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.
How long do I have to stay off my pavers after they are sealed? Vehicles must stay off the sealed areas for 48 hours minimum. Foot traffic is generally ok after 3-4 hours.
Leave the freshly sealed pavers to dry for at least 24 hours to allow the sealant to fully take effect. In summer leave several hours before walking on it, or a day before driving on the surface. In winter, ensure you keep the area free from traffic for even longer.
If it gets saturated, then there's a good chance you'll have to go through the whole sealing process again, from the beginning. However, even a light shower after, say, four hours of the sealant being applied might mean that you need to put down another coat once the weather dries up.
After your pavers have been sealed, it's a good idea to let the sealer fully cure before walking/driving over it. If your sealer was in a driveway it's best not to drive over it for at least 48 hours. You'll know the pavers are ready for activity when the sealer is no longer sticky or tacky.
Rain can wash the sealer off if it rains right after the application. Ideally, we recommend that there is no rain for at least 24 hours after applying the sealer. However, if necessary, it's possible to use additives that can speed up the curing process. Pavers before & after cleaning and sealing.
Typically, it can take anywhere from 10-12 hours to dry before being able to be walked on, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after being applied. Concrete sealed with a urethane coating should not be walked on (with the exception of a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.
Fall or spring is a great time of the year to seal pavers. Cooler weather allows the sealer to penetrate into the pavers unhindered. Pavers will have an adequate amount of protection for when it's time to seal again. Make sure to keep leaves and other debris off the pavers while they are drying to avoid blemishes.
Once applied, sealers create a chemical reaction and the outside temperature decides how fast that reaction occurs—or if it happens at all. Most manufacturers recommend 50 to 90 degrees as the ideal temperature range for applying concrete sealer.
Pavers and joints should be resealed every 3-5 years.
All pavers are susceptible to weather elements and, over time, they can fade, stain, grow mildew and become dirty looking. The sealer can help prevent the stains and other signs of weather damage from occurring and when washed, won't allow residual effects to settle into the pavers.
Sealer Cost: Everything You Need to Know. Sealing concrete sealing or “seal coating” costs between $1.20 – $1.75 per square foot. Factors that determine cost include project fees, quality of concrete, stamped vs regular, or if you opt to do it yourself.
Using a highly breathable block paver sealer such as ProPERLA Paving Impregnator will significantly reduce the growth of moss, weeds & algae, meaning block paving remains looking clean for years to come. It does this by reducing water absorption by up to 95%.
If your pavers have been sealed, which is a service that we offer, it's a lot easier to maintain and it does slow down mold growth for the simple fact that when your pavers are unsealed, that moisture will sit in the joints and make mold grow. Mold likes damp, dark areas.
The universally accepted temperature range for sealer application is 50 F to 90 F. There are exceptions, so make sure to consult the product data for the particular sealer you are using. Three common sealing issues in hot temperatures are resin strings, blisters and diffusion.
After discussing the factors you need to look for and the regional location of the project, in broad terms, Spring is in fact the best time of year to seal concrete. With its moderate temperatures and humidity levels, it tends to provide ideal conditions for the application and curing of sealers.
Our top pick, BEHR PREMIUM Wet Look Concrete Sealer, can be used on multiple surfaces indoors and outdoors. It is also easy to clean and apply. Rust-Oleum Moisture Stop Fortifying Sealer is an excellent budget-friendly option that can be applied quickly and creates a waterproof barrier that protects your concrete.
Makes your patio safe and easier to clean
It also acts as a dustproofer, which makes it a lot easier to clean away any dirt and stains - as long as you've got a good quality brush, of course! What's more, it contains a powerful fungicide, preventing mould growth so that your patio looks better for longer.
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. If the joint sand loosens, you risk damage and instability.
If you experience any dew, accidental sprinkling of water or rain as the sealant dries, the sealant can become stained, cloudy, blotchy, or discolored and it will no longer be aesthetically pleasing. Simply don't seal your paver if there is even a remote chance of rain, fog, or a drizzle.
This is true of both penetrating and topical sealers. Penetrating sealers usually fully dry for traffic in less than 24 hours with topical sealers generally taking up to 48 hours to fully dry for traffic.
General Rules and Tips to Follow
Give the sealer at least 4 to 8 hours of drying time before rain is expected. Don't drive on your newly-sealed interlocked driveway for 24 to 48 hours after applying the seal. Give your sealed driveway or interlocking walkway at least 6 hours to dry before walking on it.
Sealer residue can sometimes feel a little greasy or sticky to the touch. In other words, sealer residue is the remaining sealer that was not wiped off properly after that 20 minutes.