You’ve just installed some stunning pavers, and they look great. You want them to stay that way, right? Does a sealer help? It’s a good question, and one we’ll answer in this post. Here is everything you need to know about sealing your pavers and whether you should do it or not.
Benefits to sealing your pavers
While pavers are an extremely strong and durable material, sealer can help to extend their lifespan as well as offer several other benefits, here are a few of them:
Prevent stains
Your pavers will inevitably get stained, they are outside and exposed to spills, grease, and contamination from organic matter such as moss and mould. Some pavers materials are porous which means it can be difficult to shift stains once they have set in. A sealer can add a protective coating and can prevent stains by allowing them to run off rather than sink in.
Makes cleaning a breeze
No one wants to have to spend a lot of time cleaning their paved areas to keep them clean. Without a sealer, cleaning can be a hassle, and you are going to have to dedicate a lot more time to cleaning than you would with a sealer. Instead of having to scrub the pavers with paver cleaner, most stains can be lifted with a simple wash down with a hose or pressure cleaner on a low setting.
Protects the pavers from the elements
The Australian climate, while great, can be relentless at times. Pavers are exposed to rain and UV rays regularly as well as other external factors such as hail and even snow, floods, and cyclones in some parts. While pavers will maintain their structural integrity for a very long time, a sealer can help to stop the elements from prematurely wearing the pavers or causing deterioration. It can also help to maintain the original look of the pavers by inhibiting fading or discolouration from the sun.
Eliminate weeds
A major factor that deters people from laying pavers is weeds growing through the paver joints. It is not only a hassle having to remove them all the time, but they look unsightly and can move the pavers out of position. If the pavers have been laid correctly and a quality sealer has been applied, you can successfully stop weeds from ruining your pavers. The smooth coating also reduces the likelihood of mould and moss attaching the pavers and growing.
Enhance the look of your pavers
There are several different sealers available for pavers, and one of them is a wet-look sealer. It works by bringing out the natural colours, textures, and grains of the material. This can make your pavers more vibrant and eye-catching. It is recommended when using stone pavers.
Helps with adequate water runoff
Drainage is always an important consideration when installing pavers, and a sealer can help to promote sufficient water run-off. As the water repels off the paver and toward the dedicated drainage area, it doesn’t pool on top of the paver and soak through. This protects the installation and ensures that water doesn’t flood the areas surrounding it.
Disadvantages to sealing your pavers
It needs to be re-done
Once you seal your pavers, it needs to be done at 2 to 5 yearly intervals depending on the type of sealer you use. Poor quality sealers can break down quickly and leave behind a flaky film on your pavers. Always ensure you use quality brands that are suited to your paver type and follow the directions on the label correctly.
Sealer costs money
Generally, the better quality the sealer is, the longer it will last. This ongoing expense needs to be factored in when deciding whether to seal your pavers or not.
It can harm nearby plants and grass when applied
The overspray from the sealer can harm surrounding grass or plants. It is always smart to wait for a clear day with no wind or rain forecast to avoid the sealer from getting on the plants near it. You can also lay down some plastic sheeting to protect them further. You should also avoid applying sealer if there has been a lot of rain of late. The moisture can get trapped underneath the sealer and damage the paver.
What sealer is best?
Before purchasing a sealer, you should establish the slip-resistance it needs for the area. For example, paving around a swimming pool gets wet and slippery and applying a sealer that offers little to no traction can be dangerous. You should only ever use a sealer that is designed for use on your paver type, and lastly, you need to decide if you want your pavers to have a glossy finish, slight sheen, or matte look. Wet look and clear sealants tend to offer the most protection, whereas matte finish sealers usually last a little longer.
When weighing up the pros and cons of sealing your pavers, we believe the pros outweigh the cons. Sealer is an effective way to protect your investment, save you money and reduce the time needed to clean them. If you’d like more information on sealing your pavers or have questions about pavers in general, contact our friendly team here at Bonita Stone. We specialise in paver materials and know a thing or two about them. We would love to help if we can.
