Now that you have installed your bricks, how can you keep them looking great? Maintaining engraved bricks is not that hard. At Bricks R Us, we are in the business of supplying specially designed and engraved bricks to non-profit organizations, individuals, and other groups as part of their campaigns to help or recognize segments in their community.
We want to help our customers take care of their engraved bricks and tiles. After all, you’ve made the investment; now you’re looking at longevity.
Taking Care of Bricks and Tiles
Here are some tips to keep your special bricks tidy, sharp, clean and nifty keepsakes for decades (and maybe centuries) to come:
- Pavers are highly resistant to absorption of stains and can be kept clean in most environments by regular sweeping.
- Low pressure water can be helpful when removing soil.
- Detergents added to the water stream may speed the cleaning of soiled pavers (proprietary cleaners such as Prosoco’s Sure Klean; Vana Trol may be used if necessary).
- When applying detergent directly gently hose off your brick or tiles. Remember to rinse thoroughly.
Things To Avoid
- Acid based cleaners.
- High pressure water may cause damage to clay pavers. High pressure water may also compromise sand filled joints.
- Using salt and shovels for snow removal (For some traction try using sand, or biodegradable cat litter instead of salt).
- Do not use steel brushes to remove debris.
Ice Removal
- Several proprietary chemical products are available for preventing and removing ice from paved surfaces that perform well and reduce potential staining of pavers.
- Calcium, magnesium, acetate and urea. (The former is preferred because it is more effective at lower temperatures).
- Deicing of pavements (This material contains calcium chloride and can cause efflorescence).
- Sand or grit used to provide traction on ice should be swept up after the freezing cycle to minimize grinding of the pavers.
Snow Removal
- Brushes and brooms as used for other pavements.
- If needed, rubber or urethane blade edges can be used. Remember, care must be taken to ensure that the blades of the equipment do not scrape the pavement surface in a manner that might cause chipping or scratches.
- Remove snow from Truncated Dome ADA pavers with brushes and brooms.
Brick Sealing
Another way to keep your bricks looking good is to seal the bricks after installation and then once a year. Sealing your bricks:
- Repels water and stains.
- Helps hold sand in joints.
- Prevents wear from foot traffic.
- Water based sealers are safer, you can ask your local contractor who will be your best advisor based on the type of weather in your area.
Follow our recommendations to maintain your bricks’ integrity and keep them looking like new for years to come.
Did you find these tips useful? Let us know and contact us for any questions about maintaining your bricks or starting a campaign.
