Surface Cleaning Suggestions welcomed

Interesting! I’ll keep this in mind … thanks !

I doubt you need to re sand it, just clean it w/low pressure.
don’t make a big project out of it.

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Sounds like a bunch of the sand got blown out while they were cleaning, so they might need to fill in spots. From what I’ve seen, by the time pavers need a clean and reseal, the sand is already starting to fail in spots. That’s why I’ve gotten into the habit of sanding and sealing every paver job I take on. It wasn’t always like that, but after noticing that almost every customer was asking about sanding after cleaning, I just started including it as part of the deal. Never had anybody push back on it; as it seems most folks understand that it’s part of the process and its importance.

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What’s your charge on that?

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$2.50-3 per sq ft depending color of sand and sealer they want to go with.

Just quoted a guy this morning and he scheduled for next week. 225 sq ft patio for $625, didn’t even bat an eye when I told him the price. Thats typically the reaction I get which makes me think I could probably go up a bit on the price.

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What’s the variable there, and how does it effect price? Do you use regular paver sand, or the polymeric?

Also, that price range includes the cost of the sand and the sealer, correct?

Biggest variables are color of sand, coverage rate based on paver gap, and finish of sealer.

For easy math lets just look at material costs for 1000 sq ft:

Beige sand: $481
Grey sand: $520
Black sand: $559
Ivory sand: $567

Paver gap 1/8" beige sand: $481
Paver gap 3/4" beige sand: $974

Natural sealer: $200
Gloss sealer: $250

So material costs alone could range from $0.68 to 1.39 per square foot based on those factors. Add in the cost of surface cleaning… factor in overhead, labor, and profit and you’re right at that $2.50-3 mark.

Only use polymeric… the only time I didn’t I got a call back, so I don’t risk it anymore.

Yup that includes cleaning, sealing, and sanding.

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Bookmarked, Much appreciated! I’ve seen quote prices of $1.50-$2/sqft, but not as high as yours…that’s why I asked. From what I recall, those lower prices were plus materials, so that makes sense. :+1:

You mentioned earlier (or in a different thread) about only using G2…is that this stuff:

Yea, I use their Maxx Sand G2, not sure what all the differences are, but it comes in more color options for the customers. If you have a Site One locally get it there… thats the only place that carries it locally around me and online pricing from places is almost always double.

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@Racer glad you mentioned that. I was parked the other day and creepily watching someone clean a concrete patio and walkway/drive while I was taking a call in my truck. He didn’t use a SC at all. Sprayed down what I assume was a HW mix, let it dwell about 10 minutes then rinsed.

Looked decent. I also didn’t see much that needed to be cleaned anyway, like zero rust or stains.

He didn’t do the house or anything except the flatwork. So it had me wondering if the concrete was already pretty clean if you could just skip the SC? Any thoughts or experiences on that?

It all depends on what you’re trying to do. Sre, it can work in certain situations. But typically won’t get all the dirt as well as a SC.

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Ok thanks that makes sense

This large paver job turned out wonderful ! Thanks to all who contributed advice!

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Well don’t leave us hanging… let’s see the photos!

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Sorry about that! It was wet when we left but was cleaning up nicely! That was confirmed feedback from the GC ! That job is about an 1.5 hours away.
I told my wife we need to be more photo conscious! lol !