Key Takeaways
- The most important first step is sealing your pavers to establish a robust, lasting line of defense against weathering, staining deterioration, and general wear. Taking the time to seal your pavers adds years to their life span.
- If you wait and never seal your pavers, the opposite is true—they’ll break down at an accelerated rate. Your paver surfaces will deteriorate 15-30% faster and eventually develop cracks, chips, and structural failure.
- Unsealed pavers are more susceptible to stains from spills, oil, and debris, which can result in costly cleaning, repairs, or replacements. 82% of sealers say sealing lowers the chance of permanent staining by up to 80%.
- When left unsealed, weeds and moss take over in the joints, eventually leading to more long-lasting harm and more frequent maintenance requirements. Sealing inhibits soil accumulation, which makes vegetation maintenance much simpler.
- Moisture damage is a major issue for unsealed pavers, as water can seep in, eroding the pavers’ base, and lead to cracking. By sealing you create a waterproof barrier and avoid going through costly repairs.
- Freshly sealed pavers are full of color and protect from UV fading. This improves the appearance of your hardscapes, and it protects property value and curb appeal.
If you choose not to seal your pavers, you can expect notable wear and tear to be evident in the coming years. Without a sealant top coat, pavers will be prone to absorbing deeper amounts of water, which can lead to extensive cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.
They can fade from UV exposure, get discolored from staining, or develop mold and weeds. If they remain unsealed, pavers are more likely to shift or loosen, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic.
The result, over time, is a loss in both structural integrity and aesthetic beauty among your hardscape surfaces. Sealing boosts the paver’s natural color and protects against stains and deterioration.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the specific consequences in detail and explain why sealing can save you time and effort in the long run.
Why Seal Pavers?
Sealing pavers is an important step in protecting their look and use. It forms a long-lasting protective barrier that defends against extreme weather conditions, oil and grease stains, and normal wear and tear. This sealing layer provides several benefits, including protection from harmful elements.
With this additional barrier, rain, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles are unable to break them down as quickly. To illustrate, unsealed pavers that get heavy rain quickly might experience water absorption that can cause paver cracks or erosion. Sealing helps to stop this by creating a barrier that repels water and helps to reduce long-term damage from occurring.
Perhaps the most important benefit of sealing comes from the protection it provides against reduced lifespan. Well-sealed pavers hold up better against erosion, particularly in the joint sand that keeps them securely in place. Without sealing, this sand can be lost in storms, undermining the stability of the pavement and requiring constant upkeep.
Sealed pavers resist chipping and cracking, leading to fewer expensive replacements. Because some high-quality sealants can last 3-5 years, homeowners get the benefit of a long-term solution that helps preserve their investment.
Another advantage of seal coating pavers is keeping the rich, deep color of pavers. Without a quality sealant, UV damage and weather exposure ultimately lead to unsightly, faded pavers that lose their rich colors and eventually turn gray. Sealing brings out the natural colors of pavers, helping them look newer and more vibrant.
Sealed paver surfaces are more resistant to oils, dirt, and debris attachment, allowing for easier cleaning. Sealing not only prevents these damages, but it cuts down on maintenance as well. By preventing stains and surface degradation, it keeps pavers in better condition, saving time and expenses in the long run.
This unique combination of protection, durability, and aesthetics makes sealing the best choice for preserving pavers long-term.
What Happens If You Don’t Seal Pavers? The Consequences Explained
When you leave patio pavers unsealed, you expose them to environmental stresses, everyday absorption wear, and damaging stains and spills. This neglect can undermine their aesthetic quality and long-term resilience, leading to costly repairs and diminished outdoor living spaces. Let’s explore the biggest consequences of failing to seal your pavers.
1. Accelerated Paver Deterioration
Unsealed pavers are 30% more likely to wear down quickly compared to sealed ones, particularly in regions like Florida where temperature fluctuations and heavy rainfall are common. In the absence of sealant, intense weather can wear down the top surface, causing it to crack, chip, or break.
As an illustration, unsealed pavers in St. Petersburg typically exhibit noticeable wear from salt air and moisture exposure. Consistent sealing provides a protective barrier, prolonging their life while reducing repair expenses.
