In our professional opinion and experience, you absolutely should have your pavers sealed – it’s the best way to keep them protected and looking pristine for longer. Yet if you look online for advice, the general consensus is mixed at best.
In this article we break down why paver sealing is a good idea for savvy home owners, and straighten out some common misconceptions.
What is Paver Sealer?
There are two types of paver sealer. The first and most common is one that provides a coating on the surface that helps to protect and preserve your pavers, by creating a physical barrier against things that might damage them. How this looks on your pavers will depend on what kind of sealer you use, and what kind of pavers you have.
The second is a penetrating paver sealant. This second option is generally reserved for instances where the owner wants a completely invisible, natural finish. Penetrating sealers work by penetrating and reacting with the substrate to form a chemical barrier.
We recommend always going to the professionals to have your surfaces sealed – getting the right product and the right application can make all the difference to both the final look, and how well it lasts.
3 Reasons to Seal Your Pavers
All pavers are made from porous materials, with some more porous than others. Whether you have manufactured concrete pavers, brick pavers, or natural stone pavers like travertine, granite or limestone; without a good quality sealer, they will be much more vulnerable to staining and other damage.
Furthermore, your pavers get put through the wringer when it comes to weather. Rain, hail or shine – they’re out there sitting through it all, year on year. And while some people enjoy a bit of a natural patina, there’s a fine line between ‘patina’ and ‘degrading stone’.
Sealing your pavers offers many benefits, including:
1. Increasing durability of softer surfaces
Some types of paver materials are more delicate than others. Marble stone, for example, is softer than granite or concrete pavers.
A penetrating sealer can get deep into the paving stones, while still allowing them to breathe. It can add a degree of hardness, and more importantly, it helps stop the things that might weaken the stone from getting in…
2. Environmental protection for stone pavers
Fading from UV, discolouration from mildew, rust, stains… A premium quality sealant will help stop these signs of aging in your pavers. It’s also far easier to wash away dirt, grease from barbecue splatter or other spills, grime, and prevent things like moss, algae, and lichen from gaining a hold.
3. Enhancing their appearance
Applying a quality sealant allows you to enhance the look of your pavers, with the glossiness or colour enhancement of the finish dependent on the sealant used. The sealing process brings out the depth and true colour of paver surfaces (especially if there is any marbling or flecks), and allows you to keep a pristine appearance for a longer time.
Keep in mind that sealants designed to enhance or change the appearance of a paver (i.e. a glossy or a wet look) have their own care considerations. Many homeowners love a glossy or wet look, as it gives a premium finish. However, as the surfaces wears, this glossy look will become more noticeably worn than a natural finish sealer would – making maintenance and reapplication of the sealer more frequent to keep that uniform appearance.
Related: What Sealer Should I Use?
Common Misconceptions About Sealing Pavers
If you’re not convinced yet, let’s go through the ‘cons’ people typically claim – most are misconceptions, or aren’t a concern when using a quality sealer and expert, professional technicians.
“Paver sealing costs more.”
Sure, there can be more of an upfront cost if you opt to seal your pavers. But, you have already paid for paver installation at some point – and it’s likely you don’t want to have to pay for new pavers sooner than you need to. A suitable sealer can be applied for less than 25% the cost of your paving, and can increase the life of your pavers by around 40% for years of additional enjoyment.
Paver sealing acts as a preventative measure, so you don’t have to take more drastic action down the line. Yes, there’s a cost associated, but your new pavers will hold on to their natural beauty for much longer with proper sealing and maintenance.
“The paver sealant will damage nearby plants.”
This might be true of older formulas, or DIY applications where it can get messy fast. However, Mr Blastit uses eco-friendly sealing products. Our high-quality water-based sealant is designed for long-lasting protection; it’s tough, penetrating, and eco-friendly without harsh chemicals.
Additionally, we take the utmost care when cleaning and sealing pavers. Your pavers will look as good as new after a Mr Blastit service, with no damage to your surrounding property.
“There’s more maintenance involved.”
There’s not really more maintenance – just the right amount! Sealing pavers for added protection is part of the essential maintenance you should allow for, to maintain the function and aesthetic appeal for longer.
When Mr Blastit finishes a job, every home owner is provided with a care and maintenance guide for the newly sealed surface. This helps you understand how to get the most from your surface, and how to keep it in tip-top shape between sealings.
Related: To Seal or Not to Seal? That is the Question!
Is Paver Sealer Slippery?
It can be – if the wrong paver sealant is applied to the stone pavers.
If you have a smooth, polished surface, like marble pavers, then a penetrating sealer is recommended for application. This type of sealer does not provide a physical barrier, but rather a chemical barrier to the paver or stone. Surfaces that are more porous or rough can have a film forming sealer applied, as these sealers sit higher up in the paver or stone substrate – providing a physical film.
With the right sealer applied to the right paver or stone, this mitigates the risk of slipping. The sealer (whether it is penetrating or film forming) will reduce the build up of grime, moss, mould and algae which can quickly become a slip-and-fall risk.
Proper, professional paver sealing will offer a safer area for you and your family which is especially important where water is often present, like pool decks.
Does Paver Sealer Prevent Weeds?
Sealing will help to prevent weeds from getting a foothold in your beloved patio pavers. It’s not a complete solution to stopping weed growth, but having a protective barrier will block UV rays and lingering moisture which would otherwise allow the weeds to thrive.
How Long Will Paver Sealing Last?
A premium quality sealer can last 3-5 years (or more) depending on:
- The amount of traffic over your sealed pavers
- How harsh the environment is (or how exposed they are to the weather conditions)
For example, we use Pro Seal 896. This is a very durable paver sealant, and in many instances we have seen it last for more than five years. To make sure your pavers stay protected even in harsh environments – such as if they are in an outdoor area with a lot of foot traffic – we recommend resealing pavers areas every three years.
You will need to regularly reseal to continually protect pavers from environmental factors. Mr Blastit can advise you on the best care and maintenance of your pavers.
How Much Does Paver Sealing Cost?
Because everyone’s home is different, it can be difficult to estimate a blanket cost range. However, you can get a feel for Mr Blastit’s services by using our easy online price estimate tool. This will provide a general idea of the cost required for the size of your area or outdoor space, services required, and whether any special stain removal is needed. We can also arrange for a Mr Blastit operator to attend your property and assess it in person, if you need a firmer quote.
Discover The Mr Blastit Difference
Mr Blastit is a family owned, fully insured business operating in the Perth Metro. area, Mandurah and Pinjarra. We offer fast, professional pressure cleaning and sealing for all kinds of pavers and stone surfaces.
Our friendly team is well-trained, highly experienced, and will always treat your property with the utmost respect. We care for your home like it’s our own – no job is too big or too small! Why not call Mr Blastit today or contact us through our easy online form.
