Paved hardscapes are a beautiful way to enhance outdoor living and entertainment spaces with a natural aesthetic. Like any investment in your home, regular maintenance can keep your pavers durable and looking great for years to come. As a general rule, it is best to professionally clean and reseal your hardscape every 3 to 5 years. with proper care pavers have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than other alternatives. However, if neglected, stains, fading and structural settling can occur overtime.
Enhances Color & Lifespan
Paver hardscapes are exposed to oil, water, grease and typically face structural stress due to their location in high traffic areas (patios, driveways, walkways etc.). Applying sealant creates an invisible layer that will harden the surface of the paver and strengthen it. This helps prevent the process of loosening and cracking, overall extending the lifespan of a paver hardscape. Repeated exposure to outdoor elements, whether natural or accidental can cause unsealed pavers to become dull with a chalky texture. As recommended, professionally cleaning and resealing your pavers will bring back and preserve their original coloring.
Weather Conditions
As mentioned above, paver hardscapes are exposed to constant shifts in weather, ranging from high heat, and heavy rainfall, to chilly temperatures. Because pavers are porous, exposure to moisture causes their natural salt and solvents to migrate to the surface forming a white coating. This process is commonly referred to as efflorescence. Sealant not only helps to prevent water from entering and being trapped within your pavers, but also helps to divert water runoff down to proper drainage systems. This is because sealer creates a hardened, water-resistant surface for both the paver and its joints. In addition to the protection from heavy rainfalls and water runoff, applying the right sealer will also protect your pavers from UV- Rays. This helps to delay and prevent the dulling process, protecting their natural pigmentation.
Less Maintenance
Without proper sealant, water can settle within the joints of your paver hardscape. This can create the ideal environment for rapid weed growth and insect intrusion. By design, paver joints are filled with sand, that when properly sealed harden. As a result, weeds and vegetation become impossible to grow, as they are unable to break through the sealed barrier. When unsealed, the sand is left unprotected from its constant exposure to wind and rain. This leads to eventual erosion and can mean costly repairs down the road.
Professional Application
When looking into cleaning and resealing your paver hardscapes, it is always important to consider hiring a professional contractor. Pavers need to be properly cleaned and prepped before they are carefully sealed. Repairs should be made as needed, and the sand in joints checked before sealer can be applied. For successful application, paver prep, sealer type, applied amount, and drying time should all be considered. By hiring a professional that is knowledgeable in all areas of the application process, you ensure that the proper steps are covered, overall saving you money in the long run.
