Concrete pavers are a fantastic way to change up the look of your outdoor living space. They last longer than wood, and give a clean look to any area of your yard. Whether paving stones are being used for driveways, sidewalks, or patios, every home can benefit from the beauty and natural look of pavers.
One step to making sure that your pavers and hardscape continue to last and look great over the years it to seal the paver surface with sealant.
The most ideal time to seal your concrete pavers are after they have been installed, but in reality, they can be sealed any time.
Homeowners who are do it yourself people can DIY this project, but it can also be hire out.
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Sealing your pavers requires the weather to cooperate for you, which can be tough. Before sealing, make sure you have a couple days of rain free weather ahead so that you can seal your pavers without rushing.
When sealing pavers, clean up your outdoor living space. You want to start with a clear space that is clutter free. Sealer will damage anything that is not concrete, like house siding or wooden structures. Plants will be affected if the sealer touches them, so be sure to protect your vegetation as well.
Not only should you protect the pavers surrounding areas, you also need to prep the pavers before sealing. Depending on what state your pavers are in, you may need to take care of any weed growth or moss that are growing In between the joints. Joint sand (polymeric sand) should be checked and replaced as needed. This is also a great time to make sure any cracked or unlevel pavers are replaced and to check paver joints.
Cleaning the area can be done by blowing off the area, sweeping, or if your pavers have been installed a long time ago, cleaning them with a cleaning solution or solvent, that is specifically made for concrete pavers, and to remove efflorescence. Remember that the pavers need to be dry when sealing, so the best time to clean them are a couple days before you are going to actually seal them. Pressure washing or power washing may seem like a good idea to get all the weed growth and mildew that are on the patio pavers, but pressure washing will get rid of quite a bit of the joint sand, and that joint sand will then need to be replaced.
When purchasing your sealant, be sure to ask what they recommend to use to seal the brick pavers. Making sure you have the proper sprayer and tools will help the sealant go on properly, and give you less hassle.
When sealing the pavers , be sure to apply an even layer over your pavers. Keep track of which areas you have sealed, and be consistent in your spraying technique. Make sure that you have the time to complete the entire area that you are trying to seal. Do not start a section and try to come back to it a while later.
While sealing pavers requires skill, homeowners that take the time to slow down and learn how to correctly do it will reap the benefits of sealing pavers. Remember to put in the prep work, and take your time sealing. And of course, this can always be hired out if this seems out of your line of skills.