Concrete paving materials are offered in the form of Exposed Aggregate, Patterned Concrete, Paving Stones (commonly referred to as interlocking stones) Slab or Pre-Cast. Concrete can be natural or colored with pigments and is found just about everywhere you look.

The appearance and/or integrity of concrete can be effected by the following:Staining caused by the absorption of Engine Oils, Transmission and Brake fluids, Automotive and Barbecue Grease, Rust, Paint, Rubber, Red Wines or Colas, Tree Berries or Sap, Bird Droppings and Animal Urine. Stains are aesthetically unattractive and may be difficult to remove unless the stone or concrete is previously protected.

Acid Rain will continually dissolve the concrete’s color pigments and erode the finish of the pavement until it is left dull and pitted. UV rays & Chlorine based Swimming Pool Chemicals will dramatically fade coloured concrete or stone over time. Freeze-Thaw Cycles (caused by water absorption into the concrete pores from rain or melting snow on Fall and Winter days where the temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius. Night time temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius and cause this absorbed water to freeze and expand, breaking down the concrete cells and it’s overall integrity.

Over time this will cause erosion, shoaling and pop-outs. For great examples of this, examine any new sidewalk compared to a 5, 10, 15 & 20 year old sidewalk. The difference is shockingly obvious.De-Icing Salts can pit the concrete’s smooth surface within one winter’s use if left unprotected. Efflorescence Deposits (white soluble salts which create a whitish haze on concrete surfaces). Efflorescence will obscure the true color of your pavement, slow down moisture evaporation and trap dirt in surface pores.

Efflorescence is present in most concrete and “must” be removed from the surface prior to sealing.Weeds and other vegetation will grow in-between the paving sand joints as seedlings take root in the surface of the dirt contaminated low sand levels.Sand loss from the paving joints is inevitable with wind, rain wash out and tire pick-up. This will lead to instability in the paving stones and the essential stable base below. Sand joint stabilization is imperative. Stains and damage can be avoided by using premium sealers, repellents and paints.

More info about different stones and the right sealer