Once winter is over, it is not only the garden plants that deserve attention — it is worth checking the condition of your block paving too. Winters in the province of Málaga are mild, but the torrential autumn and winter rains — the DANA downpours everyone here knows — can wash sand out of the joints and shift the odd block, and in the inland comarcas around Ronda and Antequera the occasional light frost leaves its mark as well. Add to that months of accumulated soil, leaves and grime. A proper spring once-over restores both the looks and the durability of the paving.
1. A thorough clean
Start by sweeping away the leaves, sand and soil washed in by the rain. Then the surface can be washed down — a small area with the garden hose, stubborn dirt with a pressure washer. Take care with the pressure washer not to blast the jointing sand out of the joints.
2. Check and top up the joints
Heavy rain and washing can both carry away jointing sand. Go over the joints and top up the material wherever it has run low. Well-filled joints do not just look better — they stop weeds taking hold and keep the blocks from moving. There is more on this in our article on paver jointing.
3. Repair any sunken blocks
If water has undermined or sunk a few blocks, spring is the time to put them right. Lift the affected blocks, make good and re-level the bedding layer beneath them, then re-lay them flush with the rest. This point-by-point repairability is exactly what makes block paving such an advantage over other surfaces.
4. Sealing
With the paving clean and dry, spring is a good moment to apply a sealer. A sealer deepens the colour, reduces water absorption and makes the surface much easier to keep clean. Repeated every year or every few years, it adds significantly to the life of the paving — and under the strong Costa del Sol sun it also slows colour fade.
5. Look over the edge restraints
Finally, check the kerbs and edgings: water and time can loosen the concrete haunching. A firm edge restraint is what holds the paving together at its perimeter, so re-fixing one loose unit now can prevent a much larger spread and slump later.
Spring maintenance, then, is a few hours' work that pays for itself for years. Your paving comes out of winter clean, stable and fresh — ready for the garden and terrace season.
Would you rather leave it to us, or does your paving need a bigger repair? Call us on +34 613 656 443, e-mail oficina@adoquin.eu or request a free, no-obligation quote.
Planning a paving project?
Request a free site survey: we measure, advise, and within 1–2 working days you receive a detailed written quote.