If you're like most homeowners, you probably think about paver sealing every time it rains. That's because paver sealing is an important part of preserving your paver driveway, brick patio, or paver walkway. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about having your pavers sealed. We'll cover the benefits of paver sealing, the different types of sealants available, and how to seal pavers properly.

Why brick pavers should be sealed

The beauty of brick pavers or paving stones is that they are low maintenance and last a long time. They don't require much attention, but one thing you should do is seal them. Sealing pavers helps protect the pavers from staining and fading, and makes them easier to clean.

Joint Stabilization

Paver sealing is also important for the sand joints between the pavers, as it helps prevent weeds and keeps the joint sand in place, providing joint stabilization. When choosing a sealer, be sure to get one that will lock the joint sand into place, provide chemical resistance, and is hot tire marking resistant.

Paver Sealant: To Seal or Not to Seal?

The short answer is: yes, you should seal your pavers! Here's why:

Sealing protects your pavers from the elements, especially from the suns UV rays, water, and dirt can all take a toll on your pavers over time. If you don't want them to fade, crack, or stain, sealing is a must.

Sealing Pavers Makes for an easier cleanup

Sealing makes cleanup a breeze. A simple rinse with a garden hose will do. No one likes cleaning up dirt and grime – but it's even less fun when it stains your beautiful pavers. A good sealant will create an invisible barrier between your pavers and the grime, making it much easier to keep them clean.

Sealing Pavers Deeply Enhances The Colors

Sealing enhances the natural beauty of your pavers. When you seal your pavers, they will have a richer, more vibrant color. Plus, the sealant will bring out the natural patterns and colors in the stone or brick.

Sealing brick pavers

Sealing brick pavers is a great way to protect your investment and keep your patio or walkway looking brand new. But, with so many products on the market, it can be tough to decide which sealer is right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a sealer:

Sealing Pavers Provides Protection

1. Protection: You'll want to choose a sealer that offers good protection against the elements. Ultraviolet light, water, and spills can all damage unsealed brick pavers, so look for a product that promises to guard against all three.

Sealing Pavers Increases the Longevity of the Paver

2. Durability: A good sealer should last for several years before needing to be reapplied. In high-traffic areas, you may need to reapply every one to two years.

What type of paver sealant should i use to seal my pavers?

There are a number of different sealants that can be used to seal a brick paver, but it's important to choose the right one for the job. Some sealants are better at repelling water while others are better at preventing oil and fuel stains. Be sure to talk to your paver contractor about the best sealant for your project.

Take a look at water based paver sealer

Water based sealers are a newer type of sealer that is quickly gaining in popularity. They are made up of mostly water and have very low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which means they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

One of the main advantages of a water based sealer is that they are much easier to apply than traditional solvent-based sealers. They also dry more quickly, which means you can walk on them almost immediately after application. This is a big plus for people who want to use a paver sealer but don't want to sacrifice their yard or patio for days while it dries.

Finally, water-based paver sealers tend to last just as long as their solvent-based counterparts, if not longer. So if you're looking for a paver sealer that is easy to apply, non-toxic, and will last a long time, water-based paver sealers are the way to go.

What about solvent based paver sealers?

Solvent-based sealers are not the way to go because they are made with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause health problems, damage the environment, and contribute to climate change. VOCs evaporate quickly and can cause headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. They can also be harmful to pets and plants.

Solvent-based or oil based sealer also contain chemicals that can corrode metal and damage stone surfaces. They can also discolor concrete and other masonry surfaces. Plus, solvent-based sealer tends to be expensive and difficult to apply and can cause whiting and blushing issues down the road.

Level uneven pavers

There are a few reasons why you might see level uneven pavers. One reason is that the pavers were not installed correctly and are not sitting evenly on the ground. Another possibility is that the ground beneath the pavers has shifted, causing them to become uneven. If this is the case, then you will need to have the ground leveled in order to fix the issue.

A third possibility is that the pavers were not properly sealed, washed away the joint sand and water has seeped in, causing them to swell and become uneven. If this is the case, you will need to seal the pavers using a sealant approved for use with concrete pavers.

Re-Sand the joints!

There are a few reasons why sand paver joints are so important. First, the correct sand mesh helps to ensure that your pavers will stay in place and not shift over time. Second, the angular shape of the sand grains helps the sealer penetrate the sand joints locking the sand in place, inhibiting weed growth and ant mines, and providing joint stabilization, eliminating the need for polymeric sand. Finally, the sand also provides drainage for any water that may seep between the pavers, helping to prevent pooling and structural damage.

