Staining and Restoring Brick Pavers | Long Island NY

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Bring life back to your driveway or patio pavers by staining and restoring brick. Few things add so much to a landscape than a beautiful set of pavers, whether installed in your driveway, around the pool, or on your patio. One of the things that makes them so popular is the countless ideas of patterns and even colors you can choose from.

What To Do if Your Paver Color is Faded or Ugly?

Brick pavers must be maintained and sealed regularly to protect them from obvious staining. What might not be obvious to most is their gradual fade. If pavers are not sealed, they can fade to look like bare cement in as little as seven years!

Staining pavers can help protect them from water damage and erosion and increase their lifespan. Stains can also restore faded pavers to look almost new again. Some say that staining pavers is easy and affordable. It can transform a patio into a beautiful extension of a home.  Here are some reasons why you might want to stain your pavers:

  • Protect from water damage—Water can cause pavers to crack and stain over time. Sealing pavers with a water-repellent sealer can help keep water from penetrating the surface, reducing the likelihood of damage and prolonging the life of the pavers.
  • Restore faded pavers—If pavers aren’t sealed, they can fade to look like bare cement in as little as seven years. Staining can restore faded pavers to look almost new again.
  • Longer-lasting color—Stains penetrate into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface like paint, resulting in a longer-lasting color that won’t fade as quickly.
  • Better look – Stains can give pavers depth of color, making them look better than paint and less fake. The stain won’t be all one consistent color, so some darks or lighter colors will still be visible.

staining-and-restoring-brick-pavers-long-island-ny1Paver Staining – Power Washing & Polymetric Sand

Recently, Gappsi completed a patio paver stain from Crab Orchard (pink/peach color) from Nicolock to gray. The client chose to stain the pavers in gray and the coping in black, changing the color of the backyard to a gray tone. 

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The paver staining process starts first by pressure washing the stones.  Then, new gray polymeric sand is added and swept between the joints.  Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and additives that can fill the joints between pavers and other hardscape materials. It can be a good choice for paver joints because it has many benefits, including:

  • Durability – Polymeric sand is more durable than regular sand and can help increase the lifespan of your hardscape. It’s also resistant to erosion from heavy rain and water runoff.
  • Weed and insect prevention – Polymeric sand can help prevent weeds like moss, grass, and dandelions from growing between pavers, and it can also deter ants from burrowing into cracks.
  • Easy application – Polymeric sand is quick and easy to apply, and it doesn’t require perfectly dry pavers.
  • Aesthetics – Polymeric sand comes in many colors, so choose a shade that matches your pavers or walkway.
  • Polymeric sand can cost more than regular sand, but it is worth the investment in the long term. With proper care, polymeric sand can last up to 15 years.

staining-and-restoring-brick-pavers-long-island-ny2Paver Staining – First Coat of Color Sealant

Once the polymetric sane has dried, we apply the first coat of colored sealer. It takes a few passes to achieve the gray color we want. It is going to be a huge transformation. Changing the color from a beige pink to a gray stone is a challenge. With each pass, we increase the color we apply as we add to the multiple coats. We are putting an extra coat of black on the coping.

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How to Stain Pavers?

To stain pavers, you can use either sprayers or brushes. A brush can provide better penetration of the coloring agents, but you must be careful not to leave brush marks. Remember to protect surrounding areas to prevent unintentional stains.

You can feel compelled to stain your pavers in a different color for several reasons. Let’s list below some of them:

  • You can create unique patterns using different colors.
  • Staining your pavers in different colors can add that new, fresh look you’re looking for in your landscape.
  • The result has a more natural look than painted pavers.
  • It is relatively easy compared to other options (replacing pavers).

We will blend it in with the existing Cambridge patio. The color staining for this backyard in Smithtown NY has been completed.  We transformed the color of the patio and the coping from the crab orchard, a combination of beige brown and peach colors, to a light gray for the patio and charcoal for the borders.

staining-and-restoring-brick-pavers-long-island-ny3The homeowners have changed the color of the backyard to be more gray-toned throughout the years. The existing old patio did not match the style, so they decided to color stain the pavers to blend in. This color that we used is also a sealer that stains the stones. This is the latest stone staining project done by Gappsi in Smithtown, NY.

