To seal or not to seal your paver patio is a key decision affecting both the look and the maintenance of your outdoor living space.
In terms of “look,” the range of options for sealing pavers has grown dramatically over the last two years. You can choose a “wet look,” a “color enhancing look,” an “invisible look.” Paver sealers can be water or solvent based. The look can be matte or gloss. Some sealers for pavers look great after one coat; some explicitly require a second application. There are pavers sealers that stabilize the sand in the joints of the pavers at the same time as enhancing the finish. Most dealers have displays or samples to show you what look each paver sealer will produce. There are no wrong answers here, pick what you like!
However, once you have committed to sealing your patio, sidewalk, pool deck or other outdoor paver area, you are also making a commitment to ongoing maintenance. A sealed surface can look great and require no re-sealing for several years. But the longevity of a sealed paver look can vary dramatically. How long the sealer will last depends on the use and the environment. Intense sun, salt water, heavy traffic, even damaging foliage can degrade the sealed look and force a shorter timeframe between re-sealing.
Some helpful hints (reminders) to consider when you choose to seal your pavers:
• Never seal pavers that still have visible efflorescence. This film is a natural occurrence which is part of the curing process for concrete pavers. If you seal before efflorescence has either worn off or been cleaned off, you are locking it into your pavers forever.
• Make sure you know how the sealer should be applied. There are a variety of application techniques. Some require very expensive, specialized equipment. If doing this yourself, pick something designed for DIY not something that requires a significant investment in application tools.
• Read the instructions. Check temperature requirements and check the weather forecast. Sealers do not apply correctly if it is too hot or cold or if they get wet too soon.
My initial triniang was in horticulture and garden design, so I’m really interested to see what you do with the space! I second the recommendation to keep any mint plants separate from the others. Most herbs do well in containers, and there are a lot of attractive containers available on the market these days. I wouldn’t worry too much about rats unless you 1) see rat-sized holes/turds, 2) plan on having a bird feeder, or 3) have lots of cover for them to hide in (apparently, they love English ivy). Rats are relatively picky eaters: they prefer grain and meat (why having a bird feeder in an urban area may not be the best idea, especially if you use millet). Rats leave most garden veges alone (unlike raccoon, opossums, and a few other critters).
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My patio is a bit old and I think it would benefit from getting sealed. Now I’ve never done this before so I wouldn’t have any idea on how the sealer should be applied. It would probably be best to get it done by a professional as I would want it done right.
Sealing will definitely enhance the look of an older patio. Using a professional is the best option as concrete sealers have specific instructions for application and may need specialized equipment to be done properly.
I nee to have 1600 square feet of pavers sealed. (813) 684-0012
Sealing pavers is sensitive to weather. Winter is not the right season. You should line someone up for spring. If in our area, we have a referral list on our website. Otherwise, contact your local hardscaping dealer for recommendations.
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