A sealer can make or break your paver patio. It does not only help increase the lifespan of your pavers, but it also helps maintain their rich colors. While a good sealer can last for decades, you may need to reapply it once it begins to fade.
In order to keep your pavers from fading, it is important to seal them. Even the toughest of pavers don't stand a chance against the sun, with concrete even fading over time because of the UV rays. Choosing to seal your pavers will keep your color consistent and un-faded.
Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
To keep pavers looking their best, plan to clean and reseal them every three to five years. Clean your pavers each Spring with a coarse-bristle “stable” broom and a paver cleaner to keep them looking like new. Some weeds, if left unaddressed, can shift pavers apart over time.
Pavers should be resealed every 3 to 4 years on average. You will know when your pavers need to be resealed because water will stop beading on the surface and the sheen will diminish. In addition, you may notice weeds starting to grow in between joints and the pavers may start to lose their color.
You're wondering what happens if you don't seal pavers. Your pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they'll likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. You'll also need to clean them more often, and the stains won't be as easy to remove.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean and Reseal Pavers per Square Foot? In total, you should expect to pay around $2 per square foot to clean and seal pavers. The price may vary between $1 and $3 per square foot, depending on the sealant and method of cleaning.
Then, about 24 hours prior to sealant application, thoroughly cleanse pavers of any remaining residue with Techniseal's Paver Prep, a powerful efflorescence cleaner that will give you a nice clean surface on which to work. Our paver preparator also maximizes sealant penetration and adherence.
Cobblestones are one of the most durable paver options; cobblestones should last for at least a century.
Pressure washers: Power washer machines can eliminate stains quickly, but pressure washing can also annihilate the seal and finish of your concrete pavers if you're not careful. Acidic cleaners: Harsh, acid-based cleaning products and stain removers can damage the seal and finish of your concrete pavers.
That makes fall the perfect time to pour. The weather is cool enough to make working outdoors easier, and it's also dry enough that rain shouldn't interfere too much with any excavating you may need to do to put the pavers down.
The acetic acid in vinegar is a little stronger than acid rain, so exposing your pavers to this substance can lead to bleaching, corrosion and the loss of protective sealant.
Can you power wash pavers? Power washing (also known as pressure washing) is also a very effective method by which you can remove dust deposits and various stains from your pavers. Just make sure that the water jet is not directed directly at the joints between the paving stones.
Prevent weeds before they take root
Ensure that your paving stones are properly installed to deter weeds. You need a tightly packed sand bed foundation. Once your pavers are in place, fill the spaces between the stones with polymeric sand, which forms an effective barrier to weeds.
Traffic aids and abets water by pounding on the pavement over and over again. Gradually, as time goes on, if the blocks weren't made correctly, and water has had its way, the paver's or wall blocks start to crumble.
Simply put, black stains on flagstones are caused by certain types of mold and mildew. These fungi find their way onto the stones either from their spores landing on the stones or from simply extending onto the stones from patches of mold or mildew right beside them—a pretty common occurrence for garden pavers.
So, it's very important to seal your pavers right away. Now we suggest maybe waiting 30 to 60 days, to let the rain really hit it, and wash off the construction debris, let that stone sit and breathe a little bit. But at that 60 day point, its ready to be sealed.
If the sealer is not cured correctly, water can cause white marks or stains on your pavers and can even be trapped beneath the layer of sealer. It is very important not to walk or drive on sealed pavers at least 24-48 hours after application. A protective sealer enhances the natural color and beauty of your pavers.
The more quickly water is absorbed, the more likely you'll need to reseal your pavers as soon as possible. With this said, it's good to get in the habit of resealing every three to five years. Beyond five years, your sealant will begin to lose all effectiveness.