What Is Paver Sealing?
Pavers are great additions to any property. Maybe you have a paver patio at your home that serves as an excellent place to host barbecues and parties. Or, perhaps you have a paver driveway at your business, allowing you to welcome guests with style. Either way, you understand the value of pavers; however, you may not understand the process of protecting them. So, what is paver sealing? How does it work, and how can you prepare your pavers for the sealing process? We’ll answer all these questions—and more!
Jay’s Pressure LLC is your paver sealing guide today. We are a professional pressure washing and paver sealing company, and it’s always our pleasure to serve the Charleston, SC community. Let us know if you need our help, and we’ll be there soon to assist you.
An Explanation of Paver Sealing
So, what is paver sealing anyway? Here’s the short version: it’s the process of adding a thin, protective barrier around your pavers so they are shielded from damage. Most paver sealers are made with acrylic polymers. These substances begin as liquid, but once they are brushed onto pavers and exposed to open air, they gradually dry, forming a tough barrier.
The main benefit of paver sealing is that it helps your pavers last longer. Since they’ll avoid damage with paver sealer, they won’t deteriorate as quickly, preventing the need for expensive repairs. This lets you save money in the long run—and who doesn’t like having more money to go around?
Additional Benefits of Paver Sealing
Paver sealing, of course, protects pavers from damage and helps you save money on repairs. However, there are many additional benefits that you might not have expected! For example, paver sealer reduces the risk of moss, mold, and algae growing on pavers. This organic debris relies on moist surfaces to thrive; paver sealer repels this water, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Paver sealer also prevents your pavers from fading over time. The culprit for this fading is ultraviolet (UV) light. These powerful rays are unavoidable, always being beamed down by the sun. The good news is that paver sealer acts like “sunscreen” for your pavers. Fewer UV rays will pierce through the paver sealer, drastically reducing the effects of UV fading.
Always Pressure Wash Before Paver Sealing
You may feel excited and want to leap into the paver sealing process immediately. But hold your horses. There’s a crucial preparation you need to make before anything else. We highly recommend pressure washing your pavers before attempting to seal them. Why? Because if your pavers are smothered with debris, it will interfere with the sealing process. All that grime makes it difficult to apply an even layer of sealer, and it also increases the risk of sealer peeling or chipping in the days following your project.
Whether you do your own pressure washing or schedule our pressure washing services, you’ll enjoy the end results: sparkling clean pavers that shine. Remember to let your pavers dry before sealing them, too. Depending on weather conditions, this could take up to two days.
The Paver Sealing Process
What is paver sealing going to look like in practice? We’ll walk you through the process. First things first, though, you’ll need to gather the correct equipment. This includes the following tools, which we’ve turned into a helpful list for you:
- Paver Sealer. Obviously, you won’t be able to seal pavers without a paver sealer. This substance is sold in buckets at hardware stores near you.
- Painting Equipment. Paver sealer can simply be brushed onto pavers, so we recommend buying a paint stick, paint tray, a roller brush, and a detail brush.
- Drop Cloths. You’ll need to protect any areas next to your pavers. With drop cloths, you can simply cover them up, preventing them from being splattered.
- Work Clothes. Finally, make sure you wear clothes that you don’t care about. You don’t want to get your favorite pair of pants covered with paver sealer.
Once you have these tools ready, it’s time to begin sealing your pavers. First, protect any areas near the pavers with drop cloths. Then, stir the paver sealer and pour a moderate amount of it into a paint tray. Now, you can use your brushes to apply a thin layer of paver sealer to your pavers. Thoroughness is key; an even application will last longer, staving off the need for resealing. Once you have finished applying sealer, all you have to do is wait up to forty-eight hours for sealer to dry. Enjoy your newly protected pavers!
How Often Should Pavers Be Resealed?
What is paver sealing’s lifespan? How long will sealer last before it needs replacement? Paver sealer protects your pavers from becoming damaged, but as a result, it takes damage instead. Because of this, it won’t last forever. We recommend keeping an eye on it as the years go by. Eventually, you will notice chipping, peeling, and other signs that maintenance is needed. Expect paver resealing to become necessary every three to five years.
Before resealing pavers, you’ll need to remove the original layer of sealer. This can be accomplished with specialized stripping chemicals and pressure washing. Again, be sure to allow pavers to dry before attempting to seal them.
Need Professional Paver Sealing?
What is paver sealing? If you’re still stuck on the first question, you might not be prepared for the do-it-yourself paver sealing process. The good news is that you never have to do this work on your own because Jay’s Pressure LLC is prepared to do it for you! Our professionals are highly experienced in the paver sealing process and would love to lend you a helping hand. Simply contact us online and let us know about your project. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to sealing your pavers—and for a fair price, too!