Sealing Pavers Pros And Cons: Is It Worth It?

When it comes to maintaining your outdoor spaces, understanding the sealing pavers pros and cons is essential. Sealing your pavers can indeed enhance their appearance and longevity, but it’s crucial to weigh these advantages against potential drawbacks. Would it be worth your time, effort, and money?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Despite a few cons, the benefits of sealing pavers far outweigh the negatives, providing an effective way to protect your investment and keep it looking great for years to come. Let’s delve deeper into the matter to provide a clearer picture.

Understanding Paver Sealant

Paver sealant, often referred to as a sealant or sealer, is a protective layer applied to the surface of your pavers. It serves a dual purpose: enhancing visual appeal and providing functional benefits. A sealed paver surface is more vibrant, showing off the richness and depth of the paver materials, be it clay, concrete, or natural stone.

Moreover, the sealant acts as a barrier against external elements, preventing damage caused by exposure to weather conditions, staining, and wear and tear. It can deter the growth of moss and weeds in the joints, simplify maintenance and extend the lifespan of your pavers.

However, application of sealant is not a one-time activity. It requires periodic reapplication to ensure continued protection. How often depends on the type of sealer used and the exposure levels of the pavers.

Remember, while paver sealing has undeniable benefits, it’s essential to understand its implications fully before deciding to proceed with it.

Types of Pavers You Can Seal

When considering paver sealing, it’s important to understand that not all pavers are created equal. Different materials exhibit unique characteristics and may require specific types of sealants. Let’s delve into the different types of pavers you can seal:

These are a popular choice for outdoor spaces, often selected for their aesthetic appeal and durability. They come in a variety of materials, sizes, and colors, and a sealant can enhance their vibrancy while offering protection against wear and tear.

Brick pavers offer a classic and timeless look. Known for their strength and longevity, they can benefit significantly from sealing. A quality sealant can prevent fading, resist stains, and inhibit weed or moss growth between the bricks.

Concrete pavers are prized for their versatility and economical value. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, allowing for a wide range of designs. Sealing concrete pavers helps maintain their color and surface quality, providing a barrier against moisture, stains, and weather damage.

To reiterate, irrespective of the type of paver, applying a sealant can add both visual appeal and functional benefits, ensuring that your outdoor spaces continue to look their best for years to come.

The Pros of Sealing Pavers in Colorado

Living in Colorado brings with it a unique set of circumstances when it comes to maintaining your outdoor spaces. The weather conditions, for one, can be quite extreme, from snowy winters to hot summers. This is where the importance of mistake-free paver installation specifically, sealing your pavers, comes into play.

Sealed pavers can withstand Colorado’s fluctuating weather conditions with ease. The sealant acts as a protective shield, guarding your pavers against frost, sun, and rain damage. The result is a paver patio that maintains its integrity and aesthetic appeal, season after season. For pool decks, sealing pavers can add longevity and protect against weathering.

Colorado’s high altitude means that your outdoor surfaces are exposed to intense UV radiation, which can cause pavers to fade over time. Applying a sealant effectively prevents fading, preserving the vibrant colors of your pavers for years to come.

Seal pavers, and you’ll find that general maintenance becomes much easier. Sealed surfaces are more resistant to stains, meaning that any spills can be quickly wiped away without leaving a mark. Moreover, the sealant deters the growth of moss and weeds, saving you hours of weeding time.

A sealed surface is a safer surface. Paver sealant enhances traction, reducing the risk of slipping, especially in wet conditions. This is particularly crucial in Colorado, where winter snow and ice can make walkways treacherous.

The Cons of Sealing Pavers in Colorado

While sealing pavers can offer multiple benefits for your outdoor space in Colorado, it’s equally important to consider the potential downsides. Here are some of the cons of sealing pavers that you should be aware of.

While a quality sealer does indeed provide a protective layer against Colorado’s intense UV rays, it also needs to be reapplied regularly to maintain its efficacy. As such, sealing your pavers can lead to increased maintenance requirements over time, in terms of both effort and cost.

Sealed pavers, while resistant to stains and weather damage, can be susceptible to other kinds of surface damage. For example, if not applied correctly, the sealant can cause a whitish haze on the surface of the pavers. Moreover, poor-quality sealers might not be able to withstand the harsh UV rays of Colorado’s high altitude, leading to the sealant breaking down and compromising the visual appeal of your outdoor space.

It’s also crucial to consider the environmental impact. Some types of paver sealants contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful when released into the air. Although there are eco-friendly sealant options available, they can be more expensive and may not be as effective against Colorado’s intense weather conditions.

Although the sealant enhances traction, it can make the pavers slippery when wet, posing a safety risk. This can be particularly problematic during Colorado’s snowy winters or during periods of heavy rainfall.

