Author: Brian Ulrich

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When should I seal my patio pavers?

You’ve remodeled your home or at least the backyard. You decide to put in patio pavers, because they look great. Now that the patio pavers are installed, you want them to continue to look great. You intend to use your backyard a lot and don’t want to stain your pavers. You need to get your pavers sealed. It’s important to do it at the right time however, because if you do it too early you can end up with unsightly results. Here is the best time to seal your patio pavers.

Trapping efflorescence 

You might be wondering why you need to wait at all. It seems logical that you can just seal your pavers right when they’re first installed. The issue is a process called efflorescence in the pavers. Efflorescence is when the salt in a material comes to the surface. It’s usually caused by low temperatures and moist conditions like rain, condensation, etc. including washing off your pavers. If you seal your pavers before efflorescence is completed, then you’ll end up with spots on your pavers that you can’t get off. So back to the important question, when can you seal your pavers?

What’s the right time to seal your pavers?

The answer is it varies somewhat. Some people will tell you to wait at least six months before sealing. Others say you need to wait at least a year before sealing. The best option is to wait a year if you can, to ensure that efflorescence is finished. Always get in contact with the manufacturer of your pavers to find out what they recommend. They may tell you less or more time is needed.

What if I can’t wait that long?

There is a possible option if you can’t wait. There are breathable sealers out there that will allow efflorescence to happen. However, there are two main issues with them. The first is that they’re double the price of normal sealers. The other is that these sealers require very specific conditions for application. It can be very hard to meet the conditions, and the last thing you want is to pay more money to have your pavers resealed.

Always wait until it’s the appropriate time to get your patio paver sealed. It’s better to wait and have them look their best.

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What’s Easier to Maintain Patio Pavers or Stamped Concrete?

You’re either remodeling or building a new home and you’re thinking about what to do for the patio. You could go with patio pavers or stamped concrete. It’s a big decision to make, because you’re going to be living with it for a long time. Both options look great, and you will undoubtedly find something you like in both categories. The important thing to look at is the maintenance. You don’t want to end up with a patio that’s going to cost you more to maintain and require a lot of upkeep. Here’s the breakdown on which is easier to maintain.

Patio Pavers 

There are a few issues with patio pavers. The first is that the joints need to be re-sanded every few years. This is to help ensure your pavers don’t move. This can generally be avoided however if you use a polymer sand. Pavers also may move over time and require work to get them back to their original formation. This shouldn’t be a huge problem if the job is done right the first time, and the installer makes sure the soil is packed properly. Weeds can also grow in the joints between patio pavers if you don’t use a polymer sand. Weeds require regular maintenance and can be hard to get rid of. The good thing about pavers is that it’s easy to pop one out and put a new one in if one is broken.

Stamped Concrete 

Stamped concrete has one major issue. No matter what, it’s guaranteed to crack at some point in time. If you’re lucky it will take years to crack, but it can happen in months. Stamped concrete has a harder finish which means those cracks will be more apparent. It also means wear and tear will be more apparent. Maintenance isn’t easy with stamped concrete. Most repairs involve machinery like jackhammers to get the job done. This type of machinery can be pretty noisy too.

The Verdict 

In the long run you’re probably better off with pavers. The upfront cost may be more, but you’ll more than likely save in the long run. Stamp concrete is still a great option, but what you save in the beginning may catch up to you when it comes to maintenance. It’s always best to talk to a professional to discuss the conditions and other things that may influence your decision.

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Installing pavers is an investment. While it can be costly, it increases your property value and curb appeal. However, stains are unsightly and can make your beautiful pavers look cheap, dirty and poorly maintained. Below are tips on how to avoid stains and fix any that may occur.

