Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
One disadvantage of concrete is that it is porous and therefore can be susceptible to stains if not resealed regularly. In order to guarantee the long-lasting color and stain-resistance of your concrete paving slabs, look after them regularly and have them re-sealed as advised by the installer.
The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. 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.
Con: Pesky Weed Growth
Since pavers are individual pieces of a giant puzzle, they are notorious for growing weeds and other unwanted foliage between cracks. If installed correctly and done right from step one, you can limit this.
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
Why You Need Drainage Under Pavers. Water can be a home's worst enemy. A build-up of moisture around your home can damage your foundation and your landscaping, cause mold and mildew, put you, your family, and your pets at risk of slipping and falling, and much more.
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 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.
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.
Strength and Durability
Concrete will begin to crack with increased foot or car traffic while pavers can handle much more pressure before they would crack. Due to the fact that water does not settle on the paver, it does not crack as often as concrete which makes it much more durable over time.
The truth is that pavers can add value to your home. The amount of value that is added will depend on several different factors. For instance, the first factor to consider is your property's current size and the area in which it is located. Aside from this, how the pavers are used will also make a difference.
First launched by Techniseal in the early 2000s, polymeric sand is today considered as the ultimate paver jointing material out there!
Unfortunately, pavers sink from time-to-time, most commonly because of uneven soil drainage. There is hope, however! To fix sunken pavers, follow the six-step process we've outlined below. Sunken pavers are quite the tripping hazard and can leave you with large, unsightly puddles of water.
The mold on pavers problem occurs when algae and/or mold and other fungal types grow on damp or moisture-laden pavers. The answer is to eliminate the presence of moisture from underneath. Without moisture, the algae/mold cannot survive. The key is a proper installation with the substrate being the most vital component.
Whilst it is technically possible to lay pavers on bare, unprepared ground, this practice is not recommended as the ground will shift over time, causing the pavers to develop a sunken look, or even crack.
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.
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.
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.
The traditional base for a paver patio is 4–6” of compacted gravel above your dirt. If you're installing a driveway or road intended for vehicular traffic, you'll need to double the thickness of your gravel layer.
Sand Bedding
Before laying the pavers, a layer of bedding sand is placed over the compacted base material. This layer provides a bed into which the pavers are set.
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.
What Happens If You Don't Put Gravel Under Pavers? Drainage can really make or break an area where pavers are installed. If you have a paver patio, for example, without gravel or an alternative drainage system in place, water can roll back on it, causing damaging erosion.
On Using Pavers for Landscapes
Pavers are great for patios, since they allow water to seep through and not form puddles and pools.
An influx of water that sits for a long period of time can damage your paver surfaces by weakening the cracks or chips already present. If your pavers are already loose, they may collapse. Flooding can also lead to erosion when soil and rock are transported and deposited into the area.