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Cleaning and Sealing Concrete Pavers Process

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cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-process-before--afterThis blog will discuss cleaning and sealing concrete pavers process and why it is important.  Whether you have a charming hardscape, a beautiful driveway, or an intricate walkway, your hardscape’s longevity and visual appeal depend on proper maintenance. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of regular cleaning and sealing pavers in your hardscapes, helping you understand when, how, and why to embark on these crucial steps for preserving the beauty of your outdoor spaces.

  1.  Do stone patios, driveways, and other hardscapes need to be pressure washed?

This is everyone’s first question, and the answer is NO.  The most popular interlocking concrete pavers manufacturers used in Long Island NY are Nicolock, Cambridge, Techo Bloc, Unilock, and Belgard to name a few. These pavers have been installed on patios and driveways for the past 30 years.  When you see a 10-year-old concrete paving stone floor you can notice with the naked eye that the surface is faded and lost its finer texture on the surface layer.

Patio and driveway pavers get dirty over time and grow black mold, moss, and weeds. Most paver owners think of hiring a pressure washing company to clean them or run out to the local hardware store rent a pressure washer and try to pressure wash the pavers themselves. Pressure washing concrete pavers, especially newer ones, can easily damage the surface finish and we strongly suggest not pressure washing unless you are highly experienced and have the right equipment to pressure wash pavers.

step-1-cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-processPressure-washing concrete pavers will appear to clean them at the time.  The process weathers the surface of the pavers therefore aging and expediting the aging process. As you pressure wash the concrete surface of the pavers, it becomes rougher, and in a short time dust and dirt will start to accumulate in the microscopic pores resulting in the surface being dirty again.  Often people get caught up in the cycle of pressure washing their pavers every springtime.   They do not realize every time it is done they worsen the problem instead of resolving it. 

  2.  Do concrete pavers need to be sealed? 

This is everyone’s next question, and the answer is YES.  Paver sealant is an important maintenance tool to keep paver patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.   To maintain the look for years to come a layer of protective sealer must be applied to the surface of the finished outdoor paver.

Concrete surfaces are corrosive to the elements and will weather over time, losing their shine and fine new texture. Just like many products need protection such as metal needs paint or a car needs wax to revive and restore its luster.  Any surface exposed to the elements after many years will lose its vibrancy and fine finished texture.

step-2-cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-processWe recommend sealing your pavers to ensure their longevity and the manufacturer’s finish to last.  Gappsi uses a synthetic finish product to preserve the paving stones.  Sealers will make the pavers surface water repellent thus making them weatherproof.  When you seal your pavers you accomplish many things besides weathering protection.  You bring out the colors that fade over time even though the color is through and through or even a layer of half an inch thick.  The eye sees the very top of the pavement.  In only a few short years they could become faded due to the weathering from the rain or sun rays.

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In addition, the color could fade simply by the curing process of the cement structure itself of which the concrete pavers are manufactured. Using a pressure washer over concrete pavers will further degrade the surface and age it faster.  Sealer products are clear and transparent.  They brighten and magnify the colors of the surface. That’s what the eye sees.  The colored light that the sealer reflects. The smoother the surface of the pavers the more light is reflected off it.  A weathered surface allows dust to collect more easily and does not reflect the light as well as a preserved smoother surface does. That is why a sealed newer surface appears to be much more colorful than a sealed more weathered surface that has been left to weather under the elements for too long without a synthetic coat protection like the proper sealer.

Perhaps the most important benefit of sealers is that they make pavers less porous, which helps limit stains, since the pavers are less able to soak up the oil or dirt, etc. Sealing your concrete pavers makes cleanup of spills easier if they do happen.

  3.  How long should you wait before cleaning and sealing your pavers? 

Gappsi has been installing pavers for over 40 years and sealing them for more than 20 years.  Our experience and best practice is to take care of any colored concrete surface and pavers installed on driveways and patios.  New installations should weather under the natural elements of rain, sun, and snow for at least 2 years. During this time the concrete structure of the paving stones will cure completely and any efflorescence that has reason to surface on the pavement will be washed away naturally.  The top surface of the concrete pavers has weathered enough to have developed a very fine uniform sandy texture.  This is not visible to the naked eye but enough for a sealant to grab on and allow it to penetrate the substrate. This will make the sealer applied do its job of protecting the surface. 

step-3-cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-process  4.  What is the right sealer and how do you select the one that fits your pavers?

