Published by Drew Dykes | 4 min read
At DPC, we live and breathe exterior cleaning and maintenance, spending countless hours researching and testing products and processes to deliver the absolute best results for our clients. Part of our mission is presenting practical maintenance solutions and sharing our knowledge from years of hands-on experience. Your property’s appearance and our reputation matter equally to us, which is why we’re committed to continuous learning and using the safest, most effective methods available.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Should Seal Your Pavers
If you’re serious about maintaining the appearance and longevity of your exterior surfaces, sealing your pavers is one of the best investments you can make. Sealing not only enhances the visual appeal of your concrete and paver areas but also provides crucial protection against a variety of common issues that can compromise their integrity and appearance over time.
Understanding Paver Sealing: What It Does and Why It Matters
Enhanced appearance with lasting protection
We highly recommend sealing paver areas for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Professional paver sealing provides protection for 3-5 years according to manufacturer specifications, making it a cost-effective long-term maintenance solution.
Our preferred sealing solution: We use Ure-Seal H20, a premium water-based concrete and paver sealer available in Natural, Mid-Gloss, and High Gloss finishes. Most homeowners prefer Natural or Mid-Gloss finishes because High Gloss can appear overly shiny and may create slippery surfaces when wet.
The water-based formula creates an attractive “wet look” that subtly darkens and enhances your pavers’ natural colors while providing superior protection against the elements.
The Science Behind Paver Deterioration
Understanding efflorescence and why timing matters
Over time, unsealed pavers undergo several natural processes that affect their appearance and durability. The most notable is efflorescence – a process where minerals naturally present in paver materials rise to the surface, creating orange, white, or other colored discoloration.
Important timing consideration: Efflorescence typically occurs in the first few months after paver installation. Pavers should never be sealed until this process has completely run its course, as sealing too early can trap these minerals and cause permanent staining.
If efflorescence staining has already occurred, we have specialized removal processes available, though the required products and labor typically cost around one dollar per square foot depending on the extent of staining.
How UV Exposure Damages Unsealed Pavers
Preventing color fade and surface deterioration
Extended exposure to sunlight gradually dulls and fades paver colors, leaving your once-vibrant surfaces looking worn and weathered. Sealing creates a protective barrier that:
- Maintains and enhances original paver colors
- Protects against stains and spills
- Shields surfaces from harmful UV radiation
- Reduces wear and tear from vehicle and foot traffic
The stain protection advantage: Sealed pavers keep stains and contaminants on the surface rather than allowing them to penetrate deep into the pores. This means future cleaning is easier and more effective because stains haven’t had the opportunity to work their way below the surface where pressure washing alone cannot reach them.
Structural Benefits: Joint Stabilization and Weed Prevention
More than just appearance enhancement
Our comprehensive sealing process includes re-sanding paver joints before application. When the sealer cures, it hardens this sand, creating several structural benefits:
Joint stabilization: Pavers naturally shift and loosen over time due to settling, traffic, and weather. Hardened sand joints help prevent this shifting, keeping pavers locked in place and maintaining level surfaces.
Erosion prevention: Re-sanding fills any areas that may have started to erode or wash out, restoring the structural integrity of the paver system.
Weed control: Hardened sand joints significantly reduce weed growth and vegetation sprouting through cracks. Even surfaces that receive regular cleaning benefit dramatically from this preventive measure.
Professional Sealing Process and Pricing
What to expect from professional paver sealing
Professional paver sealing involves several critical steps:
- Surface preparation: Thorough cleaning and assessment of current paver condition
- Joint preparation: Re-sanding of all paver joints to ensure proper coverage
- Sealer application: Two recommended coats for optimal protection and appearance
- Curing time: Allowing proper cure time for maximum effectiveness
Investment and coverage: A standard 5-gallon sealing kit covers approximately 1,000-1,200 square feet with the recommended two-coat application. Our base pricing starts at $1,050 for areas up to 1,000 square feet, with additional coverage priced at roughly $1 per square foot.
Important note: Final pricing may vary based on specific site conditions and preparation requirements that can only be assessed during an in-person evaluation. Factors such as existing staining, surface condition, and accessibility all influence the total project scope.
Long-Term Value and Maintenance
Protecting your investment
Paver sealing represents one of the most cost-effective ways to protect and enhance your outdoor surfaces. The combination of aesthetic enhancement, structural benefits, and long-term protection makes sealing an essential component of comprehensive property maintenance.
Maintenance intervals: With proper application, professional paver sealing provides 3-5 years of protection, making it a practical long-term maintenance strategy that pays dividends in preserved appearance and reduced repair costs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Property
Quality paver sealing requires professional expertise, proper materials, and attention to detail. The difference between a properly sealed paver surface and an unsealed one becomes more apparent with each passing season – sealed pavers maintain their beauty and structural integrity while unsealed surfaces gradually deteriorate.
If you’re considering paver sealing, don’t wait until damage becomes extensive. Proactive maintenance is always more cost-effective than reactive repairs, and the visual transformation of professionally sealed pavers is truly remarkable.
Ready to protect and enhance your paver surfaces? Contact us to discuss your specific needs and schedule a professional assessment. We’re committed to helping you maintain beautiful, long-lasting exterior surfaces that enhance your property’s value and curb appeal.
