Pavers: Pros and Cons

Choosing Paver Sealing in Orlando for outdoor hardscaping is a popular choice since it offers homeowners a range of options for their front and backyard to achieve any style.

Although patio pavers may be an obvious choice, sealing your pavers may be a decision that gives you pause. Although sealing is an optional maintenance step, it certainly makes pavers easier to clean since they are exposed to the same elements as driveways, decks, porches, and patios. To help you decide if sealing pavers will be beneficial to your space, we’ve laid out the pros and cons. 

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Pavers sealed with sealants have a con #1: They need maintenance

If you use a thinner sealant that starts to break down and develop a film with time, you will have to reseal your pavers regularly. Re-sealing depends on the type of paver and the type of sealer used. 

Pavers sealing Con #2: Pavers sealing is not cheap

As part of the sealing process, it is important to choose a quality sealant as that will extend the lifespan of the results. Sealers of higher quality are thicker and more durable, while sealers of lower quality are thinner and break down more quickly. The pavers need to be resealed after the surface is sealed, which means there is an initial expense plus a periodic cost for maintenance.

Pavers can be contaminated by sealant #3: Sealant can contaminate nearby plants

You should apply sealant overspray on a clear, windless day. How come? The overspray can harm nearby plants. If the plants are very close to the new pavers, you may want to cover them with plastic sheeting to protect them. 

Throughout the sealing process, be sure to wear a mask, gloves, shoe covers, long sleeves, and long pants. You can’t wash a sealant out of your clothing, so dress in clothing you don’t mind throwing away. Last but not least, apply sealant in a well-ventilated area and take proper precautions to avoid inhaling the fumes. 

It enhances the appearance of the pavers by sealing them

Sealants, depending on their finish, give pavers a clean, wet look with a glossy finish. The color of the paver will not change, but instead the hue of the material will be enhanced. Plus, sealers protect the color from fading since UV rays can cause the color to fade. 

Pro #2 of sealing pavers: It offers protection

Concrete, brick, and stone pavers can fade, mildew, rust, and stain over time. It is far easier to wash away dirt, grease, and grime without leaving behind any residual effects when you apply a sealant to help prevent stains and other signs of aging. 

You will be able to improve the drainage around your installation by sealing your pavers

By using porous pavers, significant amounts of moisture can be trapped underneath the installation. Because there’s no way to remove moisture from underneath, it can be difficult to build a sturdy foundation for your pathway, patio, porch, or whatever. You may decide to skip the sealing process and display the pavers’ raw appearance if the space is less likely to get stained and does not receive a lot of foot traffic. Now that you have a better understanding of both the pros and cons of sealing your pavers, you can decide whether or not you want that extra protection.