4 Things To Do Before Sealing Your Pavers

Fall has officially started rolling in…

And that means it’s time to start thinking about protecting your outdoor spaces for the colder months ahead. Sealing your pavers before winter hits is one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep your patio, pool deck, or walkway looking its best. Before you grab a sealer, here are four essential steps you need to take to ensure the job is done right.

1. See What the Manufacturer has to Say

Before even selecting a sealer for the job, you’ll want to review the paver manufacturer’s specifications for sealing. This will give you important insight on the types of products that are safe to use on the pavers and the appropriate waiting period before applying sealer to newly installed pavers.

2. Check the Weather

In most cases, a sealer should only be applied to pavers that are completely dry. Confirm there won’t be any rain in the forecast for a full 24 hours before and after the project as well. Sealer should also not be applied in extreme temperatures. As a general rule, temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees are ideal.

3. Perform an Efflorescence Cleaning

Performing an efflorescence cleaning is a mandatory step before sealing. It will:

• Slightly etch the surface to allow for a better bond between the sealer and the paver or stone.
• Remove dirt and debris from the surface.
• Thoroughly clean the paver or stone pores to promote a better penetration of the sealer.

4. Remove Contaminated Sand from the Joints

Before sealing, contaminated sand should be removed from the joints and replaced with polymeric sand. The efflorescence cleaning should be done after the sand is replaced and before applying the sealer.

There are three main reasons why an efflorescence cleaner should be applied after the installation of polymeric sand:

1. To prevent damage to the joints during the cleaning process
2. To ensure product can sit on the paved surface and react as intended
3. To remove residue left behind by the polymeric sand

Conclusion

Before sealing pavers, these four tasks need to be completed:

1. Review the paver manufacturer’s recommendations for sealing. This includes what products are safe to use and how long you should wait before sealing newly installed pavers.
2. Verify dry weather is forecasted. You’ll want a full 24 hours of no rain before the project, as well as 24 hours of no rain following it.
3. Perform an efflorescence cleaning. This is a mandatory step in the sealing process.
4. Remove contaminated sand if needed and replace it with polymeric sand.

Once you’ve checked these four important steps off your to-do list, you’ll be ready to seal! As New Jersey’s leading supplier for all things pavers, we’re committed to keeping our customers informed and helping you protect your investment so your outdoor spaces look their best for years to come.

For more information on pavers, sealers, and related supplies, click here.