Screen & Awning team of professionals will help you transform your backyard and pool area with beautiful and durable pool deck pavers. Whether you are looking to build a complete pool deck or a defined patio space with pavers, we can help you transform your space into beautiful dreamscapes, perfect for outdoor living and entertaining.
Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation or with any questions you may have regarding pool deck or patio paving projects. Please call (407) 862-6060 to speak with one of our friendly and experienced staff.
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