The short answer is yes, you should seal driveway pavers.
Paver sealant helps to keep your paver patios, driveways, and walkways looking fantastic all year around. If you leave these outdoor elements alone and neglect to maintain them, then they can quickly look dull due to daily wear and tear. After all, if we’re not walking on top of them on a daily basis then we’re driving our car over them, and they’re constantly being barraged by the elements which can cause wear and tear.
As such, it’s very important that you seal your pavers. But what exactly does sealing do, and is it necessary 100% of the time or are there situations where you can avoid the labor of sealing your own pavers?
What does a sealant do?
Paver sealants are applied to any kind of paving on your driveway, patio, or other outdoor paths. In most cases, pavers are designed to help protect against the elements but also protect your pavers against things like oil, weeds, moss, UV rays, and even tire marks from vehicles. Applying a sealer can also improve the overall color of the pavers.
In short,a sealer is an essential step if you want to protect your pavers and keep them around for a long time.
While it does add a bit of maintenance, reapplying your paver sealant only needs to take place once every few years depending on the brand and type of paver sealant that you use.
Should I seal all my pavers?
If possible, yes. Again, it does add a bit of extra maintenance to your pavers, but this only needs to be performed once every few years. Since materials like concrete are porous, it’s incredibly important to seal them if you want to keep them looking great for a long time.
Do all sealants do the same thing?
In theory, they should. Paver sealants are all designed to do the same thing, but in practice, it’s a little difficult to compare them directly. There are some brands that are reputable and well-known in the industry, and there are some brands that offer low-quality paver sealant despite being a household name in other regards.
There are also two types of paver sealants; film-forming and non-film-forming. The main difference is that film-forming paver sealants create a physical barrier on the paver surface. While it offers a bit more protection, some people may prefer non-film-forming sealants because they tend to last a bit longer without needing to be reapplied.
When should I seal my pavers?
Pavers should be sealed as soon as they are installed. However, it’s best if you seal them when it’s sunny and dry so they can cure faster. However, if you are using a solvent-based sealant, then it’s a good idea to apply it when the temperatures are lower.
You should also aim to reseal pavers once every three to five years. In non-film-forming sealants, you’ll start to see a gradual color change during rain. This indicates that the sealant is starting to become thin and needs to be replaced.
Interested in learning more about pavers and sealant?
Get in touch with Sequoia Stonescapes today for more information about outdoor pathway installations and maintenance.