Using paver sealer effectively protects your outdoor space as the best possible protection method for pavers. Sealing pavers preserves their fresh appearance while protecting them from damage that leads to years of new-looking results. Most homeowners apply paver sealants right after installation because of its numerous benefits.
Besides, many homeowners seek to know what disadvantages exist when applying sealers to pavers. The short answer is—not really. You need to consider a few minor points. The main drawback involves choosing appropriate paver sealants that resolve the issues easily.
Thus, this article delves into paver-sealing benefits, together with minor downsides and correct sealing methods.
What Does Sealing Pavers Do?
We should first examine the actions that sealing implements.
Your pavers gain a protective layer that forms across the surface during sealing. This layer helps:
- Prevent stains from oil, grease, and food
- Protect against water damage
- Keep weeds and moss from growing between the joints
- Lock the sand in place
- Make the color of your pavers look richer and deeper
Furthermore, sealing pavers also makes them easier to clean. Dirt, spills, and even mold are less likely to stick.
Why Some Homeowners Worry About Sealing
The process of paving sealer delivery benefits homes, yet a few homeowners hesitate before using it. People generally avoid sealing their pavers because they lack certainty about their appearance post-sealing.
So, we will examine the major issues that homeowners have about pavers.
1. Sealer Can Darken the Pavers: Is that even a downside?
Sealing pavers can darken their color. But honestly, we wouldn’t call this a downside. In fact, that’s exactly what most of our clients want!
Most homeowners love the richer, darker colors that come with a wet look sealer. It makes the pavers look fresh, bold, and clean. The colors appear just like they do after a fresh rain—deep, vibrant, and alive. That’s why it’s called a “wet look” sealer.
It’s not something to worry about unless you really want to keep the exact dry look of your pavers.
Still, if you prefer your pavers to stay the same color and texture, we’ve got you covered. We also offer a natural look sealer. This type of sealer protects the surface just as well, but without darkening or changing the appearance. You won’t even notice it’s there—until you see how water beads up instead of soaking in.
So whether you want that bold wet look or prefer the natural dry look, Paver Protector has the right option for you.
2. Some Sealers Can Make Pavers Slippery
A lot of homeowners think that a wet look sealer means the pavers will be shiny. That’s not true—at least not with the sealers we use.
Our wet look sealers are not high-shine. They give more of a matte finish with a richer, darker color, but without a glossy or slippery surface.
It’s important to know that shiny sealers—the ones that look like a thick plastic layer—can cause problems. They can make the surface very slippery when wet. Plus, they are more likely to peel, crack, or bubble over time, especially in harsh weather.
That’s why we stay away from those types of sealers. With the right product, you get the beauty of a darker color without the risks of slipperiness or peeling.
3. Some Maintenance Is Needed
Thirdly, the outdoor maintenance of sealed pavers includes regular upkeep, but it is minimal. The protective film on the surface gradually disappears with time. The sealing application requires repetition every 3–5 years.
The Paver Restoration requirements are minimal, even though you need to remember to do this task. The brief maintenance work required to seal pavers becomes valuable because it adequately guards your outdoor surfaces.
4. You Might Need to Clean Before Sealing
Moreover, a dry and clean state of your pavers is a requirement ahead of the sealing process. Stains and mildew particles will remain on the surface since they fail to pass through the sealer. Performing some preliminary preparation steps before sealing will be necessary.
But this step is easy. An ordinary power washing treatment typically solves the cleaning requirements. Surface cleaning will not prevent you from applying sealer immediately according to certain product specifications.
What Are the Benefits?
Now that we’ve gone over the small downsides, let’s talk about the big benefits. The following benefits determine why homeowners decide to apply paver sealer:
- Protection from stains and weather
- Longer lifespan for your pavers
- Better color and texture
- Less weed and moss growth
- Easier cleaning
- Increased curb appeal
The sealer acts like a shield. Furthermore, it protects the surface from the sun, rain, snow, and dirt. If you live in an area with harsh weather, sealing your pavers is especially important.
Natural Look vs. Wet Look Sealers
So, let’s break this down a little more.
Wet Look Sealers
These make the color of the pavers appear deeper and darker. They give the surface a matte finish. Some also offer extra UV protection.
So, choose this if:
- You want a bold, enhanced color
- Plus, you like the “wet” look all the time
- You don’t mind a little matte
Natural Look Sealers
These keep the color and texture the same as before. They’re nearly invisible but still offer full protection.
So, choose this if:
- You like the original color of your pavers
- And, you want protection without any visual change
- You prefer a matte, dry finish
How to Avoid Problems
If you want to make sure sealing goes smoothly, here are some simple tips:
- First of all, choose the right sealer – Avoid cheap brands. Go for high-quality products, especially ones recommended by Paver Protector.
- Secondly, ask about slip resistance – Especially for patios and pool areas.
- Additionally, prep the surface – Make sure your pavers are clean and dry before sealing.
- Then, follow reapplication advice – Reseal every few years for the best results.
- Lastly, hire a pro – If you’re unsure, Paver Protector can help you choose the right sealer and apply it properly.
Final Thoughts
So, is there a downside to sealing pavers? Not really.
A minor disadvantage when sealing pavers involves sealer-related alterations to their appearance. But this is easy to control. A natural look sealer would be your best choice if the current appearance suits you.
Besides, improper choice of sealers may make the surface slippery, but only if you pick the wrong one.
Supporting evidence shows that paver sealing provides advantages which outweigh its minimal negative aspects. Sealing pavers delivers safety to your area while creating an aesthetic appeal in combination with maintaining durable paver appearance over many years.
So, are you searching for expert assistance to select the appropriate home sealer? Reach out to Paver Protector. They will assist you by identifying pavers that align perfectly with your design specifications and requirements.
