Moles

Under a healthy lawn is healthy soil generally full of earthworms. The beneficial earthworms also attract moles. While seldom seen, moles are most anywhere earthworms are. Earthworms are the number 1 food source for moles, although moles being insectivores will also eat grubs, maggots and ants. 

Photo taken from MN Nuisance Wildlife Control

Unsightly raised patterns of grass and broken earth or mounds of dirt ranging in the size of a baseball to a basketball are signs of mole activity. Moles tunnel long straight tunnels to get around to various smaller feeding tunnels. Often the longer transport tunnels are along barriers such as a sidewalk or patio and since moles also eat ants we have found feeding tunnels under paver walks, patios and driveways are common. 

Mole tunnels can be a few inches to several feet below the surface and can effect a paver application. Signs of mole damage can be long or short areas of cave in or settlement. With a width of a few inches up to a foot. If you wonder, simply pull a few pavers and begin pounding a rod into the base. You will notice at some point the rod gives and pounds very easily indicating you have hit a tunnel.

A common misconception is because moles are insectivores that a grub control treatment will get rid of the moles. While the lawn will surly benefit, the moles will not be effected and still live happy and fat because their number 1 food source is earthworms.

Various methods are available for eradication of moles. Generally a DIY approach will not properly place or set enough traps to be effective. We recommend Suburban Wildlife Control, Inc. South metro 952-403-9223  North Metro 763-755-2569 

Poly Haze

All to often a contractor, homeowner, manufacturer or re seller will contact our company to assess and define the reason a problem of polymeric haze exists on a paver application. All of em want to know what happened, why and who is responsible. This becomes challenging as the installer including DIY homeowners claim it was a bad product and for some reason the manufacturer and or re seller is expected to accept the burden. This gets really old. Now with this pre-determined attitude a barrier has been established without rhyme or reason, that even with my information and expertise may not be undone. This also gets old.

Chemical and organic binders in polymeric sands are easy to understand, as well the graded sand each contain. Activating polymeric sands are also a basic discipline to master. Did your contractor know the difference between the two and how each applies, consolidates and activates ? Did your contractor understand the variables involved including air and substrate temperatures, dew point/ humidity, sunlight or shade, wind speeds or the type of joint/paver being filled. 

Buying a bag of stuff, putting it down and watering it in does not constitute due diligence to the discipline needed to achieve a proper application which is the installers burden to provide. Even reading the directions twice means nothing when using a product such as polymeric sand, no matter the manufacturer or re seller. So please drop the "it's someone else's fault" pitch, I am not buying it.

So what now? After I gather enough information I can tell you exactly what happened and why,  then explaining your options including the possible re actions both good and bad. The stumbling point now becomes your acceptability of possible consequences in poly haze removals. 

While I understand poly haze is upsetting, it simply "is what it is" to me when entering the scene afterwards. I wish not give fault to any parties involved yet it is generally an installer error. 

Weeds

Weeds are a nuisance no matter where they grow. Unwanted vegetation will distract from an otherwise beautiful paver application. For many reasons joint sands can migrate from the joints and virtually wash away being replaced with dirt. Even just 1/8" of dirt will collect air borne weed seeds and soon you find unwanted vegetation throughout your walk, patio or driveway. 

Understanding both proactive and reactive approaches to weed control will assist a homeowner in an action plan that best suits their lifestyle and expectations.

The ultimate proactive approach would include a properly installed Polymeric Sand  at the time of the paver installation. Sealants with Joint Stabilizers will also help keep weeds out by hardening the joint sand. Both these types of products are available at any three locations of Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies manufactured by SRW Products. 

Roundup is a well known brand of a non-selective post emergent Herbicide and will handle most anything you want to spray it on, yet you will then need to remove the dead vegetation. Just recently Roundup and Bayer brands have developed a Herbacide that is both pre emergent and post emergent. The Paver Doctor has experienced satisfactory results with this new product.

Maintenance Programs are attractive to many homeowners. Having clean pavers with freshly sanded weed free joints can assure a wonderful first impression for family and friends alike. Feel free to call The Paver Doctor for these services and many more. We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-Sealing.

Cleaning

A variety of methods can be used to clean pavers. A leaf blower can remove leaves and grass clippings. A garden hose with spray nozzle can remove surface dirt. A stiff brush and a lot of elbow grease followed by the hose and spray nozzle can remove even more dirt. And homeowners can include a variety of cleaners. Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies have 3 metro locations where you can find a full line of do it yourself spot and general cleaners available.  

What about the pressure washer? Most pressure washers available at the home improvement stores are over powered and under fed, resulting in pressures that can strip the Cream Coat off of new pavers and old. Finishing concrete and during the manufacture of pavers a Cream Coat forms on the top surface. The surface you see (including the color) hides what is below and that's a lot of small rocks (and not that much color).

The Paver Doctor recommends the use of hot water (160 degrees) low pressure (300-600 PSI) and high water volume (5-8 GPM) to clean pavers. Cleaners need proper dwell, agitation and rinse. The applications must be worked in two different directions. Glass, wood or metal siding, veneer stone or brick and stucco must be protected from acids based cleaners. Consideration of run off into planting beds, lawn and ultimately watersheds will direct what chemicals can be used. 

The key to cleaning stains is to do it quickly after it happens. Reactive  measures are much more successful when a proactive approach is taken. A sealant application will reduce stain absorption. Sealants are designed to prevent the penetration of contaminants including dust, dirt, oil that dull the colors of pavers. Regular maintenance cleanings become quick, easy and much less intrusive to the colorful Cream Coat.

Dirty soiled pavers are both an appearance issue and can affect the integrity of the paver by holding onto moisture which during freeze thaw periods can lead to spalling. Feel free to call The Paver Doctor to assess this or any other issues related to your pavers! We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-Sealing.

Polymeric Sand

Some of the specialty work we do should NOT be tried by
the DIY and this is on of them

With its many attributes, Polymeric Sand  has become the joint sand of choice on new paver installations. Polymeric Sand  is either a fine or course graded sand mixed with polymers. After placement, the joints are watered in, activating the polymers. After cure the joints harden off which helps resit erosion, weeds and ant infestation. 

Polymeric Sand is also a great solution in high slope areas greater than 7%, high wind areas or areas that experience concentrated water runoff. Preventing joint sand washout that is common with these conditions.

Problematic sand entering into a pool or home can also be solved with the use of Polymeric Sand on pool decks and entry areas.

Installing Polymeric Sand  is relatively easy, although activating the polymers full depth in the joint takes patience and practice. The proper amount of moisture is paramount to a successful activation. Over watering or flooding the substrate will create the polymers to rise out of the joints and over the top of the pavers leaving a Polymeric haze. 

Polymeric Sand does have limitations and is not always the best joint sand choice. Shaded or poorly draining areas will retain moisture and effect the appearance of the finished joints. Feel free to contact The Paver Doctor for more information on Polymeric Sand. We specialize in paver Repair-Restoration-Sealing.         

Look closely to notice Polymeric Haze.
Polymer's are lighter than sand and water thus over flooding
while activating will cause polymers to float up and rest on top of the paver

We use acids to break the bond of polymers to concrete.