Prevention:

Sealing your pavers is the best way to prevent stains from occurring. Use a sealant that works for your paver materials. The manufacturer’s instructions should explain the type of sealant you should use. Sealant and applicators can be purchased from almost any hardware store. Be sure to fill any joints with polymeric sand before sealing to ensure your protect that as well. Experts recommend you make any repairs before sealing to ensure you prevent damages from worsening between seals. Every sealant’s application timelines will vary slightly. However, there is a quick test to check if your sealant is still working. Sealants not only prevent stains but they also waterproof your pavers. To check if the sealant is still good, spray water on your pavers. If it beads up, your sealant is still working. If it absorbs into the pavers, your sealant is gone and a new application is needed.

Regular cleaning and inspection can also help prevent stains. Any item that drips onto your pavers or sits in its own dirt can cause potential stains. Sweeping once a week, moving items around and fixing any leaks you notice before they cause stains will help.

Fixing:

How you fix already existing stains may vary based on the type of pavers you have and the stains themselves. In general, the below tips may help you remove various stains on your pavers.

Oil Stains:

Oil and grease stains often appear under vehicles or around grills. If the oil has freshly dripped onto your pavers, blot the area with a clean rag or paper towel. (Do not rub! This will actually smear and force the oil into the pores of the pavers.) Liquid dish soap can be applied directly to the stain after blotting. Allow it to sit on the stain for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon bristly brush. Rinse this with warm water. If the oil stain is already dried, leave a granular oil-absorbent material over it for at least 6 hours. Afterwards, sweep up the granules and apply dish soap to the stain per the above directions.

Hard Water Stains:

Hard water stains on pavers are actually part of the efflorescence process new pavers go through. This process is actually a chemical reaction between rain, humidity and temperature changes and the soluble salts contained in the paver materials. To remove these, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. An efflorescence remover will be needed to correct this and those instructions will explain the specific type required.

Rust Stains:

Rust stains are harder to remove. Not only are they unattractive, but the cleaners used may cause surface etching. You will need to reseal your pavers after applying a rust remover. For the type of remover you need, again refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. You will need a nylon bristle brush for scrubbing the area. Make sure you remove any metals from your pavers as soon as you notice rust.

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Your pavers beautifully enhance your landscape. They create walkways, patios, and driveways that complement your personal style and home. Or they were just there when you bought the house and you are making due until you can afford something that is more your taste. Regardless, pavers are an investment and need regular maintenance. Whether your pavers are new or old, you can keep them fresh and beautiful with the below suggestions.

Step 1: Sweeping

Your primary means of maintenance begins with something simple: sweeping. This should be done weekly to keep pavers clear of debris and leaves. It will also help you to notice any stains, broken pavers or concerns early on before they become major problems.

Step 2: Weeding

As you sweep, you may notice weeds sprouting up between the joints. Pull these (and/or apply pesticides in the case of insects) to remove any growing organic matter that pops up between the joints. Weeds and insects can do more than just degrade the joint filler between pavers. They can also erode the foundation beneath them and create an uneven supporting surface. This can destabilize or even crack your pavers.

Step 3: Filling

You may also notice joint filler that is missing from between your pavers. This is especially true if you have noticed weeds or insects. You do not necessarily need to refill the joint sand every time you notice it missing. However, it should be done any time you are planning to seal your pavers. Experts recommend using polymeric sand. This special sand is mixed with a polymer that hardens when it becomes wet. This helps prevent future weed growth and insect infestations as well as holds your pavers together.

Step 4: Repairing

Repairs should happen as they occur to prevent them from worsening. If you cannot afford to repair them as they happen, they definitely should be fixed prior to sealing. (This prevents you from having to reseal once you have made your repairs.) Depending on the level of damage, you may need to replace pavers or hire a professional to do so for you.

Step 5: Sealing

Sealing your pavers helps to prolong their lifespan. It also enhances their natural colors, making them appear more brilliant and beautiful. Sealing protects your pavers from water damage and UV corrosion. Most sealers will need to be reapplied every two to three years. However, you can perform a quick check to determine if it time to reseal. Simply spray water over your pavers. If the water beads up, the sealer is still good. If it absorbs into the pavers, it is time to reapply. Check with your paver manufacturer to ensure you select the right sealant for yours before applying anything.

