[CJacksonLASD]

Hello,

Hoping you can answer this question, I had new Belgard Catalina Smooth Stone Pavers installed in my back yard two weeks ago. Since then we have had a little rain, and the top of the pavers looks very dull, with some white residue on a lot of the pavers. Is this normal, does it go away, is there something I should be doing?

Second question, should I roll a sealant on the pavers, should I wait for a while prior to adding a sealant?

Thanks for you help, I just hate spending so much money on new pavers, but they don't look so clean as I would expect.

 

[joecaption]

https://www.masonryinstitute.org/pdf/612.pdf

 

[gregzoll]

That residue is normal from the material used to place them in and after compacting. You can wash them off. Personally I would leave them alone and just let time take its course. After a while the Sun will end up bleaching them to that color, because it is cement mix that they are formed with, and the dye that they use in them, is not the greatest.

Do not use any type of Salt based Ice Melts on them if you are where it can freeze or snow. It will cause them to fail after a few years. There is a reason why those types of paver's are so cheap. Also Sealers do not help, unless you are good about keeping them cleaned of and maintained.

 

[CJacksonLASD]

Thank you for the responses. After doing some research I did learn of efflourescence. I feel better knowing it should wash away over time and I will occationally hose them down and give them a quick scrub with a push broom. I also see efflourescence removing cleaning solution to use that I might use after 3-4 months is some white residue is still there. My next question is should I apply a sealant to them or not???

By the way I live in Southern California, winters in the 60s and summers in the 100s, get about 10 minor rainfalls a year.