This is where it can get more complicated, costly, or worsen the situation. If you don’t use the right product or the right company to seal your pavers you could degrade the surface of the paving stones.  It is important to start with what is your result you are looking to achieve.  What are your expectations for the project?  Besides planning to protect your outdoor floor investment long term, you need to ask yourself a few questions: 

  • Do you want to see your pavers color in a natural form as they look when they are dry? 
  • Do you like the wet look and want to enhance the color?
  • If you prefer the color enhancement option, what kind of shine? Shiny or Mat
  • Do you want a plastic shine look or do you like a mat color-enhanced look?

step-4-cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-processWhat is Your Preference? 

Based on your preferences we will choose the sealer products that will accomplish the look. There are many manufacturers of sealers on the market and knowing which one is better could be challenging.  In addition, the manufacturer of the sealer you select will have different ways to apply the product.  The application and knowledge of cleaning and sealing pavers are what will give you the correct result.

The quality of your sealed paving stone patio and driveway pavers comes down to the knowledge of the person you trust and hire to complete the project.

Applying sealer to your pavers does NOT automatically guarantee all the good things mentioned above, a poorly sealed job could create a worse eye sore.  It also is an expensive and challenging situation to rectify.  This is because there are not many quality sealer applicators on the market.  There are even fewer applicators willing to take the challenge or even know how to rectify a badly sealed patio and make it look right.

  5.  Best practices for sealing concrete paving stones.

We recommend lightly washing the pavers with a surface cleaner.  This will clean the floor uniformly and most importantly use a pressure washing system that makes hot water at least 150 Fahrenheit.  Once the surface is cleaned of any debris as well as old sand from the joints.  You can go at least one inch deep into the joint.  The floor has to be left until completely dry. The following step is to fill the joints of the pavers with Polymeric sand, let it harden, and then seal the pavers.)

step-5-cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-process  6. How many types of sealers are there and what are the differences?

Four primary types of sealers can be used to seal concrete pavers: polyurethane, acrylic, Solvent and lastly waterbase based sealers. All these sealers can be modified by the different producers to accomplish different results. Acrylic and polyurethane sealers are the top coating that primarily covers the surface of concrete pavers, they offer color enhancement by magnifying the color pigments on the paver surfaces. solvents and waterbased sealers are penetrating sealer and can offer both a natural look and color enhancement.  If a natural look is desired in the paving stone then a solvent sealer with non enhancers or water-based solution should be used.

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  7.  Which sealer is better to use?

All sealers are good as long as you understand how to apply them. 

  • Understanding the surface you are sealing
  • The age of the concrete pavers
  • Is it concrete or a natural stone surface
  • Are you going to apply a slip resistance on the surface?
  • Is it a horizontal or a vertical surface,
  • Is the area damp, the porosity of the product you are planning to seal is important to note.
  • The application procedure of each product changes based on the time of the year you are applying it and the humidity and weather (temperature).

Gappsi Cleaning and Sealing Paving Stones Process

Our experience in cleaning and sealing concrete pavers is not only shown through our expert staff in handling the products but also in the timing between each step of the process.  Using the right right people, with the right equipment to ensure a job is done right for YOU! 

STEP #1

The Gappsi process starts with focusing on losing up and the removal of soil and debris from the paver’s joints using a state-of-the-art high water volume pressure washer that produces 200 Fahrenheit hot water.

STEP #2

The 2nd step is to wash the floor surface using extractor surface cleaners.  This will clean the floors uniformly.  In addition, the suction produced by the surface cleaner extracts any loose material.  This material is loosened and sitting in the pavers gaps.  We pump them out and away from the area being prepared for sealing.

STEP #3

Once the paving stone joints and surface have been completely cleaned.  Allow the patio stones to completely dry. The selection of joint filling material is based on the selection of the sealer we use.

STEP #4

It is important to mention a few things.  If we are sealing a concrete paving surface using a color enhancer sealer.  Then we use a urethane sealer.  In this case, we also use silica sand (color of choice) to fill the joints.  Next, we vibrate the pavement with a specific vibratory roller compactor made for this application process.  This helps the sand settle in between the paver joints and fills the joints tight. Lastly, urethane sealer is applied.

STEP #5

One person sprays the sealer onto the concrete pavers.  The second person moves the sealer around with a blower filling the joints.  This process ensures that the joins fully absorb the sealer when applied to its full depth.  The surface of the pavers becomes sealed in the process while we focus on flooding the joints.  

