Falls Church has a lot of older homes with brick and flagstone walks, many shaded by big trees. They look great when they are clean, and they turn green and slick when they are not.
Paver walkway cleaning is a little different from cleaning plain concrete. Pavers and stone have joints full of sand, so the goal is to lift algae, moss and stains from the surface without blasting the sand out. A surface cleaner at the right pressure, plus detail work at the joints, does it.
Here is what builds up on walkways, how we clean them and how often to schedule it. Our driveway and concrete cleaning service covers pavers, brick and stone too.
What Builds Up on Walkways
- Green algae and black mildew in shaded sections.
- Moss and weeds growing in the joints.
- Leaf and berry stains from overhanging trees.
- Dirt and mud washed out of nearby beds.
- Efflorescence, a white powder that can appear on brick and pavers.
Why Pavers Need a Gentler Touch
The sand between pavers locks them in place. Too much pressure at a narrow angle washes it out, and the pavers start to shift and grow weeds. Older brick can also be soft. We match the pressure to the material and keep the tip moving.
How We Clean Walkways and Paths
- Clear loose debris and pull obvious weeds.
- Pre-treat algae, moss and stains.
- Clean the surface with a rotating surface cleaner for an even finish.
- Detail the edges, steps and joints by hand.
- Rinse and apply a post-treatment to slow regrowth.
On older or worn paver joints, we will let you know if re-sanding is worth doing afterward.
Paver Walkway Cleaning by Material
Concrete Pavers
The most common type. They handle a surface cleaner well at moderate pressure, with gentle work at the joints.
Brick Pavers
Older brick can be soft, so we use lower pressure and let the cleaning solution do more of the work.
Flagstone and Natural Stone
Stone varies a lot. We test a small area first and keep the pressure low, especially on softer stone.
Re-Sanding and Sealing After Cleaning
After a deep clean, some joint sand will be lower, especially where moss was growing. Sweeping in fresh polymeric sand locks the pavers and slows weeds. Sealing is optional; it can deepen the color and help pavers resist stains, but it needs to go on a clean, fully dry surface.
Walkways and Safety
A green walkway is a slippery walkway. Front steps and paths to the door are where most people slip when it rains. Our post on why sidewalks turn green covers the causes in more detail.
How Often to Clean Your Walkways
| Your walkway | Suggested schedule |
|---|---|
| Heavy shade | Every 12 months |
| Some shade | Every 12 to 18 months |
| Full sun | Every 18 to 24 months |
Pairing walkways with the driveway and patio gives the whole property an even look. See our driveway cleaning guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pressure washing ruin my pavers?
Not when it is done at the right pressure. Too much pressure washes out the joint sand, so we use a surface cleaner for flat areas and keep wand work gentle at the joints.
Can you clean brick and flagstone walkways?
Yes. Brick, flagstone and natural stone are cleaned at lower pressure with pre-treatment for algae and moss.
Do I need to re-sand my pavers after cleaning?
Sometimes. If the joints were already low or a lot of moss came out, polymeric sand helps lock the pavers and slow weeds. We will tell you if it is worth doing.
How long does walkway cleaning take?
Most walkways take under an hour on their own, and longer when combined with a driveway or patio.
How do I keep weeds out of my paver joints?
Keep the joints full of polymeric sand and clean the walkway before moss and weeds take hold. Sun and drainage help too, because damp, shaded joints grow weeds fastest.
Walkway Cleaning in Falls Church, Done Right
A clean walk is the first thing guests notice and the safest path to your door. A careful cleaning keeps the pavers in place and the green away.
We serve homeowners in Falls Church and nearby Arlington and Fairfax.
Get your free quote or call 571-364-4466. We answer calls and quote requests 24/7.
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