2. Increased Risk Of Staining
Pavers that are not sealed can easily absorb anything from car oil to food spills which leads to hard-to-remove stains. Sealed surfaces prevent these substances from penetrating, cutting, and staining by up to 80%.
Especially in outdoor spaces like patios, this keeps your spaces looking clean and inviting. Repairing stains on unsealed pavers can run hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more than the original sealing.
3. Rampant Weed And Moss Growth
Without a seal, dirt can easily settle into the joints of unsealed pavers, making them more susceptible to weed and moss growth. This is an eyesore, but it creates a tremendous upkeep expectation.
Effective sealing reduces soil accumulation, preventing vegetation from establishing itself. For paver manufacturers and homeowners alike, this translates to lower labor costs and lower lifetime maintenance.
4. Heightened Water Damage Potential
Sealing stops water from entering the paver, making it much less susceptible to cracking and erosion. In the long term, this can compromise their longevity and strength by 30% or more.
This waterproof layer is especially important in places that receive a lot of rain, such as Florida.
5. Fading And Color Degradation
The harsh Florida sun can fade unsealed pavers, leading to visible stains and a worn appearance. A quality paver sealant protects against UV rays, preserving your pavers’ original color and enhancing the beauty of your outdoor spaces.
6. Compromised Structural Integrity
When moisture seeps into pavers, it can erode the bond between them and their base, leading to cracking, buckling, and displacing in unsealed installations.
If left unchecked, over time, this can result in expensive repairs or even total replacement.
7. Elevated Maintenance Demands
Without a paver sealant, patio pavers attract dirt and grime, necessitating more regular washing. Proper sealing simplifies maintenance, saving homeowners time and money while keeping outdoor living spaces looking pristine.
8. Diminished Paver Lifespan
The average lifespan of unsealed pavers decreases dramatically due to the continuous wear and tear of various environmental factors.
When sealed properly, pavers can last 25% longer, making this one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain your investment.
9. Potential Safety Hazards
Not only that, but wet, unsealed pavers become slippery, creating the perfect storm for slip-and-fall accidents.
In addition to the brevity of measures, sealing pavers increases surface traction, providing safer walkways and patios, most importantly in high-traffic areas.
10. Reduced Property Value
Property value can plummet if unsealed pavers are worn and stained. Properly maintained and sealed surface sealer on patio pavers increases your curb appeal and home resale value, as most buyers love seeing a beautiful paver surface.
Unsealed Pavers: Understanding The Risks
Thinking not to seal your pavers seems like an inconsequential choice to make. However, it opens up major risks that can have irreversible and profound impacts. Without a paver sealant, pavers become more susceptible to environmental elements and everyday traffic use. Unfortunately, this exposure results in increased damage and expensive upkeep in the long run.
Unsealed pavers have a tough road ahead, especially in places like Florida, where the climate is heating up. Damage from water intrusion is the biggest risk of all. Inadequately drained heavy rain can saturate porous materials, eroding supports and potentially causing cracking or washout. This problem is compounded in climates with severe freeze-thaw cycles and can lead to significant decay.
To make matters worse, freeze-thaw cycles can expand pre-existing cracks and contribute to material degradation. The risk is particularly acute in coastal areas. The continuous exposure to sand and salt eventually wears down unsealed pavers, causing them to chip or break more easily over time, especially when they lack a protective layer.
The blazing sun is another element that unsealed pavers simply aren’t made to endure like their sealed counterparts. Over time, UV exposure will fade the pavers’ original color, making your pavers look like they’ve seen better days. The resultant aesthetic decline registers a huge effect on outdoor living spaces.
Unsealed pavers suffer a 30% reduction in lifespan, making them wear down significantly quicker. Everyday use further compounds that strain, greatly raising the risk of costly repairs or even full replacement down the line.
Seal your unsealed pavers with a quality paver sealant to prevent stains, preserve their beauty, and protect them from the elements. This easy step increases their longevity and helps you avoid costly replacements in the future. With proper investment in sealing, you can safeguard the value and longevity of your outdoor spaces.