Cleaning Brick Pavers

Sealing brick pavers is an important step in preserving their appearance and preventing staining. However, it's important to clean them first to remove any grime, dust, or debris that may interfere with the sealant. Pressure washing can be a useful tool for this purpose.

Using a pressure washing service is the best way to clean brick pavers before sealing them. Not only will it remove all the dirt, dust, and debris, but it will also remove any old sealant or coating that may be on the surface. This will ensure a good bond between the new sealant and the paver surface.

Be sure to use a gentle stream of water rather than a blast of high pressure, which can damage the brick pavers. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, which can also harm the pavers and cause discoloration. A simple solution of detergent and water will be sufficient for most cleaning tasks.

Do all paver sealants offer the same basic protection?

No, not all paver sealants are created equal. While most sealants will help protect pavers from staining and fading, some sealants also offer extra protection against the suns rays, water damage, and freeze/thaw damage.

When choosing a brick paver sealant, it's important to consider the specific needs of your pavers. If your pavers are in a high-traffic area or are exposed to harsh weather conditions, you may want to choose a sealant with added protection against wear and tear. If your pavers are located in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures, you may want to choose a sealant with added protection against freeze/thaw damage.

Talk to a professional paver sealing company before choosing a paver sealer

A quality sealer can make a big difference in the look of your brick pavers. If you're not sure which product to choose, talk to a paver sealing professional. They'll be able to help you select the right sealer for your needs and give you tips on how to apply it.

What is the preparation process before applying paver sealant?

The preparation process for applying a water based paver sealant generally includes the use of a pressure washer and flat surface cleaner. The power washer is used to remove any grime, dust, or debris from the entire surface of the pavers, and the flat surface cleaner is used to remove any oil or residue that may have built up on the surface of the pavers. 

The next step is to remove all of the old joint sand and apply a medium coarse fractured angular sand to the paver joints, this is the best sand to use. This will allow the sealer to penetrate joint sand and lock it into place stabilizing the paver system and inhibiting weeds. The sand should be an eighth of an inch below the chamfer edge, which is the beveled edge along the top of each paver.

After blowing off the excess sand with a leaf blower and making sure each joint is sanded properly, the pavers are ready to be sealed.

Should I use polymeric sand?

There's no definitive answer to using polymeric sand since there are a lot of variables to consider, such as the type of patio or pathway you're looking to create, the climate in your area, and so on. However, if you're leaning towards using polymeric sand, here's something to keep in mind: make sure you also use a quality sealer. This will create a protective barrier over the pavers and help protect the polymeric sand from weathering and wear-and-tear, and will also give it a nice sheen. Hope this helps!

What is the best paver sealer for high traffic areas?

If you're looking for the best paver sealer for high traffic areas, then SealThane is the way to go. This top-of-the-line product is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and keep your pavers looking their best. Made from a durable acrylic resin, SealThane will resist fading and staining while still allowing your pavers to breathe.

It's also water-based, so it's safe for the environment and will clean up easily with just soap and water. Plus, it will deeply enhance the color of your pavers, giving them a wet look, and provide a gloss. So if you're looking for a high-quality sealer that will stand up to wear and tear, SealThane is the best choice.

How often should paver sealer be reapplied?

Reapplying a brick paver sealer is typically recommended every 1-3 years, depending on the type of sealer used, the climate, and the amount of traffic the pavers experience. Sealing your pavers can help protect them from staining and fading and can help keep them looking new for years to come.

Which paver sealant finish should I choose?

If you're looking to add a little extra protection and shine to your pavers, you may be wondering which brick paver sealant finish is right for you. Here is a brief overview of the three most popular finishes to help you make a decision:

• Natural: A natural finish will allow your pavers to retain their original color and texture. This is a good option if you want your pavers to look as close to their natural state as possible.
• Glossy: A glossy finish will give your pavers a shiny, polished look. This is a good option if you want your pavers to stand out and make a statement.
• Wet Look: A wet look finish will deeply enhance the color of your pavers. This is a good option if you like the way your pavers look when they are wet after heavy rains or after cleaning with a power washer.
• Matte: A matte finish will give your pavers a subtle, muted look. This is a good option if you want your pavers to blend in with their surroundings.

No matter which finish you choose, paver sealant can help protect your brick paver investment and keep your outdoor space looking its best for years to come.

Visit Apex Paver Sealing to know more!