Why Sealing Is Necessary for Your Pavers

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. Paver sealant acts as a maintenance tool to help keep your driveways, walkway, pool deck, and paver patio looking as new and appealing as they were when first installed.

Paver Sealer is a solution in liquid form that gets applied to brick and concrete pavers to block out UV rays and moisture. There are two types of paver sealers. There is a film-forming water-based one and a penetrating solvent-based sealant.

Film-forming paver sealers enhance the appearance of the surface by creating a deep color. They offer a satin or high gloss finish and are resistant to stains. They also form a water repellant barrier.

Penetrating paver sealers or non-forming sealers give a quick process of application. They leave a natural untouched finish look.

The difference between the two types is that a film-forming water-based paver sealer can bind the joint sand as it can soak deep, while the penetrating sealer cannot unless it has resins and the sealer gets shoved into the joints to seal the sand. It can only protect the sand surface.

Application of a Paver Sealer

• Pressure Washing: Start by having the whole area pressure-washed before sealing pavers. Grime and dirt can inhibit the paver sealant from penetrating. As a result, the paver stones may start pitting, and discoloration can happen. You are also likely to seal dirt beneath the coating. Pressure washing removes old sand on the joints to allow the sealer to penetrate and provide stabilization in the new sand joints.
• Adding Joint Sand: After the pressure washing finishes, you must have fresh joint sand added to the paver. Too fine paver joint sand may not give the required stability. It will also inhibit the sealant from providing sand lock as it penetrates the joints. Very coarse paver joint sand cannot work its way up to the sealer if people start walking on it after the application process. Polymeric sand gets into the paver joints and gets activated to harden when combined with water.
• Seal the Joints: Once it cures, it is ideal that you seal the joints and paver using a high-quality sealant. The application of paver sealant needs a clean and dry surface. Applying it on wet surfaces can cause hazing or whiting due to the trapped moisture. The sealer typically gets applied using a roller or a sprayer. It is essential to have the method you choose give consistent application.
• Apply the Coats: Paver sealers need 15 to 30 minutes after applying one coat before moving to the next one. Follow instructions from the manufacturer before starting the process. Multiple coats help to create a wet look effect and achieve a physical barrier. However, too many quotes may make the surface slippery.
• Let it Cure: It is ideal to stay off the surface to let it cure optimally within 72 hours. If you live in cooler temperatures, refrain from using the paver for at least seven days.

Why is Paver Sealing Important?

Pavers get exposed to various factors such as pollutants and elements that may cause their surface deterioration. They are prone to wear and tear if you do not take the necessary measures to ensure they retain the beauty and quality of new pavers. Using paver sealer has various benefits that will guarantee value for your money. Below are reasons why paver sealing is ideal.

Protects Against Stains

Concrete and brick are porous materials and thus tend to stain easily. Contaminants such as oil and mud can seep through them and cause discoloration. A paver sealer is good at preventing stains by protecting the paver from getting into contact with staining liquids.

If you want to have a beautiful pool area, driveway, and patio and want to preserve its color, it is ideal that you seal it to help protect it against stains.

Protects Against UV Rays

Ultraviolet rays from sunlight can damage a lot, including the paint job done on vehicles. In the same way, they also cause pavers to have a dull finish over time. During paver installation, the bricks are usually red and shiny. However, over time they start to fade in color and become pale. Concrete pavers like natural stone also go through the same fate due to exposure to UV rays.

Sealing brick pavers is like putting a sunblock over them. The sealer protects your pavers from sunlight and maintains their beauty, color, and brightness.

Protects from Water Damage

Water can damage paving stones and brick pavers with time. It can strip away the integrity and beauty of your pavers. Both brick and concrete pavers are prone to becoming dull and damaged as they continually seep water. Winter weather is especially harmful to such materials as water can seep into the pavers, expanding after freezing and damaging the pavers.

Inhibits Plant Growth

You can find moss, weeds, and grass if you do not use a paver sealer. Plants can grow in the cracks on your pavers. The vegetation growth is very unappealing, and removing them can be quite a task.

Paver sealer prevents plants from growing in the paver spaces. The thin layer makes it impossible for vegetation to sprout up in the cracks and joints of the paver.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning sealed pavers is much easier than cleaning those without a sealer. It reduces the need to powerwash the pores to force debris and dirt out.

Seal your pavers to ensure you also seal the pores to prevent the accumulation of dirt. As a result, cleaning becomes easy as everything that will need washing away will be on the surface of the paver sealant. A little water pressure will clean it easily.

Enhances Appearance 

Sealed pavers have their original beauty preserved and enhanced. The glossy finish that sealers add to patio pavers or driveways enriches the brightness and color of the surface. The improved look that comes from sealing your pavers helps instantly enhance your property.

Deters Pests and Insects

Protecting pavers from insects such as ants building their homes in between the crevices and cracks is possible through paver sealing. Without sealing, moisture builds up between the spaces and attracts insects.

Durability

Sealing pavers helps them last longer and saves your time and money for restorations and repairs. You help reduce the effect of environmental factors and elements that can affect its durability.

Contact the Best Pressure Washing Company in Central Ohio Today

For paver sealing and restoration services, reach out to Ohio Power Washing, the best service provider in Columbus, Ohio. We offer paver stripping, translucent tint, brick paver sealing, concrete paver sealing, resanding paver joints, and many other services.

Contact us today at (614)465-6479 for more information on the services we offer in Columbus, Ohio, and its surrounding areas.