What happens if you don't seal your patio?

Author: Kennedy Hauck  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Shortened Lifespan The combination of stains, fading, weed growth, and water damage can deteriorate the pavers much faster than if they were sealed. This means you may have to replace or repair your patio sooner than expected, leading to additional expenses and effort.

Do you need to seal your patio?

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. Weather can also cause actual damage to the pavers as moisture enters a non-sealed surface. Water freezing in cold weather could expand and crack the paver.

What happens to pavers if you don't seal them?

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. Both could create a safety hazard.

What happens if you don't cover patio furniture?

If you don't, over time the sun's UV rays will damage the wood and cause it to crack, warp, or split. If your furniture is made from plastic or metal (like aluminium), then covering it isn't necessary unless there's rain in the forecast—you'll want to keep these parts dry so they don't rust or corrode over time.

What is the downside of sealing a concrete patio?

Cons: The Downsides of Sealing the Concrete Patio

Makes the Surface Slippery – Most sealers, especially high-gloss types, can be quite slippery when wet. However, there is a remedy to this. Some contractors add a fine type of abrasive to the sealer to add a bit of texture. This helps make the surface slip-resistant.

The Top Sealer Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Paver Patio

What happens if you don't seal your concrete patio?

So, what happens if you don't seal your concrete patio or driveway? Well, your concrete will probably look just fine for a few years. But over time, you will notice a lot of differences in the look, feel, and durability of the concrete.

Is patio sealer worth it?

The best thing you can do for your patio, and other hard surfaces such as driveways and paths, is to give it a layer of protection by sealing it. This makes it weatherproof and, therefore, much more able to resist the damage that winter can inflict.

Should I cover my entire patio?

There are many reasons to install a patio cover. Some have to do with comfort, some with privacy, others with visual appeal. They all add up to one thing: higher value.

Is it okay to leave patio cushions outside?

It is not recommended to leave your patio cushions outside all year round as they may be exposed to harsh weather conditions that can cause damage. It's best to store them in a safe place when not in use.

Is it OK to put patio furniture on grass?

Patio furniture on grass risks damaging the grass. The grass will die where the chairs and tables rest on it, turning it brown and patchy. Killing anything green decreases the aesthetic of your yard and is a bad idea ecologically. Grass keeps dirt in place, preventing erosion.

Why shouldn't you seal your pavers?

As such, sealing your pavers can lead to increased maintenance requirements over time, in terms of both effort and cost. Sealed pavers, while resistant to stains and weather damage, can be susceptible to other kinds of surface damage.

What is the average cost to seal pavers?

In total, expect to pay around $2 per square foot to clean and seal pavers. Depending on the sealant and cleaning method, the price varies between $1 and $3 per square foot.

How long does patio sealer last?

On average, we would say that the sealer on block paving, pattern imprinted concrete, stone, slate, clay paviours etc will last in the region of two to four years before it needs some re-coating.

Can you seal an old patio?

Apply to any new or older existing porous natural stone patio or paver. Natural Stone Sealer Breathe is fully breathable, so suitable for any situation where moisture vapour transmission is required. Or equally, any application where you do not wish to alter the appearance of the surface in any way.

Does sealing a patio stop it going green?

Using an impregnating paving sealant will reduce algae growth. This seals the surface of the paving and prevents algae from establishing itself easily.

How often should I reseal my patio?

We recommend resealing every 3-4 years. However, various factors affect the actual timeline including volume of traffic, site conditions, weather, type of sealer and the age of the pavers. Also never cleaning your pavers between sealings allows the elements to eat away at the sealer faster.

Is it OK for outdoor cushions to get rained on?

It doesn't matter how heavy or prolonged the rain is — your cushions will not be damaged. But realistically, your outdoor cushions probably won't be able to survive outside in heavy, prolonged downpours of rain. However, they should be able to shake off a light shower.

Can you leave patio furniture outside year round?

“It depends on the material,” says to Pierce-Dozier, one of the experts who agrees both the body material and frame can make or break your outdoor furniture during the winter. While the materials that cover a chaise chair may be waterproof, for example, the frame may not.

What happens if patio cushions get wet?

Typically, getting the cushion wet is not a problem. Leaving it wet, however, can start a problem with mold and mildew. When they are wet due to rain, make it a habit to shake them off well and let them dry in the sun. It's always better to have them dry faster rather than slower.

What is the cheapest way to cover a patio?

Options such as screened-in patios, outdoor curtains, polycarbonate or corrugated roof panels, bamboo or reed fencing, and tarps or shade sails can help you create an affordable, comfortable, and functional outdoor living space.

Does a patio add value to your home?

In fact, most patios can add around 8% - 10% value to your home.

Is it OK to leave patio furniture uncovered?

While these materials can be rust-resistant and highly durable, it's important to note that even furniture made from these materials can still succumb to the elements. That said, it's always a good idea to cover patio furniture to provide an extra layer of protection and extend their lifespan.

How much should it cost to seal a patio?

Paver sealing cost per square foot

Paver sealing prices range from $2.20 to $3.25 per square foot for jobs smaller than 500 square feet, such as a small patio or walkway. Prices decrease from $1.50 to $2.95 per square foot for medium or large jobs, as shown in the table below.

Is there a downside to sealing pavers?

Sealing paver patios prolongs their life, enhances aesthetics, and repels water, offering additional benefits such as repelling mildew and boosting property value. However, it does come with drawbacks, including cost, potential over-sealing, and reduced permeability.

What happens if you seal a patio and it rains?

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.

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