A second coat of sealer is applied right after while the first coat is still tacky strengthening the seal to the stone.  This binds to the first coat.

STEP #6

When solvent sealers are used the process changes with the use of sand.  We use Polymeric sand instead of Silica sand.  Polymeric sand is a combination of silica sand and polymer manufactured and delivered in dry bags.  After applying to the paver joints and vibrating down, water is applied.  The water activates the polymeric in the sand and causes the sand to harden when dry. The last step is applying the solvent sealer over the entire floor surface.

A great job is only delivered by the following criteria:

  1. the experience and knowledge of the applicator
  2. the right preparation of the surface
  3. the proper equipment used
  4. the appropriate type of sealer selected for the desired outcome.

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel for Videos of the Cleaning and Sealing Concrete Pavers Process

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Tile & Grout – Restoration Cleaning Coloring Sealing

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8-before-and-after-tile-and-grout-cleaning-and-coloring

Tile & Grout – Restoration Cleaning Coloring Sealing only at Gappsi.  Tile cleaning is tough work. Grout cleaning is even harder. Over time, tile floors and surfaces lose their shine and luster. Scrubbing and mopping do not generally yield the results needed for a deep clean. Because grout is porous and absorbs all the dirt and debris on it, mopping only removes surface soil and not the embedded dirt that causes the grout to become dull.

Our residential tile and grout cleaning and grout-sealing product helps maintain the cleaned grout for months and makes your regular home maintenance more effective. Also, if your grout is discolored or you want to update the look, we offer grout re-coloring services in a variety of colors to suit your style.

Gappsi Tile and Grout Deep Cleaning

Gappsi has trained technicians who use specialized equipment.  It extracts deeply embedded dirt and grime, thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing your tile, grout, and baseboards. We use nonabrasive yet effective methods with adjustable heat and pressure for deep-down cleaning.

1-Tile-and-grout-cleaning-applying-cleanersWe service all sorts of tile: stone, ceramic, porcelain, clay, and more on floors, shower walls, backsplashes, vanities, tub surrounds, hot tub surrounds, pool decks, table tops, and more throughout Long Island.

Our steam cleaning yields stunning results! If you have soiled grout it can respond to steam cleaning as suddenly as what happens when you spill bleach on black cloths.  The grout is often restored to a uniform color and sanitized the very second the steam wand runs across the tile and grout surface.

2-Tile-and-grout-cleaning-steam-washing-and-brusching-grout-jointsTile and Grout Restoration Repair 

  • Shower Restoration, Cleaning & Caulking​ – We offer a variety of shower restoration services. We use alkaline cleaners or acid cleaners to remove soap scum, calcium deposits, and dead skin cells. We also provide caulking services and grout repairs for damaged areas of the tile floor. We can apply sealants to protect your grout from future damage.
  • Tile & Grout Repairs – When grout is cracked, crumbling, or stained over time there are several repair options. If only certain areas of the grout are damaged, we may be able to add more grout material or re-grout those areas. If the entire floor needs repair, we can either re-grout the entire floor or color your existing grout to match the original color.

4-Tile-and-grout-cleaning-and-coloring-grout-jointsGrout Recoloring | Grout Color Sealing

After thoroughly cleaning your grout, we can apply a pigmented sealer that seals your grout and covers up the stains.

With recoloring, we can change the color of your grout to a lighter or darker color or match the original color. We will work with you to choose the right color for your grout. Changing the color of the grout in a bathroom, kitchen, or any tiled area can give the room a new look and feel!

If your sanded grout has cracked due to loose tiles, broken thresholds, or other causes, we can repair it before color sealing.

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Grout recoloring will save you time and effort by repelling soil and stains, making cleaning easier. The pigmented sealer will also last up to ten times longer than standard sealer; this offers the highest protection level. Grout recoloring can change your tile’s look, saving you money on costly remodels. Color-sealed grout is easy to clean, saving you time and money by eliminating the need for harsh cleaners. Give new life to your existing tile and grout by having your local Grout Doctor color seal it for you!

Color-sealed grout is easy to clean because you simply wipe down the tiles with a clean cloth or mop. There is no scrubbing needed.  The color seal protects your grout from the dirt, grime, and liquids that caused the stains in the first place.

