Pavers make your outdoor spaces look great. But taking proper care needs to happen so the pavers stay clean and new. Serving as an essential paver upkeep component is sealing. If you’re wondering when to reseal pavers, you’re not alone. Many homeowners ask the same question.
In this article, we will discuss sealing for pavers including proper timing, frequency and detection methods.
Why Reseal Pavers?
Our discussion begins with the explanation of sealing’s importance.
Sealing pavers shields them from stains, moisture, sun damage and wear and tear. The treatment produces and maintains the high moisture effect that many users choose. The sealer both blocks weed growth at joints and maintains sand within the stone surfaces.
But no sealer lasts forever. Over time, it wears off. Your paver surface will be more vulnerable to environmental risks when the sealer wears off. A paver needs frequent sealing maintenance to stay protected from elements over time.
How Often to Reseal Pavers?
You should apply a new sealer to your pavers once every three years. The majority of professionals suggest this schedule as the best choice.
Some homeowners who take care of their pavers schedule sealing every two years. Others wait 4 or even 5 years. It really depends on your:
- Budget
- Personal taste
- Local weather
- How much traffic the area gets
You can decide based on your specific needs when you need to reapply the sealant to pavers. Most people reseal pavers two to three years apart.
However, apply the sealer no more than once every two years. Overapplication of sealer will form unnecessary buildup on your pavers. That’s not good. Excessive reapplication will create a cloudy visual texture on the surface of your pavers.
Signs It’s Time to Reseal
Still not sure when to reseal pavers? Watch out for these clear signs.
1. The “Wet Look” Is Fading
Firstly, wet look paver sealers change their appearance to deepen the color of the pavers. Over time, this fades. When pavers hold moisture this shows you should reapply your sealer.
2. Water Is No Longer Beading
Secondly, when applied properly a good sealer creates a surface that prevents water from entering. Water should form drops on top of the pavers so resealing is needed when water starts to get absorbed into the surface.
3. Weeds Are Popping Up
Thirdly, the sealed paver surface stops weed growth in the stone joints. New weed growth in the joints shows your sealant has weakened its hold. Thus, this indicates it is time to apply new sealant.
4. Sand Is Washing Out
Moreover, joint sand prevents pavers from shifting because it stays secure under the sealant. Sealer protects the joint sand from being removed by water. When sand from between pavers starts disappearing the sealant needs to be replaced.
5. Paver Joints Are Separating
Lastly, are your pavers shifting? The joints become loose because sealing is unsuccessful. Sealing helps lock them in. A brand new sealant application will reinforce the stability between pavers when the joints start to move.
What Affects Sealer Life?
All people see diverse amounts of sealer deterioration. Several different factors determine how effective paver sealing remains usable.
- Weather – Heavy weather conditions including direct sunlight, raindrops or snowfall quickens the breakdown of sealing material.
- Foot or car traffic – Paver surface gets scratched more quickly when footpaths or streets are used often. Driveways wear faster than patios.
- Type of sealer – Some sealers last longer than others.
- Quality of first job – The lifespan of the first seal depends on how well it was applied during installation.
So, perform regular checks on your pavers despite having sealed them only three years ago because weather variations and several other factors weaken the sealer. Some sealants tend to lose their effectiveness sooner than expected.
Tips for Better Paver Maintenance
To get the most out of your sealer, follow these tips:
Clean Before You Seal
First of all, perform routine paver cleaning before you start applying a new sealant layer. The cleaning process takes away all visible dirt along with unwanted plants and marks. Plus, cleaning the surface ensures better adhesion of the sealer product.
Don’t Overdo It
Besides, more isn’t always better. Apply the sealer once a year at most. Big quantities of sealer will shut off water from escaping through the pavers while making the surface appear cloudy.
Use the Right Sealer
Furthermore, select a sealer made for your type of pavers. Some work better on concrete, others on stone or brick. Thus, select a sealant that matches your look—matte, gloss, or wet-look.
Hire a Pro
In addition, if you lack sealing skills, bring in a professional like Paver Protector to handle the task. They will get the area ready for sealing then properly apply the paver sealer.
What Happens If You Don’t Reseal Pavers?
People often overlook regular paver maintenance for some time without noticing problems yet. As time passes different issues will develop:
- Colors will fade
- Stains will soak in
- Weeds will grow
- Pavers may shift or settle
- Mold or mildew could appear
Consequently, spending money to repair neglected issues equals more than waiting for the right time to reapply the sealant.
Final Thoughts
Paver sealing does not require advanced knowledge to determine the timing. Most people reseal pavers every 3 years. So, whether you need to reseal depends entirely on how your installed pavers show signs of wear and performance problems.
The need for resealing surfaces appears when the pavers lose their luster and fail to shield against water penetration. Weeds sprouting through indicates it’s time too. Thus, take note of changes in your pavers and perform maintenance before they develop major problems.
An intense application of topcoats preserves your outdoor settings from harm. Regular sealer use helps you avoid costly future repairs by staying ahead of small problems. So, keep watch for signs of paver damage then follow your schedule for the best results.
If you’d like help picking the right sealer or scheduling a reseal, reach out to Paver Protector. A little care goes a long way!
