05 Jun To Seal or Not to Seal
Pavers are aesthetically beautiful bringing a pop of color to any outdoor space. As landscape professionals, we are often asked, if sealing a paver patio is necessary. We sat down with our landscape designers, Bruce and Hugh, to learn about the many benefits of sealing a paver patio.
Will sealing enhance the appearance?
Contrary to popular belief, sealants come in a variety of styles from matte to semi-gloss to a high-gloss sheen. Many people prefer a glossy “wet look”, causing the natural color of the paver to appear more vibrant. Sealing also brings the benefit of easy cleaning, creating a barrier between dirt and the natural porous service of pavers.
Does sealing protect pavers from the weather?
We all know the fierceness of Nebraska weather and sealing will help protect your pavers. Sealants can withstand rain, ice, and snow preventing water seeping in and creating puddles below the surface. Sealants will defend paver patios against freeze/frost cycles in the winter months, reducing risk of cracks between joints.
Will sealing a paver patio increase the longevity?
Utilizing a joint stabilizing sealer will penetrate the porous surface of not only the paver, it will also soak into the joints as well. This will help strengthen the sand in the joints to create a tough mortar when dried. The sand will stay in the joints regardless of rain or washing the patio. Joint stabilizing sealers also have the additional benefit of preventing unwanted weeds from growing between joints.
How often do pavers need to be reseal?
This will depend on how much traffic the patio receives. Typically, you should reapply acrylic based sealants every 2-3 years, while water-based sealants hold up for 3-5 years. When resealing your pavers, remember to use the same sealer originally applied. If different sealers come in contact with each other, a chemical reaction may occur creating a white, cloudy appearance. If you can’t remember which sealer was originally used, test the new sealer on a small area or strip over the original sealer before applying a new coat.
Applying a sealant to paver patios provides benefits of enhancing appearance, protection, as well as increasing longevity. However, sealing pavers may not be for everyone. Sealants add necessary maintenance to an otherwise low-maintenance system. However, we highly recommend sealing paver patios a year after installation in order to protect your investment. If you are interested in sealing a paver patio, give us a call at 402-932-5704 to set up a consultation.