Tile & Grout – Restoration Cleaning Coloring Sealing

6-Applying-final-coat-of-clear-sealerWhat You Can Expect from Gappsi

When you choose Gappsi for professional grout cleaning and color sealing you will receive 100% Satisfaction

Step One – Prep Existing Floor – our professionals have perfected tile and grout restoration. We can make dirty, discolored grout lines look like new regardless of the choice of color. If you prefer the original appearance, we can restore, clean, repair, and seal your existing grout. If you prefer to add something special to your existing tile floor, Gappsi can help you mix and match the tile and grout line colors.

Step Two – Select Color for Grout – Gappsi can turn dingy, dark grout lines into clean, white grout lines.  We can apply a color sealer that will also provide lasting protection. Our color matching system allows our customers to choose a new grout color for a customized appearance.

Step Three – Apply New Grout – Grout is a concrete and sand mixture.  When you have your renovated grout color sealed it protects it from accidents.  All those unexpected spills, foot traffic, and day-to-day life.  Having unprotected grout lines can absorb the stains leaving discoloration and/or create a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria as in pet-related accidents. Protective sealant allows for a quick mop and your tile floor is as good as new.

Step Four – Tile & Grout Sealed for Protection – Our proven process for grout restoration and color sealing means you no longer have to face the dilemma of ugly, unsanitary grout lines in your bathrooms, kitchen, or family room. Don’t waste your time scrubbing discolored grout lines with harsh chemicals.

7-Wiping-off-the-access-sealer-off-the-tiles-and-spreading-it-into-the-grout-jointsGrout color sealing can break down over time and will need to be resealed to keep your grout in great condition. We recommend grout sealing once a year in areas without moisture, and as needed in high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel for Videos of Grout and Tiles Cleaning, Coloring, and Sealing Bathrooms and Kitchen Walls and Floors

In this video, you can view the process of cleaning and coloring the grout from this demonstration floor.  You can see the difference in the before and after.  We start by applying the grout and tile cleaner over the tiles and the grout joints.  We allow it to sit for a few minutes.  Next, we steam-wash the entire floor. Then we start the cleaning process of the joints with hot steam and a brass brush.  For the final general cleaning of the tiles and grout, we use a vacuum to remove leftover dirt from the grout joints.

Gappsi Coloring Process for Grout

Next is the process of coloring the grout after they have been cleaned.  There is a huge transformation from before as you can see in the part of the floor that has not been cleaned yet.  The joints have not been colored before.  After the next step, we will apply a protective sealer on the grout and tiles. Now when applying the final coat of clear sealer this sealer will not enhance the color of the grout or the tiles but will prevent it from getting dirty.  We wipe off the excess sealer and get the sealer into the grout and joints and off the tile surface for a clean finish.

 

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Grout and Tile Cleaning in Your Home | Bathrooms, Kitchens, Walls and Floors

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Complete bathroom tiles and grout cleaning coloring and sealing 11

Complete Bathroom Tiles and Grout Cleaning Coloring and Sealing

Grout and tile cleaning by hand is hard work. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and impossible to get the deep-clean results that come with professional tile and grout cleaning.  This is because regular mopping will never reach the hidden dirt that lies deep within the pores of your grout lines. Grout is a porous material that collects dirt, grime, and spills, often discoloring the surface.

Have you ever wondered why the grout floors in your home don’t feel as fresh despite regular cleaning? Have you ever thought about those grout lines between your tiles?  Our homes often hold onto more than just memories. They also harbor tiny invaders of bacteria and mold, particularly in the tile grout.

Cleaning tiles and grout isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a battle for hygiene. It’s like fighting an invisible war against these micro-organisms that can affect the overall health of our living space.

The Science Behind Tile and Grout Cleaning

Grime, mold, mildew, and bacteria lurk in your tile’s grout lines.  Your tiles may shine after a quick mop, but that doesn’t mean they’re clean. Tiles are porous materials, making them perfect hideouts for dirt and microbes. Over time and effort, this can result in a change of color or even health risks.

