While some manufacturers claim that their pavers don’t require cleaning to maintain their appearance, the fact of the matter is that all pavers require some cleaning and maintenance to restore their original luster due to the effects of harsh weather and aging. In the same way you might polish your floors or wax your car, patio pavers require a sealing process that will restore the original look of your pavers and protect them from staining in the future.
Answers
Why seal pavers?
How long does it take to seal pavers?
The sealing process we use allows us to seal your pavers in just one day. Our sealers can be applied to wet pavers, unlike the products of our competitors, which require up to five days for joint sand to dry completely.
What is the paver sealing process?
- First, the entire paver surface is inspected for weeds, stains, settling, shifting, etc. After the initial inspection, any necessary stain removers will be used. All efflorescence (a white haze that may appear on the surface of pavers, similar to the look of salt staining) will be properly removed as well.
- For structural issues, the affected area of pavers will be removed. The base stone is then re-stabilized, and the pavers are re-installed and secured in place where necessary.
- Following all repairs, the pavers are pretreated with SureClean detergent to help enhance colors and remove organic staining; then they’re power washed.
- Next, PolySweep polymeric sand is swept into the joints, followed by passing a vibratory roller over the entire installation to ensure the joints are fully packed with sand. Next any remaining sand is swept away leaving an 1/8 inch reveal between the top of the paver or chamfer line and the top of the sand. Any excess sand and dust are then blown off the surface and the sand is activated with water.
- Next, we apply the sealer of your choice.
- For SEK Surebond Sealers, first is a flood coat, which penetrates the joints and hardens when cured. This prevents sand loss, weed growth and ants from taking up residence. Second, a finish coat is applied along the top of the stones, giving the pavers their finished appearance. When sealing travertine or similar stones, one coat of sealer and an anti-slip agent are rolled over the surface.
- For Splash Proof, only one heavy coat is required.
What is the concrete sealing process?
- The entire paver surface is inspected for stains and treated with the appropriate detergents; then it’s pressure washed.
- Next, one heavy coat of Splash Proof is applied to the concrete.
I just had pavers installed. When can I have them sealed?
It’s smart to wait at least 3-6 months to seal any new construction. This will allow enough time for any natural settling that may have happen to be corrected before sealing.
Do you use polymeric sand in the paver joints when re-sanding?
Yes, we use SEK PolySweep polymeric sand between pavers.
What types of sealers do you use to seal pavers?
We use either Splash Proof penetrating sealer or SEK Surebond Sealers.
What types of finishes do you offer?
Our sealers come in two styles: Natural Luster, which promotes the stone’s natural colors and results in a dry look; and Super Wet, which enhances the colors of the stones and results in a wet look.
Does it matter what time of year you seal pavers?
Our sealing systems require the ambient temperature of 50 degrees for curing purposes. We do not seal patios when overnight temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
Can you seal pavers if it’s going to rain?
We do not seal patios if there is rain forecasted within 24 hours of a scheduled sealing. The rain will dilute the sealer and affect the integrity of the sealing.
How often do you seal pavers?
It depends on the sealer. With SEK Surebond, we suggest you seal your pavers every three to five years. With Splash Proof, every six years.
How long does the sealer last?
The durability of the sealer can depend on environmental conditions and usage. Pavers that are in high traffic areas like public walkways or active driveways will wear faster than a backyard patio application.
Do you warranty your work?
We warranty all of our SEK Surebond sealers for 2 years on all of our residential work. Splash Proof is warrantied for five years for flat work and 10 years for walls and roofs.
Is there anything I need to do before you seal my pavers?
We recommend that you turn off all timed sprinkler systems, refrain from swimming in pools, and cancel any scheduled landscaping for a minimum of 24 hours after a scheduled sealing. Also, we require all surfaces to be clear of furniture, plants, etc. Assistance can be given in certain circumstances.