Steps to Apply Paver Sealer

The process of sealing your pavers doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following the right steps, you can confidently protect your pavers from Colorado’s harsh weather conditions and enhance their longevity and aesthetic appeal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply a sealant on your pavers:

Clean the Pavers: Before you begin the sealing process, it's crucial to clean your pavers thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, or moss that may have accumulated on the surface. A power washer can be very efficient in this regard.
Let the Pavers Dry: Once cleaned, let your pavers dry completely. The length of time this takes can depend on the weather conditions, but typically, waiting 24 hours will ensure they are fully dry.
Apply Joint Sand: If you have interlocking pavers, now is the time to apply joint sand. Sweep the sand into the joints until they are filled to the brim, then remove any excess from the surface of the pavers. This will give your pavers additional stability.
Prepare the Area: Protect any nearby plants or structures that could be affected by the sealant by covering them with plastic sheeting. This prevents any potential damage from the sealant.
Apply Sealant: Pour the sealant into a sprayer or roller, depending on the manufacturer's instructions, and apply it uniformly to the pavers. Remember, it's better to apply two thin coats rather than one thick one.
Let the Seal Coat Dry: Allow the first seal coat to dry completely before applying a second one, if necessary. This can take a few hours, but it's essential to ensure the sealant adheres correctly.
Second Coat (if necessary): If a second coat is needed, it should be applied in the opposite direction of the first for even coverage.
Let It Cure: Once the sealing process is complete, you must let the sealant cure. Try to avoid any foot traffic on the pavers for at least 24 hours to let the sealant set properly.

By following these steps, you can successfully seal your pavers, protecting them from the elements and maintaining their vibrant colors for years to come. Remember, it’s better to take your time and do it right rather than rush through the process. The longevity and visual appeal of your outdoor space depend on it.

Top 10 Sealers For Your Denver Pavers

Colorado’s diverse climate supports a variety of grass types. Homeowners have several options when choosing the perfect grass for their lawns.

Eagle Natural Seal: An all-weather solution, Eagle Natural Seal provides excellent water repellency and enhances the color of your brick, concrete or stone pavers.
EnduraSeal Acrylic Semi-Gloss: A professional-grade sealer, EnduraSeal provides a durable, semi-gloss finish and superior protection against water and weather damage.
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look: This sealer imparts a glossy finish to your pavers, enhancing their natural beauty while offering resistance to stains.
Foundation Armor AR350: A versatile sealer offering both gloss and non-gloss finishes, perfect for concrete, aggregate, and paver surfaces.
DOMINATOR SG+: This high-gloss, solvent-based sealer adds a beautiful shine to your pavers, amplifying their color and texture.
Sakrete of North America: Durable and easy to use, Sakrete’s paver sealer provides a clear protective barrier that resists weather, oil, and stains.
Surebond SB-6000 Wet Look Sealer: Providing a rich wet look that enhances the natural color of your pavers, this sealer also offers excellent water resistance.
MasonrySaver Decorative Concrete Sealer: This non-yellowing acrylic polymer blend sealer offers excellent water repellency and enhances color without gloss.
Rain Guard Water Sealers: An ideal sealer for a variety of surfaces, Rain Guard offers advanced water protection and color enhancement.
Seal ‘n Lock: Known for its ease of application, Seal ‘n Lock sealer offers superior joint stabilization and color enhancement for pavers of all types.

Sealing Pavers FAQs

Does sealing pavers make them waterproof?

While sealing pavers does provide a robust level of water resistance, it does not make them entirely waterproof. This is primarily due to the nature of pavers as porous materials. Porosity allows for the absorption and transmission of water.

Although a sealant significantly reduces the amount of water that penetrates the material, it can’t completely block all moisture. That said, the sealant forms a protective barrier that helps limit the damage from water ingress and staining and is a recommended measure in maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of your pavers.

Is sealing brick pavers a good idea?

Absolutely, sealing brick pavers is a wise decision. Sealing provides a protective layer that enhances the durability of the pavers, safeguards them from weather-induced damage, and helps maintain their aesthetic appeal.

It prevents staining, inhibits weed growth, and can also enhance the color of the bricks, particularly if a ‘wet look’ or color-enhancing sealer is used. Moreover, sealed pavers are easier to clean and maintain. It’s crucial to apply the sealant correctly and regularly reseal the pavers every few years for the best results.

Does paver sealer make it slippery?

While a paver sealer can potentially create a slippery surface, especially when wet, this isn’t always the case and largely depends on the type of sealer used. Sealers with a glossy or high-gloss finish tend to be more slippery than those with a matte or semi-gloss finish.

Some sealers are specifically formulated to be non-slip, even when wet. If slipperiness is a concern, you can add a non-slip additive to your sealer during the application process. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to check the product specifications before use and consider the needs and safety of those who’ll be using the paved area.

Talk To Colorado's Paver Patio Pros

At Land Designs By Colton, we are dedicated to transforming your outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional, and enjoyable extensions of your home. Whether you dream of a serene garden sanctuary, a vibrant patio for entertaining, or a chic poolside retreat, we have the expertise and creativity to make it happen.

Contact us at (720) 580-3677 for a professional and timely paver patio installation. Our team of skilled and experienced professionals is ready to work with you to achieve the outdoor space you’ve always wanted. We understand the importance of your project and ensure we deliver exceptional results that will exceed your expectations. Let us help you upgrade your property’s aesthetics and functionality; call us today!