Algae Between My Pavers — Green Growth That Won't Go Away

If you've noticed a greenish film creeping into the joints of your driveway or patio, you're dealing with algae between pavers. Phoenix might seem like the last place you'd expect algae to grow, but it thrives here more than most homeowners realize. Here's what's causing it and what you can do about it.

Why Phoenix Gets Algae in Pavers

It comes down to our monsoon season. From July through September, we get heavy rain and high humidity. That moisture gets trapped in the narrow joints between pavers. The joints don't dry out as fast as the surface does. Meanwhile, the intense summer heat creates a warm, damp environment that algae absolutely loves.

Add in the dust and organic debris that settles into those joints after every haboob, and you've basically created a little garden bed between each paver. The algae feeds on that organic material and spreads fast.

UV exposure does kill surface algae eventually, but the joints stay shaded enough to protect it. That's why you'll often see the green growth sitting right in the seams while the top of the paver looks fine.

Is It a Problem Beyond Looking Ugly?

Yes, and this part matters. Algae makes pavers slippery when wet. That's a real safety issue on driveways and pool decks. It also breaks down the polymeric sand or joint filler over time. If you let it go long enough, you'll start losing the integrity of the entire paver installation.

The roots of algae and moss physically work into the joint material. Once that happens, you're looking at a more expensive fix than just a cleaning.

What Actually Gets Rid of Algae Between Pavers

Surface scrubbing alone doesn't cut it. You need pressure washing done at the right pressure to flush the joints without destroying them. Too much pressure blasts out the joint sand. Too little leaves the algae roots behind.

At Camelback Power Wash, we use a surface cleaner combined with the right pre-treatment solution. We apply it, let it dwell, and then pressure wash the pavers at a pressure that cleans without causing damage. Then we rinse everything thoroughly so no residue sits in the joints.

For algae between pavers Phoenix homeowners deal with repeatedly, we also recommend sealing after cleaning. The sealer locks out moisture and makes it much harder for algae to get a foothold in the first place.

How Often Should You Deal With This?

In Phoenix, once a year is usually enough if you stay on top of it. Timing the cleaning after monsoon season wraps up in September or October makes a lot of sense. You're cleaning up everything the storms brought in and going into winter with a fresh surface.

If you've got a pool nearby or heavy tree cover, you might need service twice a year.

Where We Work

I run Camelback Power Wash out of Phoenix and service the surrounding Valley. You can check all service areas to see if we cover your neighborhood.

Ready to Get Rid of That Green Stuff?

Algae between pavers is a fixable problem. We deal with it all over the Phoenix area and the results are pretty dramatic. If your pavers are looking green, slick, or just dingy, give us a call.

Call or text Aaron at Camelback Power Wash: (602) 562-9037

We'll get your pavers cleaned up and tell you honestly whether sealing makes sense for your situation.