How do I get my Vancouver paver driveway looking new again?

Your Vancouver paver driveway can look like new again with proper cleaning, joint sand replenishment, and sealing — typically a $2,500-$6,000 investment that's far less expensive than replacement.

The key to restoring a paver driveway in Metro Vancouver starts with understanding what's causing the deteriorated appearance. After 5-10 years in our wet climate, driveways typically show moss growth (especially on north-facing areas), joint sand erosion from heavy rainfall, surface staining from vehicles, and general weathering. The good news is that concrete pavers themselves are extremely durable — the surface issues are almost always reversible with proper restoration techniques.

Start with thorough pressure washing using a 2,000-2,500 PSI pressure washer with a rotating surface cleaner attachment. This removes moss, algae, dirt, oil stains, and surface grime while providing an even cleaning pattern without striping. Clean on a dry day when you can let the pavers dry completely for 48+ hours afterward. For stubborn oil stains, apply a commercial degreaser before pressure washing. Never exceed 2,500 PSI as higher pressure can damage the paver surface and accelerate future weathering.

Joint sand replenishment is critical for both appearance and structural integrity. Metro Vancouver's heavy winter rains wash polymeric sand out of joints over time, leaving gaps that collect debris and allow weeds to establish. After cleaning, sweep out all remaining old sand from the joints using a stiff brush or shop vacuum. Apply fresh polymeric sand (Techniseal, Alliance, or Sakrete brands perform best in our climate), sweep it into joints completely, then activate with a controlled water mist — not flooding. Proper polymeric sand application locks pavers in place, prevents weed growth, and gives joints a clean, uniform appearance.

Professional sealing provides the final restoration step and long-term protection. Quality acrylic or polyurethane-based paver sealer enhances colour depth, provides stain resistance, and makes future cleaning easier. However, sealing must be done on completely clean, dry pavers with properly cured polymeric sand — rushing this step causes white hazing and poor adhesion. Professional application typically costs $3-6 per square foot and should last 3-5 years in Vancouver's climate.

Address any structural issues first before cosmetic restoration. If pavers have settled, creating low spots where water pools, or if edge restraints have failed allowing pavers to spread, these problems must be corrected during restoration. Lifting and releveling settled areas, adding bedding sand where needed, and reinstalling proper edge restraints prevents the same problems from recurring.

For a typical 600-800 sq ft driveway, professional restoration including pressure washing, joint sand replacement, minor releveling, and sealing runs $2,500-$6,000 — about 20-30% the cost of complete replacement. DIY cleaning and re-sanding can reduce costs to $800-$1,500 in materials and equipment rental, but sealing is best left to professionals who have the spray equipment and experience to achieve even coverage.

Hire a professional for restoration if your driveway has significant settling (more than 20-30 pavers affected), failed edge restraints, or if you're not comfortable with pressure washing and polymeric sand application. Poor DIY polymeric sand activation creates permanent white haze that requires professional removal and reapplication.

Need help finding an interlock restoration specialist? Vancouver Interlock can match you with experienced contractors who understand Metro Vancouver's climate challenges and use proper restoration techniques for lasting results.