Do Patio Pavers Need to be Sealed?

Patio Pavers Basics

Patio pavers are flat stone or concrete pieces used to create a patio surface. They come in various materials like natural stone, concrete, clay, or porcelain and are installed close together with small gaps between each piece. These gaps are usually filled with jointing sand or polymeric sand to lock the pavers in place.

Main Types of Patio Pavers

Some common paver materials include:

• Concrete pavers: Durable and affordable, available in various colors and finishes. Needs to cure for 28 days before sealing.
• Natural stone pavers: Options like granite, limestone, or slate are more expensive but very durable and beautiful. Requires sealing to protect against stains.
• Porcelain pavers: Extremely durable and stain-resistant, resembling natural stone. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Clay pavers: Adds character but is more porous and susceptible to cracking if not installed correctly.

Pavers Benefits

Patio pavers provide many advantages for outdoor living areas:

• Low maintenance: Don’t require as much upkeep as poured concrete, and weeding between pavers is easier.
• Drainage: Water flows between pavers instead of pooling, reducing the chance of slipping.
• Installation flexibility: Pavers can be removed and rearranged more easily than poured concrete if desired.
• Variety of styles: Wide selection of colors, shapes, and textures to match any outdoor design.
• Increased property value: Pavers enhance curb appeal and expand outdoor living space.

Why Sealing Patio Pavers?

Sealing patio pavers involves applying a protective sealer to the surface, forming a barrier that protects the pavers from internal and external damage over time.

Sealing prevents water, oil, dirt, and other stains from being absorbed into porous pavers, especially natural stones. It also offers protection against UV rays, weathering, and de-icing chemicals. Properly sealed pavers are easier to clean, maintain their colors longer, and are less prone to freeze-thaw damage, extending the lifespan of your patio.

Types of Sealers

• Acrylic sealers: An inexpensive spray-on option providing water and light stain protection. Easy to apply but may need reapplication more frequently.
• Silicone sealers: Forms a glossy, durable barrier that repels water. Can last 5+ years with regular resealing, though it may alter some surfaces’ natural look.
• Polyurethane sealers: Offers maximum protection against chemicals, petroleum products, and UV rays. Very durable, lasting 7-12 years with proper application.

Reasons to Seal Patio Pavers

Aesthetic Appearance

Sealed pavers retain vivid colors and clean lines longer. Unsealed pavers can fade, look dull, or develop incomplete coloring from wear.

Prolonging The Life

The sealer acts as an armor against degrading elements like chemicals, soil deposits, de-icing salts, and UV rays, preserving pavers for decades.

Protection Against Damages

Sealed surfaces resist spills from wine, coffee, or food without absorption, making cleaning simple.

Resistance To Weather Elements

Sealing enhances durability against freeze-thaw cycles, rain runoff erosion, and air pollution, allowing pavers to endure harsh seasons with minimal wear.

Protect Natural Color

Sealing creates a barrier that protects color pigments from weathering and wear, keeping shades vibrant longer.

What Happens If Pavers Are Not Sealed?

If pavers are not sealed, issues like the following may occur:

• Fading from UV exposure
• Difficult stains from spills absorbed into the pores
• Dull, worn appearance from dirt buildup
• Cracking or edge damage from moisture and freeze/thaw action
• Growth of moss, algae, or organic matter in joints
• Efflorescence deposits (white haze from minerals brought to the surface by moisture)

When Sealing Is Not Necessary?

In some cases, sealing may not be needed:

• Non-porous pavers: Durable materials like porcelain or some clay pavers have impervious surfaces that don’t need sealing.
• Minimal patio use: Low-traffic areas may not require a sealer’s protective qualities.
• Aesthetic preference: Some prefer the natural matte look of unsealed pavers.
• Climate factors: In consistently dry climates, pavers may not absorb much water.

Professional Vs DIY Patio Paver Sealing

Here are some pros and cons of each approach:

• Professional Pros: Even coverage, expert product selection, smooth application, potential warranty, less risk of incompatibility.
• Professional Cons: Higher initial costs than DIY.
• DIY Pros: Saves on labor costs, allows flexibility on schedule.
• DIY Cons: Requires supplies, risk of uneven coverage, greater learning curve.

Pro Tip: Consider project size, expertise level, product costs, and warranty value to decide if professional help will save you stress and deliver better results. For large patios, hiring a pro is often worthwhile.

Professional Hardscape Installation and Repair Services in Fredericton

Hiring professionals is beneficial for patio paver maintenance. Atlantic Brick and Stone, a top-rated company in Fredericton, offers over 15 years of experience in hardscape projects, including patio paver installation, concrete, natural stone, and retaining walls. We specialize in paver sealing, repair, cleaning, and refinishing.

For a free estimate on paver installations, sealing services, or hardscape repairs, consult with their experts for property inspections, recommendations, and budget-friendly solutions.

Summary

Hiring Atlantic Brick and Stone is a great choice for professional paver services in Fredericton. Through regular sealing and repairs done by experts, you can ensure your patio pavers maintain their investment value and curb appeal, lasting through all weather conditions.

FAQ Sealing Patio Pavers

• How long should new pavers cure before sealing? Concrete pavers need about 28 days to cure and allow moisture to escape before sealing for effective penetration.
• How long does paver sealing last? Quality sealer applications typically last 3-5 years, while cheaper seals may only last 1-2 years.
• Should I seal my concrete pavers? Sealing is recommended to protect colors from fading and make cleaning easier.
• What do professionals use to seal pavers? Common products include penetrating sealers, topical sealers, and specialty sealers based on paver material.
• What is the best sealer for pavers? No single best product exists; look for high-quality penetrating or impregnating sealers suited to your paver type.