Updating your patio or driveway to pavers can be a big investment. Once you’ve upgraded, it’s important that you take steps to protect your investment. The best way to protect pavers and extend the life of your patio or driveway is to apply a sealer. Using a joint stabilizing sealer will help to protect the surface of your pavers, as well as the sand in the joints as well.
Using a sealer is not necessarily for everyone though. There are a few extra considerations when you have a paver patio or driveway. Be sure to weigh all of your options to make the decision that’s best for you and your family. Let’s review the pros and cons of applying a sealer.
Pros of applying a sealer:
- Resistant to stains from spills
- Resistant to UV rays and sun damage
- Improve aesthetic appearance of pavers
- Prevents weeds from growing through the joints
- Prevents sand displacement from wind, water, and insects
Cons of applying a sealer:
- Requires additional maintenance, every 2-5 years depending on type of sealer
- Must wait for at least 1 year after installation
- If done incorrectly, it can cause discoloration or cloud the natural color of the paver
- Will need to be stripped if you change your mind
Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons, and decided to move forward with applying a sealer, you’ll want to prepare for the next steps. It is recommended that you wait for 1 year after installation before applying a sealer. This is to ensure that the pavers have settled and the efflorescence has completely evaporated.
Tips for applying sealer to pavers:
- Wait at least 1 year to make sure efflorescence has evaporated
- Thoroughly clean pavers, and pull weeds growing in the joints before application
- Don’t go cheap – use a quality sealer for maximum longevity
- If you use a roller for the application, be sure to use a sponge roller, and not nap. Nap rollers will cause damage to joint sand
- Do not walk or drive on newly sealed pavers for at least 24 hours
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