The magic of professional-grade grout cleaners lies in their ability to penetrate these pores deeply. We use specialized solutions to break down stubborn stains and kill harmful bacteria lurking beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, steam cleaning removes deep-seated dirt from grout lines without damaging your tiles. This method uses high-temperature steam and effectively sanitizes surfaces while breaking up tough soil deposits. So next time you look at your shiny floors, remember: there’s more than meets the eye.

before and After cleaning coloring and sealing bathroom tiles 12
Before and After Cleaning Coloring and Sealing Bathroom Tiles

Grout and Tile Cleaning, Coloring, and Sealing Bathrooms, Kitchens, Walls and Floors

We have started the process of cleaning these bathroom tiles and grout.  Our team cleaned a small spot in the middle of the floor just to show how dirty the tiles were.  The Gappsi Method to Cleaning and Sealing tiles in kitchens and bathrooms:

  • Spray the area with chemicals to break down grease, grime, and dirt on the tiles and grout lines.
  • Clean the grout and tiles with hot dry steam.
  • Sanitize the toilet bowl with hot steam.
  • Sanitize the sink faucet and countertop with hot steam.
  • Steam clean bathroom or kitchen floor tiles.
  • Color bathroom or kitchen tile grout joints.
  • Buffing tiles to remove residue on grout color.
  • Vacuum dust off bathroom floor tiles after buffing.
  • Seal bathroom tiles and grout with clear protective sealer.
  • Wipe off extra sealer from tile surfaces.
  • Complete bathroom tiles and grout cleaning, coloring, and sealing.
Cleaning Grout and Tiles with Hot Dry Steam
Cleaning Grout and Tiles with Hot Dry Steam

We start the cleaning preparation process by applying the cleaner over the tiles and grout. The cleaner will soften any grease and dirt that has accumulated on the grout over the years.  This facilitates the removal of any grease and scum when steam is applied to the tiles and grout.

⇒ CONTACT GAPPSI TODAY TO CLEAN AND SEAL YOUR BATHROOM OR KITCHEN TILES⇐

As we let the grout cleaner do its work while we sanitize all bathroom fixtures with dry steam, we clean every groove, gap, and fixture in the bathroom. The dry steam gets through every crack where dirt accumulates over the years.

Our team ensures to sanitize the area with a very hot dry steam. After cleaning and sanitizing all the fixtures we use steam to clean the entire tile area removing all the dirt and grease softened by the cleaner at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grout-and-Tile-Cleaning
Grout and Tile Cleaning

The steam alone would clean the tiles and grout but prepping the surface with a cleaner to facilitate the removal of the dirt and create a clean surface is better.  It opens all the pores in the grout for the color sealer to penetrate deeper.

This completes the steam cleaning process of the whole bathroom including the walls then finishing with the floor. The grout is ready to be sealed after we cleaned the bathroom.  Once complete we coloured the grout and sealed it too.   The colour and sealer combination will create a uniform grout coloring while sealing it and protecting it from absorbing dirt in the future.

Check out our Outdoor Cleaning and Sealing of Pavers

Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones3After we let the color sealer absorb into the grout joints we wipe the excess that’s sitting on the tiles.  It dries for a minute or so and the process continues throughout the entire bathroom. Once all the joints are sealed, we let the grout dry.  We polish with a buffing machine and remove any dry residue that was left on the tiles during the grout cleaning process.

Buffing Bathroom Tiles to Remove Residue on Grout Color
Buffing Bathroom Tiles to Remove Residue on Grout Color

A final vacuum is completed to remove any dust that was created during the cleaning process.  For a final coating over all the grout and colored sealer, we apply an extra step of clear sealer.  This provides further protection for the tiles and grout of the bathroom walls and floor.  The clear sealer will not enhance or change the color of the grout or stones when it dries. We then wipe off any additional residue of sealer accumulated over the tiles. This also further spreads the sealer into the joints.

Cleaning and sealing grout is a many-step process when done correctly.  Does your grout need to be cleaned and restored?  If you need to restore the kitchen or bath grout, have discolored joints, or need sealing done on the bathroom or kitchen floor.  Give Gappsi a call today at 631-543-1177 or text us at 631-831-3177.

Gappsi has extended our service of stone restoration, cleaning, and sealing from outdoor driveway and patio pavers to indoor tiles and grout.

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel for Videos of Grout and Tiles Cleaning, Coloring, and Sealing Bathrooms and Kitchen Walls and Floors

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Cleaning and Sealing Paver Stones on Long Island NY

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Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones1

Cleaning and Sealing Paver Stones is NECESSARY! We are often asked, “Do I need to seal my pavers?”  The short answer is YES!!!  Cleaning and Sealing is an important maintenance tool to keep paver patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.

