A Practical Guide on When to Seal Pavers
While pavers look beautiful when they’re first installed, they can become dull and prone to damage over time if not correctly sealed. Our paving experts explain when to seal pavers to help homeowners determine the best time to apply sealers to maintain the beauty and extend the longevity of paved areas.
When to Seal Pavers: Determining the Optimal Timing for Sealing Pavers
The best time to seal paving typically depends on various factors, including the age of the installation, weather conditions, and local climate. Generally, new pavers should be sealed 15 to 30 days after laying, while existing paving benefits from resealing every three to five years, preferably during warmer weather conditions with temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Failing to seal at the right time can lead to premature wear, staining, and costly repairs, potentially turning your outdoor place into an eyesore. Sealants can keep your investment in good shape and extend the lifespan of your pavers. As an ICPI-certified company, you can trust us to have only the most professional, experienced, and knowledgeable installers working on your project.
Ideal Time to Seal Paved Surfaces
Timing is an important factor to consider when putting sealants on your paved areas. By doing this, you will be able to get the best results, extend the life of your paving, and withhold the need to restore your pavers for a long time.
1. Newly Installed Pavers
Paver patio sealing is best done within 15 to 30 days for newly installed paving, with plans made around the two-week mark to prevent washout from external elements.
While you may consider applying sealants year-round, choose the right time within the first month for optimal results in this time-sensitive process.
2. High Temperatures
Hot weather poses challenges for paver patio sealing, particularly during the summer months. Bubbling or blistering may happen when working in hot conditions. If you live in an area where the temperature is always high or you can only work when the weather is hot, we advise putting sealants on the patio during cooler parts of the day, preferably in the morning.
The added advantage is that the sun's heat will help evaporate any remaining water and dry sealed surfaces completely.
3. During Autumn and Spring
Wait longer to seal the patio pavers if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. You can still work during autumn or spring because the moderate temperatures provide optimal circumstance for sealers to penetrate.
You may wait up to 60 days to make sure that the paving is dry and free from any moisture from the cold temperature.
Factors to Consider Before Using Sealants in Paving
Sealing your pavers requires careful consideration of a few factors to make sure that you get the best results. Here are some things you should think about as you make your decision:
Type of Pavers
Certain types of paving are more porous than others and will require different sealant types. For example, brick pavers and travertine pavers are much more porous than granite or concrete pavers and will require a different kind of sealer. Aviara Pavers can advise you on the right paver type for your project.
Sealing Type
Sealers for your concrete paver patio, driveway, or backyard is a complex job that requires understanding different sealers. Choosing the right sealer and timing can save money and protect your investment from hot weather damage.
Water- and solvent-based sealers are both easy to use, UV-resistant, and durable. Solvent-based sealants last longer, yet are moisture-sensitive. Meanwhile, water-based sealers are environmentally friendly and easier to clean.
Topical or film-forming sealers provide better joint sand stabilization, enhancing the appearance of paved surfaces. On the other hand, penetrating or non-film-forming sealers become invisible once applied, making them ideal for natural paving stones.
Temperature and Weather Conditions
It's best to wait to seal your pavers when it has been raining a lot, or if the forecast shows rain shortly. When they are wet, sealants may pool and can even run off, which will be a waste of money.
The temperature is also a big factor in when you should seal your paving. Sealants will not be able to dry properly if it's too cold outside. Aim to seal when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Some materials can also not withstand hot temperatures. When you do the paver sealing during hot weather, sealers will dry much faster. This can cause the sealer to become brittle, resulting in cracks when the temperature drops at night.
Paver Surface
Another factor you should consider is the paving surface. It will be much easier for sealants to pool and run off on smooth surfaces. Get rough pavers that are known to grip sealer well so that you don’t have to worry about it running off or pooling.
Foot Traffic
When you have installed pavers in an area that will see a lot of foot traffic, like your driveway, you will need to seal brick pavers more often than ones that don't get much traffic.
Areas such as entryways and outdoor facilities that see a lot of traffic will need to be sealed every one to two years. Surfaces with little traffic can go three to five years without being resealed.
Tips for Applying Sealers on Pavers
Sealing pavers requires careful consideration and preparation. Follow these tips to get the best results and extend the life of your pavers:
Clean your pavers before the sealing process. Pressure washing can help to remove any accumulated dirt, dust, or debris.
Instead of covering the area in one thick coat, apply several thin coats of sealants to avoid making the pavers slippery.
Test sealers on a small area before applying them to the entire surface to determine if there are any adverse reactions.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using sealants.
Related Questions
Is a Paver Sealer Necessary?
Paver sealers are necessary to protect your hardscaping from damage caused by UV rays, stains, and erosion, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions. Some materials can withstand cold temperatures and hot climates without sealants. Despite that, applying quality sealants significantly extends their lifespan and maintains their appearance.
How Long Should You Wait to Do Paver Sealing?
The best time for using sealants on pavers is when they are dry and free of any dirt or debris. Wait for at least 15 days if you have new pavers. This gives the paving time to settle and guarantees that they’re completely dry before being sealed.
Can I Seal My Pavers in Winter?
It is not recommended to apply sealants in the winter, as the cold weather can cause sealants not to dry properly. It’s best to wait until the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to seal your paving. A freezing temperature can trap moisture in the substrates, resulting in efflorescence.
How Soon Can You Seal Pavers After Putting Polymeric Sand?
After sanding, wait at least 24 hours before applying sealants on the pavers to let the sanding material fully set and cure. For best results, seal in the morning when the temperature is mild to encourage proper adhesion and penetration of the binder.
Should Pavers Be Dry Before Applying Sealers?
Yes, keep the pavers dry before applying sealants. When they are wet, sealants will not be able to adhere properly and could eventually peel off and cause damage to the other materials.
Conclusion
When you choose the optimal time to apply sealants on pavers, you can protect your outdoor spaces and maintain their visual appeal for years to come. As paving specialists, we exert great effort in our job of sealing pavers properly to preserve your investment and enhance your property's aesthetics.