Pavers look great when they are new, then the color fades, weeds come up between them and the joints wash out. Sealing slows all of that down. It is not right for every situation, so here is what it does and what to think about first.
What sealing does
- Holds the joint sand. We refill the joints with polymeric sand, and the sealer helps lock it in so rain and pressure washing do not wash it out.
- Slows weeds and ants. Firm joints leave less room for weeds to root and ants to dig.
- Brings the color back. Sun fades pavers. Sealer deepens the color, and you choose how much.
- Makes cleaning easier. Oil, leaves and dirt sit on top of the sealer instead of soaking in.
The downsides to know about
Sealer wears and needs to be reapplied every few years, depending on sun and traffic. A pool deck that gets full sun and chlorine will need it sooner than a shaded walkway.
In our humidity, sealer can turn cloudy or white if it goes on over pavers that are still damp underneath. That is the most common complaint we see from jobs done by others, and it is why we let the pavers dry fully after cleaning before we seal.
Some high-gloss sealers can also feel slick when wet, which matters around pools.
Matte or wet look?
A matte or natural finish keeps the pavers looking close to their original color with a little more depth. A wet look gives a richer, glossier color, like the pavers just got rained on. It is a matter of taste. You can see sealed driveways, walkways and pool decks on our gallery page.
The order matters
Sealing only works if the steps happen in the right order:
- Clean the pavers fully, including the joints
- Let them dry
- Refill the joints with polymeric sand
- Apply the sealer evenly
Skipping the drying time or sealing over dirt locks the problem in under the sealer.
When sealing may not be worth it
If the pavers are settling, broken or lifted by roots, fix that first. Sealer will not fix an uneven driveway. And if you would rather not keep up with resealing, a regular cleaning on its own is a fine choice too.
Want an opinion on yours?
Send a few photos of your driveway, patio or pool deck. We will tell you whether sealing makes sense, and which finish would suit it. You can also see our paver cleaning and sealing service.
Want a price for your property? Send a few photos and we will reply, usually within 24 hours.