However, “too much of a good thing” can come into play, and you should be wary of over-applying paver sealer by reapplying too often, which could create a haze.

What Cleaning and Sealing Paver Stones Can Do For Your Home! 

Natural pavers may be more rustic, but they have a raw, unfinished look that may not fit even with more naturalistic decor styles. Sealed pavers create a polished look and complete the look of your driveway, patio, or pool area. The shine after sealing pavers adds sophistication and can improve curb appeal or complement the rest of your home decor.

Increases Weather Resistance

  • Most pavers are naturally porous. This makes them susceptible to water damage and erosion. Simply cleaning and sealing paver stones adds a resistant layer to sun and rain. In addition, when a sealant is used the pavers are protected from UV rays, which fade the natural color.

Prevents Damage

  • Paver sealing covers the cracks between pavers, creating a smooth surface that discourages chipping and additional cracking. When air temperature changes pavers expand and contract, but cleaning and sealing reduce this effect.  This is important because less movement means less chance of cracking, helping your pavers last longer.

Improves Drainage

  • Unsealed pavers trap and absorb water.  The trapped water leads to damage and erosion, in addition, it inhibits poor drainage for your driveway, patio, or pool area. On the other hand, cleaning and sealing paving stones gives pavers a smooth surface that enables roll-off. Your paved surface area will not collect water.

Easier Maintenance

  • The protective coat of paver sealing protects pavers from oil stains and any other stain your driveway or patio may encounter. It discourages insects, weeds, algae, and mildew, and makes it easier to clean them when they do grow. With a smooth surface and fewer stains, paver maintenance can be a breeze!

Enhances & Restores The Color Of Pavers

  • UV rays cause fading in pavers, but paver sealing functions as a varnish.  The sealant draws out the color and contrast of new and old pavers. Whether you’re installing new pavers or giving a facelift to old ones, paver sealing helps them look more beautiful and vibrant!

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Gappsi Showroom Cleaning and Sealing

The Gappsi team is cleaning and sealing the showroom parking lot located in Smithtown NY Suffolk County on Long Island. We are using hot water on low pressure with a surface cleaner to remove dirt, oil residue, and other debris collected in the crevices of the surface of the pavers. We are using a rotary wand to loosen the dirt collected in between the joints of the pavers. This is a large parking lot built with Nicolock pavers.  The colors of the paving stones are still very nice even after 15 years of being exposed to the elements and vehicular traffic.

Nicolock manufactures high-quality concrete products that withstand the test of time. Like any other concrete product, concrete is corrosive.  It weathers when exposed to the elements like heat, rain, and snow.  In addition, calcium chloride and ice melters are used during freezing times. After completing the cleaning of the entire paver parking lot, we filled the joints of the pavers with haze-free polymeric sand and vibrated it with mechanical plate compactors to allow the sand to settle in and completely fill the joints. We spray water on the pavers to allow the sand to get wet, letting the water saturate the sand all the way through the bottom of the joint, and also wash off the surface of the pavers.

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Polymetric Sand

The polymeric sand comes in a few different colors, but the most commonly used is beige or gray. It really doesn’t matter what color you use because over time it weathers and it will eventually turn into a brownish-gray color. Polymeric sand is a combination of medium-crushed natural sand, that is combined with color and a polymer component. It is activated when in contact with water to make it glue and eventually harden. This makes it better for the pavers’ stability, makes it harder for ants to dig and nest in between the paver joints, and also makes it harder for weeds to grow through.

The next process is the installation of the sealer. We use high-quality urethane-water-based sealers, which are environmentally safe and won’t harm plants, pets, or humans. It penetrates the surface of the pavers and creates a coating to protect the pavers from the elements. It also brings out and deepens the colors. Our sealer won’t yellow, and it will create a consistent tone on the pavers during wet and or dry circumstances. We allow the sealer to cure for at least 3 days before driving on it, and depending on the temperature, it could be longer for the sealer to totally cure.

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VIEW OUR VIDEO OF CLEANING AND SEALING PAVER STONES AT GAPPSI

We provide pressure washing and re-sanding & sealing services in the following areas of Eastern Long-Island, Western Long-Island, North-Shore Long-Island, South-Shore Long-Island, Suffolk County, and Nassau County: Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Cold Spring Harbor, and East Norwich.

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