How Different Paver Materials React
How each paver material reacts to sealing will dramatically differ, based on a variety of factors including their makeup, level of porosity, and purpose of use. Natural stone, concrete, and permeable pavers each material react differently and have characteristics that determine if it require sealing.
By learning how different paver materials react, the right decisions can be made to help maintain your hardscaping’s longevity and natural beauty.
Natural stone pavers—like travertine and limestone—give a classic, sophisticated look that stands the test of time. Since travertine is denser, it typically requires only one coat of sealant. Limestone is very popular, but has significantly higher porosity and therefore enjoys a much larger advantage with more frequent sealing.
Concrete pavers are more porous and generally require two layers of sealant to achieve proper coverage. As durable and practical as materialist concrete is, it’ll fade, crack, and erode over time if not regularly maintained.
Standardized sealers may provide limited benefits, so prioritizing professional-grade products ensures better durability and color retention.
Permeable pavers, made specifically for stormwater control, often need special attention paid to the sealing process. Oversealing can damage their drainage properties, so it is crucial to consider a sealant that was specially designed for this application.
Each material requires specific attention. Choosing the correct sealant relative to the paver type will ensure the sealant functions as needed while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the pavers.
|
Material |
Porosity Level |
Recommended Sealing Approach |
|
Travertine |
Low |
One coat of high-quality sealer |
|
Limestone |
Moderate |
More frequent sealing due to higher porosity |
|
Concrete Pavers |
High |
Two coats of professional-grade sealant |
|
Permeable Pavers |
Varies |
Specific sealant to maintain drainage function |
Sealing Pavers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sealing pavers is an important part of paver maintenance that can make beautiful paver surfaces like walkways and patios more long-lasting and resilient. Taking a step-by-step approach ensures that the paver sealant is applied properly, providing the best results and preserving your investment against weather conditions and visible stains. Below, we demystify each step of the process for you.
Prepare The Paver Surface
Step 1 – Clean the PaversBegin by cleaning the surface of your pavers to get rid of any dirt, debris, or stains. A power washer is very helpful, just be sure the surface dries fully before moving on. Fill in all cracks and do repairs.
These blemishes will weaken the sealant’s bond to your surface. If you currently use joint sand between your pavers, consider eliminating that option. Or you can make it semi-permeable with water-based sealers that range from $80 to $150 per gallon in price.
Select The Right Sealant Product
Select an appropriate sealant for your pavers, as some sealers don’t work well on certain materials, and decide if you want a matte or glossy finish. Meanwhile, solvent-based sealers offer fantastic durability — going four to five years.
Water-based varieties make application much simpler at the rate of 100 – 150 square feet per gallon. Even so, read a few product reviews to make sure you’re choosing a reliable, high-quality sealant.
Apply Sealant Properly
Use equipment such as rollers or sprayers but make sure you use them in a way to ensure the sealant does not pool in depressions. Calculating the amount of sealant needed is important. A gallon usually covers 80–120 square feet per coat, depending on the sealant type.
For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and cover the entire surface completely.
Allow Adequate Drying Time
Give the sealant three to four hours to cure before walking directly on it. Give it a minimum of six hours of cure time before putting any rubber on the surface. For best results, protect the area from rain or moisture and keep an eye out for unevenness.
To ensure protection, reapply every three to five years.
When Should You Seal Your Pavers?
Sealing your pavers is the most important part of keeping your paver patio durable, beautiful, and functional for years to come. Timing is critical to making sure that your outdoor surfaces get the most out of the paver sealant. Knowing when to seal your pavers is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your paving stones, avoiding irreversible damage.
Curing Time For New Pavers
Newly installed pavers should be allowed sufficient time to cure before sealing, usually 15-30 days, depending on the climate. This curing period gives any leftover moisture or natural settling time to happen, allowing the applied sealant to be properly set.
Waiting for nearer to 30 days gives the film-forming sealants time to cure effectively. This ensures moisture does not become trapped beneath the protective seal, which can lead to unsightly discoloration or even paver degradation.
