How Often Should You Seal Pavers? Don’t Neglect Your Pavers!

So, you have finally installed those beautiful pavers, right? However, I think that you have noticed that they have shaded and are not fresh like they once were. The main cause for this can be climatic conditions such as strong sunlight and heavy rains. There might be stains and oil patches as well on your pavers. Therefore, you would want to seal the pavers from time to time to keep them clean and new. How often should you seal pavers? Have you ever thought that before? Probably, yes! Come, I’ll tell you all the facts regarding sealing the pavers.

What are Pavers and Why Do they Need to Be Sealed?

Pavers are the driveways, walking paths, pavements, or sidewalks. They are built by using pavers, which are artificial stones or blocks made of clay brick, concrete, natural stone, etc. Pavers are in different colors and textures. They are laying according to different patterns to build pavers or small paths such as driveways or sidewalks.

Pavers need to be sealed for several reasons

• When the pavers are not sealed, there is a risk of growing weeds in the gaps and joints. And growing roots under the paver might lose the soil causing the foundation to break.
• Also, the pavers will fade and cause discoloration from UV rays and heavy rain.
• Grime, dirt, and mold can be easily bound when there is no seal.

Therefore, pavers need to be sealed. Sealing the pavers will prevent weed growth as they act as an additive that hardens the gaps and the joints. Also, it protects the texture and the color of the pavers by acting as a protective cover above them.

How Often Should You Seal Pavers?

It is recommended to seal your pavers every 3 to 5 years. When the sealers need to be sealed, you will notice several signs, such as pavers starting to fade, there are stains, or there might be small weeds in between the gaps. Then you should pay attention and seal the pavers. If the pavers are installed or sealed before a long time, you should know it is time to seal the pavers again.

Some experts don’t recommend sealing the pavers. But considering factors such as climatic conditions, the location of the pavers where they are installed, the amount of traction the pavers get, the stains they encounter and the mould or stains that destroy the classy appearance of the pavers, you should pay attention to sealing the pavers. By doing so, you can guarantee the long life of your pavers.

What Happens If you Don’t Seal your Pavers Regularly?

I will point out the facts that will happen when you don’t seal your pavers regularly.

• You’ll probably need to clean the pavers often. A sealant protects the dirt, debris and mould that could grow on the pavers. Without sealing, the stain and dirt might bond to the pavers making it difficult to get rid of.
• Sealing helps to protect the pavers from rain, UV rays and snow as well. Also, sealing acts as an invisible covering that repels oil and water. So, without it, your pavers are no longer protected and will cause damage to the pavers.
• Another effect caused by not sealing the pavers is growing weeds in the gaps. This might hold the water among the gaps, and it will lose the foundation and the base of the paver.
• Finally, if not sealed, the sand will go away with wind and tension caused on the pavers, causing shifting and loosing of pavers. This is because of the increment in the gaps between the pavers.

How to Determine If your Pavers Need Sealing?

The simplest way to examine if your pavers need sealing is to put some water on your pavers and let them sit on the pavers for some time. Generally, it says about 20 minutes. And if the water makes droplets like beads on the surface while not leaving stains, you don’t have to seal the pavers. The sealing you previously installed is still working.

But if the water sinks into the paver and makes a stain, you have to apply a fresh coat of sealer.

In addition, you can check for visible signs such as starting growing seeds between the gaps, damage by rain or sunlight, beginning to look faded, and stains or oil residues on the pavers.

If you see one of those visible signs, you should confirm it by doing the above simple test and determine whether you should seal the pavers. If you can’t exactly determine what to do, contact a professional and get advice from him or her.

How to Seal Pavers Step-by-step?

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to seal pavers.

1. First, you should clean the pavers well. Power wash the pavers using soap and water solution. Use a mild soap solution that will not harm the pavers. If there are any stains or caked dirt, those should be removed.
2. Wash away the cleaners used to wash the pavers using a final power wash.
3. Level the pavers by filling out gaps by applying sand between the pavers and adjusting them in order of the pattern if they have loosened or are uneven.
4. Once the paver surface and the area have been cleaned and prepared, apply the water-based sealer properly as thin layers. Use a garden sprayer that can be manoeuvred and has a nozzle that is big enough to lay and hold the sticky sealant.
5. This will ensure that the gaps and joints between the pavers are evenly covered in sealant. Additionally, you can roll or brush the sealant on. Apply it carefully over two thin coats.

Then you are good to use the pavers after letting dry the sealant.

How Much does It Cost to Seal Pavers?

Generally, about 2$ per square foot. The cost contains the value for cleaning also. So, the cleaning and resealing agents charge 1$ to 5$ amount per square foot to clean, wash the pavers and seal. The price depends on the sealers and cleaners they use and the area of the paver.

Watch this one,

Video Credits – Perfect Paver Co Youtube Channel

Don’t Stop Here: Explore More Related Content

• Artistic Pavers vs Travertine – Which is Better?
• Patio Pavers and Permits: Do You Need One to Build Your Dream Patio?
• Cleaning Pavers Before Sealing: Revitalizing Your Space
• How to Install Artificial Grass Strips Between Pavers? Tips & Tricks
• Expert Tips for Securing Your Gazebo to Pavers with Ease