Do Pavers Have Chemicals?

Pavers can be made from a wide range of materials and ingredients. The materials used in making a specific type of paver affect a lot of qualities of such a paver. These typically include qualities like the strength, durability, and appearance of the pavers. Does that include chemicals? Do pavers have chemicals?

Do Pavers Have Chemicals?

Yes, pavers have chemicals. Many paver manufacturers add some chemical additives into the composition used in making their pavers. The chemicals are often added to lower the chances of efflorescence, a random occurrence in pavers that slightly alters their appearance.

Efflorescence is a natural phenomenon. This means that the chances of totally eliminating efflorescence are pretty slim. In some instances, the chemical additives do a decent job of minimizing the effects of efflorescence.

However, in most instances, the additives are not enough to totally prevent the occurrence of efflorescence. This makes it important to know how to manage efflorescence in pavers.

What is Efflorescence in Pavers?

Efflorescence, sometimes referred to as free lime or calcium hydroxide, is a natural and random phenomenon that typically occurs in concrete products like concrete pavers. It is a crystalline deposit of salts or a whitish or grayish powdery substance that appears on the surface of pavers shortly after installation.

It typically appears more pronounced on pavers of darker shades. The whitish substance also seems to disappear when the pavers are wet and reappears once they are dry. This often gives one the impression that the pavers are dull and fading. However, this is often not the case as it can often occur even shortly after the installation of the pavers.

It is also important to note that the efflorescence is no reason for concerns about the structural integrity of your pavers. The whitish deposit does not mean that the pavers are damaged or defective. It is possible to clean your pavers to remove efflorescence. You could choose to leave it to dissipate over time.

What Causes Efflorescence in Pavers?

Nowadays, most pavers are made from cement, among other materials. The cement used in making them is significantly responsible for the occurrence of efflorescence. Cement is high in calcium oxide, a water-soluble salt, that makes pavers more vulnerable to efflorescence.

This results in the production of water-soluble calcium oxide in the pavers. Pavers, despite their strong and solid nature, have several microscopic capillaries running through them with moisture absorbed from different sources. When this moisture gets mixed with the calcium oxide, it forms calcium hydroxide. The calcium hydroxide seeps to the surface and becomes calcium carbonate after reacting with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Once this reaction occurs, the calcium carbonate forms crystallized salts. These whitish salts will become visible once the moisture evaporates at the surface. Efflorescence could occur at different times. It could occur immediately after installation or within the months following installation. The production of the pavers and the installation could also be factors affecting how the pavers effloresce.

How to Prevent Efflorescence in Pavers

While it is almost impossible to totally prevent the occurrence of efflorescence in pavers, several preventive measures can be taken before, during, and after the installation of the pavers. These measures will help reduce the chances of your pavers efflorescing. Here are steps to prevent efflorescence:

Proper Storage of Pavers

Before installation of your pavers, it is best to keep them off the ground. This will prevent them from absorbing any moisture from the ground. You also want to cover them with a waterproof material to ensure they are not affected by rainfall.

Proper Landscaping

Proper landscaping is another preventive measure you can take before the installation of your pavers. When mapping out your pavement and where the pavers will be installed, you want to ensure that water sources are far away from your pavers. Adjust your:

Sprinklers
Flashing, and
Downspouts to achieve this.

You also want to ensure that the pavement is properly graded and there is drainage to allow water to flow away. While it might be time-taking, this is a really cost-effective way to prevent and an easy way to prevent efflorescence.

Proper Installation

It is best to have your pavers professionally installed. This will ensure that the pavers are installed using the best industry practices. That way, you get to avoid the stress of installing the pavers yourself and having to go through other rigorous activities to deal with efflorescence.

If you are looking to install pavers in San Diego, you should consider Aviara Pavers. Aviara Pavers is one of the leading local paver design and installation companies in San Diego. Aviara Pavers will ensure that your entryway, pool deck, and patio pavers are properly installed in line with ICPI safety standards, your timeline, and your budget.

Capillary Breaks

Capillary breaks are also effective when preventing efflorescence. When you install capillary breaks between the ground and the pavers, you can prevent water from reaching the pavers. You also prevent the pavers from absorbing salt from the ground.

Hydrophobic Sealant

Using a hydrophobic sealant to coat your pavers provides an impregnable layer that prevents the absorption of water into the pavers. This will reduce the chances of efflorescence occurring in your pavers.

Conclusion

The main reason chemical additives are included when making pavers is to reduce the chances of the pavers efflorescing. However, this step is not foolproof, and there are other measures you should take to prevent efflorescence. This will ensure your pavers remain beautiful and durable for longer.

Do Pavers Have Chemicals?