The material type makes a difference as concrete pavers will cure a little differently than natural stone. If sealing is done too early, it can affect the integrity of the paver itself, making it important to adhere to the manufacturer’s directions.
Ideal Weather Conditions For Sealing
Weather is a huge factor in the sealing process. Temperatures should be mild, ideally between 50°F and 90°F, with 75°F and sunny being perfect conditions.
This is because high humidity or rain can prevent the sealant from setting properly, while extreme sun can result in uneven drying. Seasons such as spring and fall, providing cooler and more stable conditions, are especially recommended.
In addition, always ensure surfaces are dry before use. This is important even more so in shaded or cooler conditions, where drying can take much longer than 24 hours.
Frequency Of Resealing Pavers
Heavy traffic and environmental exposure play a role in how often you need to reseal. Further, most pavers only need to be resealed every 3 to 5 years.
Places that get heavy foot or vehicle traffic should be resealed more frequently, about every 1 to 3 years. Identification that it’s time to reseal is made easy with regular inspections where you look for signs of wear, like fading or patchiness.
Establishing a regular resealing schedule will keep your pavers safe from harm while looking their best.
Professional Sealing VS. DIY
When deciding between professional sealing and a DIY approach for your pavers, understanding the differences in expertise, equipment, and outcomes is essential.
The value of professional sealing services cannot be overstated. Professional sealing services provide years of experience and specialized tools. Businesses like DPG Pavers & Design are key to providing these quality-centered solutions. Their professional techniques guarantee that your pavers will be sealed the right way, providing the highest level of protection and durability.
Professional sealing greatly prevents moisture penetration up to 95%. This provides a large value advantage, particularly in states that experience severe seasonal climate impacts, like Colorado. This level of precision and efficiency is difficult to achieve without the same degree of expertise or machinery.
On the other hand, DIY sealing is surely more approachable, but it presents significant hurdles. Applying the sealant incorrectly and failing to select quality products may lead to uneven coverage, a shortened lifespan, and insufficient protection. Maintaining sealed pavers means committing to resealing every few years.
Professionals are better equipped to take on this task by recommending the appropriate sealants and techniques. Without their expertise, DIY projects are hit or miss, costing you more time, money, and labor to remediate failures.
Licensed professionals take care of saving your time, delivering top-quality outcomes with effective sealing. A trained professional team administers the sealing process to perfection. This guarantees a beautiful, durable, high-gloss finish that makes your pavers look incredible and increases their resistance to stains and other damage.
While DIY projects can seem like a great deal upfront, errors and subsequent added effort can make the professionals the smarter option in the long run.
Advantages Of Professional Paver Sealing
When deciding on paver sealing, professional sealing offers the skill and experience to make sure that the job is done right. Pros know their stuff. Years of experience means they know the ins and outs of different paver materials and how to protect them most effectively.
They understand what homeowners encounter, such as Colorado’s ever-changing weather and apply customized materials and processes that protect your investment and pavers. Their expert hands can even extinguish problems such as efflorescence, which produces the ugly salt patches that mar paver stones. They develop plans to prevent future incidents from even occurring at all.
For one, pros use superior sealants and application processes that you won’t find in the typical DIY products. For instance, solvent-based sealers offer a solid protective barrier for up to four or five years when well maintained. This protective layer defends your pavers from stains, oils, and weather-related degradation, increasing the pavers’ durability by 80-90%.
These specialty sealants not only protect your pavers. They amplify their inherent color, producing a deep, lustrous appearance that brings out the best in your hardscape.
Time is the other big one. In short, sealing pavers is a non-trivial, costly endeavor in both expense and pain-in-the-rear time. When left to the professionals, you avoid needless hours of work while greatly increasing the chances of consistent application.
Furthermore, they sign up for frequent resealing every three to five years. This professional upkeep goes a long way in preserving the look and longevity of your pavers.
Lastly, professional sealing prevents damage, promoting a more beautiful and long-lasting appearance for your pavers. It protects their overall beauty, resisting the sun’s, rain’s, and snow’s relentless damage while protecting your valuable investment for several years.
