After you have invested in pavers, whether that be a patio, poolside deck, etc., it is important to seal your pavers in order to protect from the weathering UV rays. These rays, which are known to impact the skin negatively, also impact the surface of your pavers negatively.
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.
Sealing your pavers protects them from the elements
One of the benefits of sealing your pavers is protection. Actually, it's probably the main benefit. When you seal your pavers, you are protecting them from several things, such as the harsh environment that we have here in Florida.
How often do I need to reseal my pavers? If your sealant has been applied correctly by a professional, it should last between two to three years. The care given to the area and other elements like traffic or weather will also play a part in its longevity.
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.
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.
Applying a sealant can prevent stains and other signs of aging plus it makes it far easier to wash away the dirt, grease, and grime that they're regularly exposed to without leaving behind residual effects. Sealers also offer some degree of moisture resistance.
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.
Using a nap roller for sealer application will take several times longer than using a paver sealer sprayer and joint stabilization is difficult to achieve. Spraying is the preferred method of applying water based paver sealers as it allows enough sealer to get into the joints.
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.
Unlike natural stone pavers, porcelain pavers are fade resistant and don't need sealing. Also, they can stand up to almost anything nature can throw at it. Natural stone pavers, of course, are Nature's decorative flooring. Travertine, slate, and quartzite can create eye-popping floors, each different from the next.
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.
Most contractors and manufacturers recommend sealing pavers for the many benefits. Both concrete and brick pavers are porous materials that can change quality and appearance when they absorb liquids.
However, “too much of a good thing” can come into play, and you should be wary of over-applying paver sealer by reapplying too often, which could create a haze.
Blotchy and Dark Concrete: Blotchy concrete can result from over application. In order to prevent over application, apply sealers in thin, even coats. If over application does occur, use Xylene to correct the problem.
If a white haze appears on sealed pavers, it is less likely that the white spots are efflorescence but rather, water condensation collecting underneath the sealer. Removal is still possible, but a chemical solution is required. If your sealer is oil-based, the fix is to re-emulsify the sealer with Xylene.
Apply Paver Sealant to Enhance Faded Pavers
Once the pavers are dry, you can see what they look like in their clean state. If you're content with the appearance, you could stop there. If you still think they need to be enhanced, you could use paver sealant to bring out the color of faded pavers.
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.
You need 48 hours of dry weather after your sealer has been applied to cure it. (Remember to turn off your automatic water sprinklers.) 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.
The first day, a chemical wash is done followed by pressure cleaning with a 5,000 P.S.I pressure cleaner, getting almost anything out(stubborn penetrating stains like oil and rust may not come out). The second day, given that the surface to be sealed is completely dry, a sealer is sprayed on the pavers.
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.
Our opinion is no! Pavers are durable and as natural and beautiful as most stones found in nature. Without being sealed they're low maintenance and and they will retain their natural colors for generations. Pavers can last more than a lifetime if maintained properly.
For best results the sand should be dry to its full depth before sealing. It is always recommended to test the sealer of choice in a small area first. Always read product label and directions carefully before beginning to use any sealer products.