How to Know When Your Pavers Need to be Cleaned & Sealed
Remember how great your paving looked when you first had it installed? Was it clean, smooth, and weed free?
Sadly they don’t stay that way forever and, over time, can become dirty, faded, and weeds creep in. That is if you don’t know when your pavers need to be cleaned and sealed.
Today we’re going to talk about cleaning and sealing your pavers, why it’s so important and when you should have it done.
Cleaning your pavers
Before considering having your pavers sealed, you must ensure they are prepped and primed.
Why clean your pavers
Pavers, sometimes known as paving stones or patio slabs, get dirty over time. It makes sense, right? They’re outside, in the elements, exposed to dust, dirt, sun, and rain 24/7.
But why do you need to have your pavers cleaned?
- They look better
Let’s start with the obvious answer first. Dirty, dingy paving stones make your outdoor space less attractive and inviting. That means you’ll spend less time out there, and who’d want to invite family or friends over when the patio is covered in dirt and mildew?
- Once clean, you can have them sealed
Think of sealing pavers as preserving them in their current state for years to come. Now you’ve got a choice. You can maintain a dirty patio with weeds and stains. Or, you can preserve a clean, vibrant, and refreshed patio to be proud of.
When to have your pavers cleaned
So cleaning your paving slabs is clearly important, but how often should you do it?
To keep things simple, I recommend one deep clean a year just as we come into Spring. Professional cleaning is best to remove any deep stains from last summer.
In between professional cleans, common sense is key.
An occasional washdown will help keep things fresh but, more importantly, clean any spillages asap before they have the chance to stain.
Get a free paving and sealing quote today
Sealing your pavers
What is paver sealant?
Sealing your pavers involves applying a clear protective substance to the surface of the stones. There are different types of paving sealant, but the aim is to apply a barrier of protection between your pavers and anything that could damage or stain them.
A professional must do this to ensure that the correct sealant is used.
Since stone is porous (and some types of stone are more porous than others), a paving sealer is vital to prevent the stone from absorbing anything it shouldn’t.
Whether that’s oil, grease from a family BBQ, or water that could cause mold and mildew, by having your paving stones sealed, you’re protecting your investment from damage further down the road.
Why seal your pavers?
- Protect, don’t repair
No matter how strong, well-installed, or expensive your pavers are, all paving stones are susceptible to damage and degradation over time.
I always recommend being proactive with this.
By having your pavers sealed, you could give yourself years of extra protection from the cost and stress of repairing your patio.
Some common issues that sealant protects from are:
- Staining
- Mold & mildew
- Frost damage from excess water intake
- Weed infestation
- Sealing helps keep pavers in place
Over time, paving slabs move, rock, and sink. This is usually due to small movements in the ground or excessive and continuous use.
Paving sealant provides an extra layer of protection and strengthens your patio overall, helping to protect it.
- Keeping the bugs out
If you’ve ever had any bug infestation, you know how frustrating and expensive it can become. Many insects, like ants, are known for nesting underground, out of sight, and anywhere they can make a foothold.
You might not know that as the mortar mix between your paving slabs degrades over the years, it can make a comfy nesting place for such bugs.
Sealing your pavers gives the bugs one less place to hide.
How often should you seal them?
Every paved area is different, and many factors contribute to understanding when and how often you should have them sealed.
I’d always recommend sealing your pavers when they’ve first been laid.
After that, a general rule of thumb is to reseal them every 3-5 years.
If you’re wondering whether your pavers need to be sealed, our specialists are on hand to discuss your concerns and make a recommendation based on your circumstances.
Get a free paving and sealing quote today
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