If you’ve gotten your patio, walkway, or driveway pavers laid, you may be wondering just how important a sealer is. Is it really necessary to seal your pavers or can you leave them as-is? Will they crumble and blow away in the wind if you don’t seal them? And how much will they cost to seal? If you’ve had questions about paver sealing then you’ve come to the right place.
Your pavers will not turn to dust if you don’t seal them. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be negative effects. Here’s what will happen if you don’t seal your pavers…
What happens if I refuse a paver sealing?
If you decide not to seal your pavers, you’ll discover a number of different eventual problems. Since pavers are porous, if left unsealed, they’ll receive stains much more easily than a sealed paver. This means that dirt, grime, oil, and other contaminants will be able to work their way into your pavers and leave them with unattractive stains. If left uncleaned long enough, unsealed pavers can even end up with permanent stains that can’t be removed – even with a power washer.
In addition to being more easily dirtied, unsealed pavers will be much more likely to shift and sink. Sealant helps lock the pavers and joint sand in place so that movement is minimized. And although pavers can shift for other reasons, leaving them unsealed can contribute to this problem and make it even worse.
Finally, leaving your pavers unsealed will make them more susceptible to vegetation growth in joints. Contrary to popular thought, weeds don’t grow up in paver joints from the soil beneath. Normally, seeds are deposited in the joints and they begin growing from there. When your pavers are sealed, though, seeds are inhibited from being able to take root. This minimizes the amount of vegetation that’s able to grow between your pavers.
You may wonder whether you can get by without sealing pavers. That’s understandable. After all, it will cost you a little more and require some maintenance. But, if you want it to last as long as possible, you should seal your paver patio or walkway. Here’s why…
Why is paver sealing advantageous?
Paver sealing is essential for a long-lasting patio or walkway because of the many advantages it offers.
First, paver sealing ensures that your pavers stay clean and stain-free longer. As we’ve already mentioned, leaving your pavers unsealed is asking to have permanent stains. Whether you’re using a film-forming sealant or a non-film-forming one, you’ll benefit from greater protection against dirt, oil, and grime. And since quality sealants also offer UV protection, sealant can keep your pavers from fading and appearing washed out.
In addition to offering this protection as well as the benefits of more stability and a greater defense against unwanted vegetation. However, sealant can also make your pavers look more attractive by adding a beautiful finish. Whether you’re looking for a wet look, something that will add vibrance to your pavers’ colors, or something more natural, there’s a sealant for you. And if you’re in the market for a high quality sealant, check out this list to discover some of the top ones available.
Though you
might wonder about the importance of paver sealing, there’s really no reason
not to go through with it. The benefits you’ll enjoy are well worth the cost
and maintenance required.
