Paver sealing upholds the appearance of your flooring while also making it much easier to clean. It is, however, a complicated process, and if the wrong DIY sealing method is used, can result in a look far worse than what you started with.
To help, the expert paver sealing and cleaning professionals at Enviro-Clean and Capture have detailed some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to paver sealing, along with some other important information.
What is paver sealing?
Before we get to the questions, it is important to understand a bit about paver sealing and coating. This process requires a chemical to permeate and seal your pavers and there are many different types of sealant to choose from.
The right option depends on the type of pavers you have. The popular choice of sealant for the team from Enviro Clean & Capture is the Dry-Treat and Aqua Mix® sealing products, for which we are approved applicators.
Why seal your pavers?
As your pavers are made of porous material, liquid, dirt, oils, fluids, contaminants, and pollutants are easily absorbed into them. This can significantly affect their appearance while diminishing their life span.
The primary benefits of sealing your pavers are:
- An easier cleaning process
- The reduction of mould and grout haze
- Reduced wear and tear
- Increased protection from the elements
- Greater protection from spills, stains, and efflorescence
On the last point, it is important to understand that efflorescence is the migration of salt rising through your pavers and forming a coat on their surface. This is due to rising water that evaporates leaving the salt behind. This will often permanently affect the appearance of your pavers.
Paver Sealing: FAQs
What does sealing do?
Sealing is an effective way to protect your pavers from the stress placed on them with general use and the elements. Sealing creates an invisible barrier that repels water, oil, and other contaminants. This is the best way to preserve your pavers’ natural beauty and a new look for as many years as possible.
How long does it take to seal pavers?
Timeframes will vary based on how big the area you wish to seal will be. Having a professional company like Enviro Clean and Capture speeds the process up while ensuring it is done correctly.
The steps involved often include a non-chemical wash, followed by pressure cleaning to prepare the surface to be sealed. A sealer is sprayed on the pavers thoroughly to make sure they are properly protected.
Your style of paver will also dictate if one or two coats is required, and if sealing a driveway or garage, we recommend avoiding driving over the area with any vehicles for 24 hours after sealing is done. It is, however, fine for pedestrians to walk on the sealed surface after just a couple of hours.
Will my pavers need re-sanding?
Possibly! The spaces between the pavers will wear over time, and re-sanding can help secure them, so they do not move or shift. If you perform regular pressure cleaning, this can blast the sand away over time. Our expert team can assess the current situation of your sand to determine if repairs are necessary.
Will sealing increase the shine of my pavers?
Sealing often darkens the original colours of your pavers. This will vary based on paver type, but in some cases, the pavers will increase in how much they shine. Darker colours tend to have a more obvious sheen when compared with lighter ones.
The primary purpose of paver sealing, however, is for protection. There is a range of different finishes, such as a natural, enhanced, or wet look that can be chosen.
How do I know if I need to reseal my pavers?
The easiest test is by letting water sit on your pavers for about 20 minutes. If the water beads up on the surface and does not leave a stain, your sealant is still working, if it sinks into the paver, however, then a fresh coat of sealer is likely required.
How often do I need to reseal my pavers?
If your sealant has been applied correctly by a professional, it should last between two to three years. The care given to the area and other elements like traffic or weather will also play a part in its longevity.
Why is there a cloudy white film on the surface of my pavers?
Your pavers, which are porous, absorb the sealant. The cloudy white film is often moisture trapped by the sealer if the right amount of time between cleaning and sealing is not provided. The moisture is trapped inside the paver, and when it tries to escape, it is blocked by the sealer creating a white look.
The white cloud can also be the result of saturation. When too much sealer is applied, the paver whitens and can also become very slippery. The white cloud can be very hard to fix, and often requires staining to get rid of. Avoiding it is your best bet which is why the importance of professional paver sealing is paramount.
I have brand new pavers, how long should I wait to seal them?
Some paver installations seal the pavers straight away. While this is fine, it is better if you wait roughly 60-90 days before applying your sealant to the pavers. The main reason for this is to allow efflorescence to work its way to the surface. When it does, your pavers can be cleaned and sealed.
Why should I seal my driveway?
Your driveway, in particular, is hit with all sorts of harmful situations for the pavers that make it up. Things like vehicles, birds, fertilisers, and water runoff really put your driveway through the wringer. To ensure it is protected and help it to look its best, sealing is your best bet.
