Paver cleaning, re-sanding and sealing in Holgate

The signs that bring this up

• A driveway apron sinking where the sand has gone
• Pavers that have gone dull and uneven in colour
• White haze across the surface that appeared after the patio was new

Why this comes up in Holgate

Here is what makes Holgate particular: exposed on three sides with nothing south of it. Ocean spray from the east, bay and inlet from the west, and wind that runs the length of the spit without meeting anything. Sand is as much of a problem here as salt.

Holgate is the southernmost community on the island, running down Long Beach Township to the wildlife refuge at the very end, and that shapes what turns up on these walls.

Practicalities in Holgate

One road in and one road out, and the far end of it is a long way from anywhere. Beyond the built streets there is no vehicle access at all.

Coating work needs a permit through Long Beach Township, and no municipality in New Jersey will issue one to an unregistered contractor.

What a crew will actually do

Cleaning is the easy part; what happens next is what the job is actually for. Joints get refilled with polymeric sand and then sealed, and on this island the sealer is doing two jobs — holding the sand in place against wind and hose, and keeping salt out of the paver face. The white haze is usually efflorescence, mineral salts migrating out of the pavers themselves, and it needs a specific treatment before sealing rather than a stronger wash.