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Technology develops as the years pass. This is not only true for electronics, however. As we learn more about our pavers, science and technology get a chance to help improve it. Below are three things technology has changed when it comes to sealing our pavers.

Types of Sealers Available

Technology has allowed the type of sealers available to increase dramatically. Walking into any hardware store will prove this. Water-based and solvent-based sealers are the two most common kind to choose from. There is a science behind this decision as well. First, if your pavers have been sealed before, it is best to stick with the same type as previously used. Water-based sealants can be applied while the pavers are still wet as it is permeable. Solvent-based ones, however, must be applied with the pavers and weather are dry. If you live in a rainy area, this could delay application if you opt for solvent-based sealants. Sealants also now provide many different finishes. Some can enhance the natural look of your pavers. Others give you a wet-looking finish that bring out the shine of your pavers. Sealants also come in clear, semi-transparent and solid colors. They range from no shine to semi-gloss as well.

Applications Methods Available

Paver sealant application is typically now done in one of two ways. The traditional rolling method is still used today. For this, a foam roller is used to apply your sealer evenly and quickly across the surface of your pavers. On occasion, this method can pull filler sand from between the joints and seal it onto the surface of your pavers instead. The spray method is newer. You can invest in a professional commercial sprayer or you can use a simple hand-pump sprayer. The hand-pump sprayers are easy to use, efficient, and cheap enough to throw away after each use. Pay attention to the wind when you use any spray devices as it can blow away the sealer as you apply it.

Joint Fillers

When you seal, you need to make sure you refill any missing sand before doing so. The sand provides a cushion between your pavers and also joins them together. Concrete or mason sand typically create the bed on which your pavers sit. However, neither of these should be used as joint fillers between your pavers. Because they are loose, the granules that make up concrete of mason sand move and erode quickly when used in the joints of your pavers. Polymeric sand, however, does not. A polymer, mixed into the sand, becomes hard when water is applied to it. This makes it harder and more durable in any type of environmental condition.

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Sealing your pavers can help prolong their lifespan. It protects your investment and makes them easier to maintain. Most hardware stores sell everything you need for sealing your own pavers. Aside from the differences between professional equipment and your local store’s products, below are four things you should consider hiring a professional to handle.

1. Damaged Pavers

Damaged pavers are one of the things you need a professional for. Sealing pavers should occur after they have been repaired or replaced. Sealing will not repair a cracking or chipped paver. It will not prevent damages from getting worse either. In addition to this, if you seal a paver before fixing damages, you will need to reseal again after they have been repaired.

2. Severely Stained

Sealing a severely stained paver will only increase the stain’s color against your pavers. It will not hide it. Hiring a professional to clean your pavers may be the best choice if your stains are extensive or you are unable to remove them yourself. There are many different types of pavers available today. They may require different types of chemicals, methods of cleaning, or special treatments. Different stains may also need different techniques for removing them. Pressure washers are wonder tools for cleaning the exterior surfaces of your home. However, increased pressure is not always the answer for removing dirt and stains. In fact, if the pressure it too high for your paver materials, it can actually damage them. A professional will know the proper way to clean your pavers and can eliminate the risk of damages with their expert knowledge.

3. Uneven Pavers

If your pavers have become uneven, the foundation beneath them is the likely cause. If water has leaked beneath your pavers, it can cause the ground to swell or sink beneath your pavers. Organic growth and insect infestations can also create uneven pavers. Uneven pavers can actually be dangerous. They can create tripping hazards. During the snow, they can create issues with shoveling that lead to back injuries. Uneven pavers should be corrected before sealing. A professional can determine what the cause is as well as how to fix it and prevent future damages. For example, if the foundation has become uneven or unstable, this can lead to cracking within your pavers. This can be even more expensive to fix if left to crumble.

4. Physical Restrictions

Sealing pavers requires bending, lifting and rotations. If you have back or joint problems, you should seriously consider hiring a professional. Sealing your pavers is not a backbreaking job, but it is physically taxing. You should be able to lift 25 pounds and be on your feet for more than 30 minutes if you are considering sealing your own pavers.

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