To Seal or Not To Seal Pavers
After setting up a stunning hardscape, one key question that arises in the minds of several homeowners is: should pavers be sealed?
Sealing pavers is definitely recommended due to its numerous benefits. In this blog, we will be covering those benefits. But before going any further, you should know that sealers do not last forever on their own – they need some maintenance. And the rewards of doing so are well-worth it.
Joint Stabilizing Seal
One very good material for this purpose is a joint stabilizing seal. This versatile liquid product works by penetrating into the sand joint, besides the surface of the pavers themselves. Hence, this product has even more extensive benefits as compared to traditional sealers.
Resilience
With the application of a sealer, brick pavers can become resistant to spillages, dirt, oil, grease and other substances that can potentially stain brick pavers or ruin them in another way. In other words, they become more resistant to damage and unsightly blemishes.
UV Rays
Sealed pavers also have greater resistance to UV rays due to which they can retain their natural hue for a longer time period. Most brick pavers these days have UV protection, so this added protection makes them quite durable even in the face of the harshest sunshine.
Fine Texture
Another major benefit of sealers is that they can impart the right texture to your brick pavers, making them aesthetically pleasing. You can select from a wide array of finishings like lustrous sheens, high-gloss finish, matte and more. One popular choice these days is the glossy look, which imparts a ‘wet’ texture to brick pavers. The natural color of brick pavers can become even more vivid and vibrant. Darker pavers will appear more lustrous and appealing after a high-gloss sealer is applied.
Durability
Another key advantage of joint stabilizing sealers is that they prevent the growth of weeds between pavers. They achieve this effect by penetrating the sand joint between brick pavers so that it becomes hard and tenacious. Besides resisting weeds, the sand joint thus sealed will also better endure the ravages of wind rain and insects.
Maintenance
All of these benefits do come at one cost though: maintenance. Depending on the type of sealer used, you will have to reseal your brick pavers every few years to sustain the myriad benefits of sealers. Water-based sealers require replacement every 3 to 5 years while acrylic sealers need to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. Make sure that you use the same sealer each time that you have to reapply one.
If you fail to use the same sealer, then there is the risk of an undesirable reaction that may lead to a white, cloudy look. In case you forget what kind of sealer you used, then test the new sealer on a tiny inconspicuous patch to see what happens.
There are several other nuances to sealing brick pavers that experts can tell you about. You should hire the right experts for the job who can bring out the right look in your hardscape and give it the resilience that you desire.