Conclusion
Sealing your pavers isn’t just an aesthetic back-patio prime-time finish line addition. It prevents discoloration by keeping them looking new, it protects them from damaging wear and tear, and it simplifies future maintenance. Without it, they fade, crack, and absorb stains, leaving you to face expensive repairs or replacements. Materials like concrete, stone, and bricks all have different reactions, but all appreciate a quality sealant applied properly that heightens their longevity and aesthetic beauty.
If you decide to go the sealing route, your next consideration should be whether to go the DIY or professional route. DIY projects can help you save up front, but that professional touch guarantees your dream patio will last with less hard work on your part!
Sealing your pavers is an investment worth making now to avoid heartburn down the line. Don’t forget – your outdoor space deserves a little something special to keep it strong and beautiful for years to come. Don’t wait any longer—protect your pavers the right way with DPG Pavers & Design’s help!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is Sealing Pavers Important?
Sealing your pavers with a quality paver sealant provides an extra layer of protection from stains, fading, and weather damage. This essential paver sealing service makes them more durable, keeps their color vibrant, and helps stop weed growth, ensuring your outdoor living spaces remain stunning.
2. What Are The Risks Of Not Sealing Pavers?
Without a protective paver sealant, your pavers are much more susceptible to staining, cracking, and fading. Regular paver sealing service is essential as it prevents water absorption that contributes to erosion and mold growth. Neglecting proper maintenance will lead to costly repairs and a loss of structural integrity over time.
3. Can All Types Of Pavers Be Sealed?
The answer is yes, just about all paver materials such as concrete, brick, and natural stone are sealable. Each one of those materials has unique requirements. To ensure you’ll achieve good results, always select a paver sealant that’s compatible with your paver type.
4. How Often Should You Seal Your Pavers?
Ideally, paver patios should be sealed every 3–5 years based on exposure to the elements and walking traffic. With proper sealing and regular maintenance, you can prolong their life and maintain beautiful paver surfaces.
5. Is Sealing Pavers A DIY-friendly project?
Seal coating pavers can be a DIY project if you have the right tools and paver prep. However, with professional paver sealing service, you’re guaranteed an even application and beautiful paver surfaces that will last much longer.
6. What Happens If Pavers Are Left Unsealed In Cold Climates?
Unsealed pavers in cold climates are often susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to costly repairs. Proper sealing with a paver sealant can prevent water from entering cracks, thereby protecting the surface.
7. Does Sealing Pavers Make Them Slippery?
Additionally, some paver sealants may cause patio pavers to be slippery if wet. Choose a non-slip sealer or matte finish sealant to enhance the look of your outdoor space without compromising safety.
Bring Your Outdoor Spaces Back To Life With Expert Paver Sealing By DPG Design & Build!
Imagine your driveway, patio, or pool deck looking as fresh and vibrant as the day it was installed—beautifully protected, clean, and enhancing the value of your home. At DPG Design & Build, we specialize in professional paver sealing services designed to preserve and rejuvenate your outdoor spaces. With over 30 years of experience serving Danville and Walnut Creek, California, we’re the trusted experts in paver care and maintenance.
Our experienced team, featured on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and the Discovery Channel’s Renovation Nation, understands how to protect your investment, maintain beauty, and extend the life of your pavers. Using advanced sealing techniques and high-quality sealants, we ensure every detail is meticulously cared for, leaving your outdoor areas pristine and inviting.
Your Revitalized Outdoor Space Awaits:
- Want to enhance the color and beauty of your pavers? Our sealing process restores vibrancy and protects against fading.
- Tired of dealing with weeds, mold, or stains? Professional sealing prevents weed growth, staining, and erosion.
- Looking to boost your home’s curb appeal and value? Our expert paver sealing instantly enhances aesthetics and longevity.
At DPG Design & Build, we don’t just seal pavers—we restore outdoor pride. Our tailored consultations help you select the right sealing solutions to match your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re sealing newly installed pavers or refreshing existing spaces, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Book your complimentary consultation today and bring your pavers back to life!
