Does Sealing Pavers Prevent Weeds?
If you’re looking to protect your outdoor patio or walkway, applying a layer of sealant can help. Sealing pavers will prevent weeds from growing in between the blocks and it will protect the surface from damage. In this article we will cover all of the steps you need to take before spraying down a quality sealant.
The most important thing is to prepare the surface before spraying down a sealant. You want to clean the area and remove any stains on the pavers first. If not, the stains will be trapped below the sealant and be impossible to remove. The pavers need to look as clean as possible in order to produce lasting results.
How Sealing Pavers Can Help
Stop weeds from growing – One of the biggest benefits to sealants is that it helps prevent weeds from growing in between pavers. During the application process, the sealant soaks down into the interlocking joint sand and hardens it. This will stop weeds at the source, because they will no longer be able to grow through the joint sand.
Protects against stains – Applying a sealant will not only keep weeds away, but it can also prevent stains. Outdoor patios are exposed to rain and other elements of nature everyday. As a result, vegetation stains can build up over time. Sealant can also protect against rust stains from old metal outdoor furniture that starts to break down with age.
Enhances the gloss level – When you apply sealant to pavers, the end result will be a glossy finish. This depends on the exact product you use, but in general sealing pavers make the surface appear cleaner. If you want to achieve this wet look, make sure to thoroughly clean the pavers and remove any stains before applying a sealant.
Strengthens the block – Sealing your patio pavers can also make them stronger, which will help prevent them from getting damaged. Concrete and natural stone are known to chip when exposed to the elements of nature. Sealant will create a barrier between the pavers and anything that comes in contact with the surface from normal wear and tear.
How to Seal Pavers
Applying a sealant is just like painting a house in that you will need to prepare the surface before beginning. You want to remove any debris from the area and get the pavers as clean as possible before the application process. It also helps to add more joint sand before sealing, as this will only strengthen the pavers even more.
1. Remove Surface Dirt
Before applying a layer of sealant it helps to clean off the entire surface area. Begin by removing dirt, sticks, leaves, and anything else on the pavers. Depending on where your patio is located, you might have a lot more debris in some areas than others. The easiest way to remove this stuff is by using a leaf blower.
The entire process will only take around 5 minutes when done correctly and a leaf blower will certainly shorten the amount of time it takes. If you don’t have one of these machines, you can always use a broom. Make sure to use a long handle broom, as this will save your back from bending over during the cleaning process.
2. Clean Stains
This just might be the most important step before sealing pavers. If you don’t remove any stains on the surface before the application process, applying a layer of sealant will trap them in. That means you won’t be able to remove the stains in the future, unless you remove the sealant. This headache can be avoided by removing the stains first.
There are many different types of cleaners, depending on what kind of stain you have. The most common types of stains are mold, rust, and oil spots, so make sure you choose a product designed for your specific scenario. When the cleaning solution has been applied, you can agitate the surface with a bristle brush before rinsing it down with water.
3. Add Joint Sand
Once the stains have been removed, the next step is to apply a fresh layer of joint sand. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, so they will be more secure. You don’t want the pavers moving around when people are walking on them, or from normal wear and tear. This will also help pavers shifting due to rapid temperature changes.
The easiest method is to sprinkle down the sand from the bag as you walk around the patio. Make sure to apply the sand evenly across the entire surface area, as you want to avoid pouring it all down in one place. Then use a broom to push the polymeric sand further down into the paver joints. Repeat this process if the blocks need more sand.
4. Spray with Water
When all of the joint sand is in between the paver blocks, the next step is to spray it down with water. Wetting this material will harden the sand and make it stronger. Any cracks or crevices will be now filled, which will create a hard overall surface area. A light mist will do the trick, as you don’t want to the mess up the work you just did.
Avoid using a pressure washer to spray the pavers, as this machine will be far too aggressive. The joint sand can be very light and delicate, so too much water will move it around and prevent the material from settling. The best way to wet the sand is to use a garden hose attachment with a mist setting. This will be enough water to get the job done.
5. Apply Sealant
Applying the sealant is the last and final step. Just make sure the joint sand has had enough time to completely dry. This is typically done with a handheld sprayer, which allows you to easily control the sealant during the application process. It helps to test out a small section of the patio first, to see how it will look on your pavers.
Spraying sealant should be done in coats. Just like painting a house, you never want to use too much liquid at once. It will take too long to dry and cause puddling. Wait a couple of hours for the sealant to dry. You can apply another layer if the surface isn’t as glossy as you like. The pavers will be safe to walk on after 3-4 hours.
Final Thoughts
We began this article with a question: does sealing pavers prevent weeds? By now you should know that a high quality sealant can not only prevent weeds from growing, but it can also protect the surface of your pavers. Sealant acts like a barrier between the pavers and heavy foot traffic.
Sealant can preserve the life of your patio pavers, because it shields the surface from rust and oil stains. It will be much easier to clean and make it more difficult for mold growth to appear. Sealant will also enhance the level of gloss on the surface and bring out the colors of your pavers.
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