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.
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.
Customers must also allow at least a 24-48 hours of dry weather after sealer has been applied. 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.
Although the Universeal range of paving sealers only take a few hours to dry, it is probably best not to walk on your paving for up to 4 hours. If the sun has been out, then at least 2 hours is recommended. It is also recommended that heavy foot traffic should be avoided for 7 hours.
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.
What are the ideal weather conditions for sealing? Ideal conditions would be 75 degrees and sunny; however, anywhere between 50-90 degrees is generally fine. Take note that solvent-based sealants evaporate faster, so lower temperatures are better for application.
Silicate Sealers – Silicate sealers can take up to 90 days to fully react below the surface, but the initial chemical reaction happens within the first 72 hours. If you apply the sealer and it rains within 24 hours, the unreacted material below the surface can be diluted by the rain.
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.
Polyurethane Sealer
If you're using polyurethane as a paving sealer, we recommend waiting at least 10-12 hours before allowing any walking or driving on the paving. The curing process can take a further day to completely dry, but the paving sealer should be adequately set after 12 hours.
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.
After 18-24 months, your paving will be ready for a fresh top-up of sealer. It's important to use the same product to get the same results, but the process is much the same. If you have opted for Black Limestone, the time limit is a little different - make sure you have a read up on the material here.
You pressure clean the pavers, re-sand the paver joints and then apply two coats of your favorite paver sealer and the job was complete.
The silicone based patio sealant is very popular and works really well in waterproofing. This can be applied with a sprayer or a brush. If you are using your weed killer sprayer please clean fully before adding the PatioSeal before application.
Level of Traffic
Areas such as entry ways and outdoor facilities that see a lot of traffic will need to be sealed every one to two years, while pavers in areas with little traffic can go three to five years without being resealed.
If rain is forecast, we recommend delaying sealing your paving slabs as the majority of modern patio sealers need to be applied to a completely dry surface which has been dry for 72 hours in advance. Always check the label of your chosen patio sealant to see what's recommended for specific cure times.
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.
One of the best paver sealers is the Siloxa-Tek 8500. It is a penetrating concrete sealer designed to treat a variety of applications with an emphasis on hydrophobicity and reduction of water uptake. It dries completely clear with a natural finish that will not change the look or appearance of the susbtrate.
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.
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 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.
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.
If a polyurethane sealer comes in contact with moisture, a chemical reaction takes place, causing bubbles and foam.
Concrete sealer is supposed to dry quickly, but it won't if you put too much on, and this compromises its long-term effectiveness. It's better to apply it too thin and apply a second coat later.