The pros of sealing pavers include appearance, durability and protection. Applying a sealer can help protect porous materials against staining and prolong the life of the material. It won't just preserve the beauty of the paver, but can enhance the look by providing a glossy finish and highlight the hue of the paver.
Paver sealant is a great tool to keep paver driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks, in mint condition, but it's not always necessary. While it's not a must-have, pavers that aren't sealed typically grow weeds in the cracks, lose color over time, and can even have shifting caused by a lack of joint sand.
Concrete Pavers: Concrete pavers are the most common type of paver and require the most maintenance. These pavers need to be sealed for protection against weathering, fading, staining, and oil or grease spills. For best results, concrete pavers should be sealed every two to three years.
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin.
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.
Never Too Late to Seal Pavers
It's always best to seal soon after a new installation. But, our proven system of repairing, cleaning and sealing will also bring back the original luster to old, dirty and fading pavers. Sealing is the final step in a comprehensive process.
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.
Enhanced aesthetic: The paver sealer enhances the curb appeal of your properties and provides perfect finish to the paved areas and at the same time stabilizes the joint sand by locking it in place. It protects the pavement against harmful UV rays and prevents fading.
Fall or spring is a great time of the year to seal pavers. Cooler weather allows the sealer to penetrate into the pavers unhindered.
How long should I wait before sealing my new pavers? Typically 60-90 days. The main reason to wait is so that efflorescence can work its way to the surface and be cleaned off. The more the pavers get wet, the quicker this happens.
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.
Brick pavers absolutely, 100% need to be re-sanded prior to sealing. The sand in the brick paver joints serves MANY integral purposes. Keeps joints stable, pavers level,and fills the void between pavers to keep them from becoming loose and wobbly.
Once you have sealed your pavers, on average, they can last three to five years. Factors, such as rain, traffic, and sun exposure can also have a negative impact on your pavers. Moreover, poor maintenance can also cause you to reseal the area earlier than expected.
Is It OK To Pressure Wash Pavers? As long as it's done carefully, cleaning pavers with a pressure washer is ok. However, it's important to remember that after the process, you need to apply a sealant again; which is a substance that considerably increases pavers' durability.
The culprits of blotchy concrete after sealing
When you find yourself staring at discolored concrete that has already been sealed, there are usually three potential sources of blame: The sealer was applied poorly. Not enough sealer was applied. The concrete itself had varying absorption rates.
Aim to seal your pavers when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. Some pavers can also not withstand high temperatures. You will find that when you do the paver sealing during hot weather, the sealer will dry much faster.
If it still happens to rain unexpectedly, don't apply more sealant over the ruined coat because this will make it even harder to fix it. Instead, use a solvent specifically for the type of sealant that you are using. Solvents can liquify the ruined coat of the sealant and will give you a fresh start.
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.
Just had your pavers installed? We recommend waiting at least 60 days before you decide to seal them.. why? Click above to learn why it's important to let your pavers cure before applying a sealer.