Do patio pavers need to be sealed?

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and luxury of having a spot in your backyard where you can savor outdoor living at its finest. Patio pavers are one of the most popular options for this space because of all their amazing benefits.

For one, it can make your outdoor space look more chic and modern while lasting longer than its counterparts, such as, gravel. Patio paver are also very easy to maintain and can easily add value to your property should you want to sell it in the future.

Now, if you already have your patio pavers installed or you are planning to put some in, you might be wondering if you need to seal them or not. Here, we answer some of your most common questions about sealing patio pavers:

What are the benefits of sealing your patio paver?

Most experts would recommend that you seal your patio pavers as a final step to your installation process because of the many benefits that you can get from it.

For one, your pavers would look a lot better with a sealer. Sealing your patio pavers also offers added protection to your stone, brick or concrete from dirt, grime and grease. A sealer also extends the life of your patio pavers, which means that you can save a lot of money since you don’t need to replace them constantly.

How long should you wait before sealing your patio pavers?

It depends on the material that you’re using for sealing the pavers. If you’re going for a non-film forming paver sealant, then you need to wait at least one week for the new pavers to cure before sealing them.

On the other hand, if you’re using a film-forming sealant, you’ll need to wait a month to keep moisture from being trapped under the protective barrier.

Once you’re ready to seal, you need to prep the pavers by cleaning them thoroughly. This will allow the pores on the surface to absorb the sealant better. If you live in a sunny area, you should wait a few hours after prepping before you start applying the sealant.

But if you’re in a cooler area, it’s best that you wait at least a day before applying.

Does sealing pavers prevent weeds?

Sealing your pavers will create an environment where it’s almost impossible for weeds to germinate and grow.

But there are still instances when some weeds tend to grow on pavers, so you need to keep your pavers clean of debris and other materials, especially after mowing your lawn. This will prevent any unwanted weed growth that could cause a lot of hassles on your end.

Do you seal pavers before or after sanding?

You should seal after sanding. In fact, you need to make sure that the sand is at least 1/8 inch below the surface of your pavers and that all residue and fine powder are removed from the surface before you can start applying your sealant. It’s also best to wait for 24 to 48 hours depending on the temperature that you’re working with.

Does sealing pavers make them slippery?

You’ve probably heard about patio pavers becoming slippery after they’re sealed. Yes, they can get slippery, but only if you don’t use the right sealer and apply it properly.

The right sealer and technique will not leave any noticeable difference on the surface of your pavers. In fact, you won’t even notice that the paver is sealed, especially when walking on it during dry seasons. When the climate gets wet, on the other hand, your sealed pavers will just feel like walking on a gym floor where you’ll hear some squeaking sounds.

This is due to water coming in contact with your sealer, but it doesn’t make the surface slippery at all.

This is also why it can be smart to let professionals do the job of sealing your patio pavers. They know the best type of sealant to use if you’re using brick, stone, or concrete patio pavers. They also know the exact steps needed to apply sealant effectively, so that you can maximize its benefits.

Does sealing pavers prevent rust stains?

Sealing does a lot of wonders to your patio pavers including protection from rust stains that could easily affect its appearance and durability.

A good sealant also protects your paver’s surface from early wear and tear due to salts, acid rain, freeze-thaw, and deicing chemicals. This means that you can enjoy your patio pavers for a longer time without having to repair or replace them, which can be very expensive.

Can you seal pavers in cold weather?

Although some professionals would say that they’ve successfully sealed patio pavers in cold weather, it’s not really the most ideal temperature to work with because it affects the rate at which the sealant cures.

According to experts, you need at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit as your minimum ambient air and surface temperature to apply sealant on your patio pavers effectively.

This is because sealers have a minimum film-forming temperature (MFT) where they can cure and dry efficiently to really maximize their benefits to your pavers.

So if you apply them below their MFT, there’s a good chance that they will not be as efficient as you expect them to be. You’ll know this through signs like delaminating, white hazing, or white dusting. Plan the job properly to make sure that you have the most ideal temperature when applying your sealant.

The bottom line

Although not strictly required, sealing your patio pavers is a smart move. It protects the surface, keeps it looking good, and extends its life so you can enjoy your outdoor living space more.

Just make sure that you follow the right steps in sealing your patio pavers. For best results, you can’t go wrong with letting the professionals take care of the job for you.

Ask for recommendations and look for reliable contractors in your area to get this project done efficiently without blowing your budget.