The Benefits Of Sealing Your Pavers

Pavers are a great way to enhance your home, and naturally, you will want to keep them looking their best for years to come, but do you need to seal them to do that? It’s an age-old question that we get asked often. The answer is simple, you don’t have to seal your pavers, but there any many benefits to doing so. Here are just some of them!

Improves Aesthetics

As mentioned, we want our pavers to look good, and along with regular cleaning, sealing can help to keep your pavers looking like brand-new year-round. Many sealants give pavers a glossy finish which can bring out the colors and textures of the paving material.

Shields Against Contaminants

Without proper upkeep, it’s likely your pavers will accumulate gunk such as stains, rust, and grime; not only that, they can be susceptible to algae, moss, and mildew over time which can be tricky to remove if you don’t have the right equipment and products. The sealer prevents these contaminants from adhering to the surface of the pavers. This will make it easier to remove them without the need for harsh chemicals and elbow grease.

Makes Cleaning Easier

Your pavers will inevitably get dirty, whether it’s from a spilt drink or oil from your car. Cleaning and maintaining sealed pavers is a breeze; rather than having to spend a tonne of time and money bringing your pavers up to their former glory, you can wash most stains off with the use of a garden hose or pressure cleaner on a low-pressure setting.

Protection From The Harsh Aussie Climate

Most sealants have UV ray protecting properties that prevent fading and premature wear on your pavers, essential with our high UV radiation levels here in Australia. Exposure to moisture can damage your pavers. As they are highly porous, moisture can seep into pavers and cause them to crack. A sealer prohibits water from entering the paver and protects it from excessive moisture.

Extends Their Longevity

The last thing you want is to have to replace your pavers every ten or so years. Some pavers last longer than others, and by applying a sealer, you can extend their lifespan. The sealer makes the pavers more durable and can hinder troublesome weeds from invading your pavers and causing movement.

How Often Do I Need To Re-Seal My Pavers?

It will depend on which type of material your pavers are made from. Some softer types such as travertine may need to be done annually, whereas more durable options such as concrete and limestone may only need resealing every 3 to 5 years. It also depends on which type of sealer you use. Thinner sealants don’t wear as well as thicker sealants and tend to produce a noticeable film when it starts to wear. By choosing a quality sealer from the get-go, you can avoid having to reseal your pavers frequently. It may cost more upfront but not having to reseal your pavers often makes spending a little extra worthwhile in the long run.

Can I Seal My Pavers Myself?

Yes, you absolutely can! But before you do, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first to determine which type of sealer is best for your paver material.

Choosing The Right Sealer

There are several sealers you can choose from, and to ensure you are getting a flawless finish, you need to choose the right one. The two main types are wet look sealers and penetrating sealers.

Wet look sealers give the pavers a wet finish and can add shine and depth to the color of the paver, whereas penetrating pavers don’t alter the color and don’t give the paver a wet look. They maintain their appearance instead.

How Do I Seal My Pavers?

Sealing your pavers yourself can save you money, and it is relatively easy. Here is a basic step to step guide on how to seal your pavers:

1. It’s best to reseal your pavers on a day with full sun; rain can affect the finish.
2. You will need to clean your pavers before you reseal them. A good way to do this is by using a pressure cleaner on a low setting. This should lift stains and shift any stuck-on dirt. You will then need to let your pavers dry entirely before you reseal them. If you can, clean your pavers in the morning on a warm sunny day and aim to reseal in the afternoon. This should allow enough time for the pavers to dry; if they aren’t dry and are still damp, you may have to wait until the following day.
3. If you have weeds growing up between any of your pavers, you should remove them, ensuring you get the root when pulling them out.
4. Stir your sealer and pour some into a paint tray. You should use a paintbrush to apply the sealer around any edges. Using a roller with a long handle attachment, roll into the sealant and apply to the pavers.
5. Apply a second coat if necessary.
6. Wait at least a few hours before you walk on the pavers.

We hope this has given you an idea of why sealing your pavers is a good idea. While quality pavers will last for decades with little to no maintenance, sealing them ensures they are going to look fantastic and maintain their integrity for many moons to come. If you are looking for pavers for your home, check out our stunning collection here at Bonita Stone; we have something for every taste and budget.