Your vehicle, in particular, causes a big risk to the damage of your pavers. Not only does it pick up a range of oils and dirt while out on the roads, but it can also leak its own fluids which creates a serious problem for unsealed pavers. Avoid the expensive cost of replacement by giving your carport, driveway, and garage the best protection it can possibly have.
Do I have to seal my pavers?
While it is not completely necessary to seal your pavers, it is highly recommended. You have spent a lot of money on them, and you’ll likely want to protect their quality and visual aesthetic. Sealing significantly extends the longevity of your pavers, while also ensuring they look their best for years to come.
What kinds of sealants are there?
There are many different brands of sealant available on the market but these all vary in quality greatly. The general rule of thumb is the deeper a sealant penetrates the paver, the greater the protection. There are two main categories of sealant:
- Film-forming (gloss or semi-gloss finish)
- Non-film-forming (matte finish)
The cost of paver sealing
It is understandable that one of your greatest considerations in terms of paver sealing is cost. This will vary significantly depending on the type of pavers, the area that needs to be sealed, and the specific sealant that will be used.
The money saved in maintenance costs and the extra life given to your pavers, avoiding a replacement, often far outweighs the minimal cost of sealing them.
Enviro Clean & Capture provides a free, no-obligation quote for the sealing of pavers so you can understand exactly how much the cost will be for your unique situation. We’ll work with you and assess the best solution for your situation. T
here are a lot of factors that can determine which paver sealant will in fact be best for you. Professionally applied sealant really only needs to be applied every two to three years depending on how heavily your paved area is used and may last longer with the right amount of care and maintenance.
When it comes to your external surfaces, having them professionally cleaned every six months will not only keep your pavers looking their best but also ensure your sealant lasts for as long as possible.
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Ensuring complete safety for your pavers and those who use them
There is a common misconception that having your pavers sealed makes the surface slippery when wet. If the correct sealant is used for your type of paver, then this will not be an issue. The porous nature of your pavers allows the sealant to permeate through the pores so the natural texture is not compromised.
When cleaning and sealing the Enviro-Clean & Capture team ensures that the safety of those who will be using the area is the top priority, no matter what.
Maintenance tips to maintain your sealant
Once your pavers have been sealed correctly, you can enjoy the ease of cleaning. You’ll find that your sealant has created a more resilient surface when it comes to spills and stains.
To maintain this and get the most out of your sealant, it is recommended that you have a regular professional cleaning service that performs an in-depth and extensively clean. This will make your day to day maintenance tasks much simpler and quicker.
To clean your pavers post-sealant, all you need is a simple water and soap mixture applied and scrubbed via a broom. This will keep your pavers looking vibrant.
Treat this process as a regular on-going spot clean and let the team here at Enviro Clean & Capture handle your six-monthly deep clean. This will ensure that you get the best out of your pavers, and keep the sealant in good condition for as long as possible.
Hazards based on location
Depending on where you live, or where your paved areas are situated, there can be other hazards that will affect the aesthetic of your pavers. Certain wildlife, leaves, and falling branches that leave tree sap and other oils can stain your pavers, and this process is especially pertinent when left wet and damp.
With the proper sealing, these stains should come off with a bit of scrubbing as long as you attend to the stain quickly. If, on the other hand, your pavers are unsealed, these various oils and saps may leave permanent stains.
Finally, animal droppings from dogs, cats, bats, possums, and birds can leave significant staining on your pavers. If you do have an unfortunate stain, a professional clean is your best option in terms of a proper fix.
The finest paver sealing Sydney can offer
If you really want to take care of your asset and ensure longevity for your pavers, speak to the expert team Enviro Clean & Capture for the finest paver sealing Sydney can offer. We are the experts when it comes to both cleaning and sealing of tiles, pavers, concrete surfaces, and more. Our expansive portfolio of work covers a range of residential and commercial spaces, ensuring the finest clean with an efficient process so you can get back to enjoying your outdoor areas.
Letting a professional tile sealer and cleaner like Enviro Clean & Capture handle the process for you means that you not only save time but enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that the job has been handled correctly. The benefits of protecting your expensive asset and minimising the amount of time you need to spend on a DIY clean are ongoing and invaluable.
Sealing is an important task when it comes to protecting your surfaces from the harsh and dangerous elements that can cause serious damage.
Leave your paver sealing to the trained and qualified professionals at Enviro Clean & Capture today. We’ll save you time, money, and energy while making sure the job is done right. With our help, your property will always look its best, give our team a call today!
