Years ago, Tony Lausas, hardscape installation specialist and owner of BPI Outdoor Living, was sitting in a seminar when the speaker said something that really struck him.
“He stated, ‘You can go to the moon and back with how many pavers are installed in the U.S., but only 5% of those pavers are maintained,’” recalls Lausas. “I thought that was crazy.”
The startling statistic sparked an idea that took root, and in 2011 Lausas launched Paver Rescue, a company that repairs, restores and maintains existing paver and concrete surfaces. Each year tens of thousands of homeowners install paver patios, walkways and driveways. Many of those homeowners assume that the pavers require no maintenance, but they’re mistaken, as the elements take a toll.
“The reality is they require low maintenance, not no maintenance,” says Lausas. “Pavers are designed to move with freeze and thaw, so you don’t end up with a slab of concrete that cracks. When they move, sometimes they require a bit of repair because they become uneven.”
Paver Rescue can bring back the original luster and color of a homeowner’s beautifully designed installations by employing a five-step process. Step one involves repairing broken, cracked or uneven pavers. Step two replaces edging restraint that has failed over 
time. Step three is a thorough cleaning of the surface using a high-pressure sprayer with heated water and a specially formulated cleaning solution to diminish dirt and stains on the paver surface. Step four is replenishing the polymeric sand, filling any joints for stability and eliminating gaps that could potentially trap dirt and debris. Step five is applying a sealant tailored to the homeowner’s specific surface.
Once the Paver Rescue team restores a patio, it’s wise to join their annual maintenance program, which includes a light wash and sand touchup. They also do an inspection of the patio to look for pavers that have moved, as well as fix any edging that has come out of the ground. A client can stay on the maintenance program for three to five years before there is a need to reseal their paver patio or driveway again.
“When I first got into the business, I thought the sealer was going to be the main thing everyone was worried about, but honestly the biggest thing that fails in pavers is the sand not staying put,” says Lausas, who designed the maintenance program to provide members peace of mind that their outdoor investment will be properly maintained into the future.
Lausas recommends that homeowners refrain from pressure washing their pavers in an attempt to deep clean them. For practical paver do’s and don’ts, visit the Paver Tips section at www.PaverRescue.com.
“That blows out the sand and once you do that, it’s really hard to fix,” he says. The result is dirty, dull, chipped and cracked pavers.
“People love to entertain on their patios and are proud of their space,” says Lausas. “Our maintenance program allows clients to do that because your paver patio will continue looking great year after year.”
Contact Paver Rescue today for a free estimate. Paver Rescue is located at 9386 Castlegate Drive in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-259-4880 or visit paverrescue.com.
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