Sarasota’s scorching summer sun, other elements like rain and snow, and foot traffic can take a toll on your pavers. This can cause cracking, discoloration, and other damage, forcing you to replace your pavers prematurely. Sadly, paver repair or replacement costs in Sarasota can be excessive.
Paver sealing doesn’t just prevent damage from the harsh elements; it also preserves their vibrant color and adds a stylish touch to your outdoor space. If you’re like many Sarasota homeowners, though, you could be torn between sealing your pavers yourself or hiring professional services. In this blog post, we explore DIY vs. professional paver sealing to help you decide wisely.
What Is Paver Sealing?
This process entails applying a protective coating to your concrete, brick, or stone pavers. As the name implies, it seals the pavers’ pores. This creates an impermeable layer, ensuring no dirt, dust, moisture, or other pollutants can seep in.
Additionally, sealing prevents weeds, moss, and other organic matter from emerging through the paver joints. When you seal your pavers, you won’t have to worry about fading, water damage, or cracking due to constant freezing and thawing.
When it comes to paver sealing, you must use the right sealant for optimal results. That means you’ve got several types to choose from. Here are the three main ones:
- Water-based sealers. These work best for areas with minimal exposure to the sun’s UV rays and other elements.
- Oil-based sealers. These are ideal for areas with more exposure like pool decks and driveways.
- Acrylic sealers. You’ll often find this type of sealant on patios and walkways.
With the somewhat unforgiving Sarasota weather, industry experts often recommend using a water-based sealant. Applying it is easier and it has a high chance of success.
Can You Seal Pavers Yourself?
Paver sealing is something you can technically do yourself. However, you must have the proper skills and equipment to achieve desirable results.
To help you decide whether this route is right for you, let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of DIY paver cleaning and sealing.
The Pros
You’ll enjoy the following when you seal the pavers yourself:
- Cost savings. You can find paver cleaning and sealing products from your local store at pocket-friendly prices. This helps reduce the project’s overall cost.
- Convenience. You can choose when and how to seal your pavers. This helps minimize disruption to your daily activities.
- Personal satisfaction. Undertaking a DIY project can be gratifying. You have the rare opportunity to interact with your outdoor space.
The Cons
Some of the notable pitfalls of sealing pavers yourself are:
- Limited skills. We already mentioned that paver sealing requires expertise and experience to achieve the best results. Incorrect techniques can damage your pavers.
- Inadequate equipment. You may lack professional-grade tools to ensure a thorough cleaning and robust sealing.
- Time-consuming. Paver maintenance can take a lot of elbow grease and time. This can prove difficult to manage without sacrificing other daily obligations.
Without professional help, identifying if your Sarasota pavers need sealing can also be a challenge.
Factors To Consider Before Sealing Pavers
When it’s time to seal your pavers, keep these three things in mind, as they can significantly influence the results.
Weather Conditions
You often need to apply the sealant to completely dry pavers. Sadly, it rains in Sarasota almost every month. Check the weather forecast and confirm there won’t be rain in the next 24 hours before commencing your project.
Also, ensure the temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can deliver horrible results. Make sure it won’t rain for 24 hours after applying the sealant.
Current Condition of Pavers
If your pavers exhibit efflorescence, you should wait until it disappears. This unsightly whitish haze on the pavers’ surfaces comes from naturally occurring salts used in making pavers. Also, ensure the pavers are free of debris and staining.
Type of Pavers
Which sealant to use greatly depends on your paver type. Whether it’s clay brick, concrete, or stone pavers, choosing the right sealant is critical to ensure optimal protection.
How To Seal Pavers: A Step-By-Step Guide
Have you decided to go the DIY route? Follow these steps and you’ll be happy with the results:
- Preparation: Thoroughly clean your pavers to eliminate dirt, moss, stains, and other debris. You can use a pressure washer, eco-friendly detergent, and a strong brush. Let the pavers dry before proceeding.
- Re-sanding joints: Spread medium coarse sand across the paver surface. This process helps the pavers hold together firmly. Remove excess sand using a leaf blower.
- Selecting the right sealant: Choose a high-quality sealer formulated for concrete and brick pavers. Consider factors like the paver type, desired finish, and the preferred level of protection.
- Sealer application: Apply the sealant evenly using a low-pressure sprayer or roller. Ensure complete coverage of the driveway, patio, or other surface. Be careful to avoid overlapping or pooling of the sealer.
- Drying and curing: Let the newly sealed surface dry for at least 24 hours or per the manufacturer’s recommendation before walking or driving on it.
- Maintenance: Clean your sealed pavers regularly with water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the sealant and compromise its longevity.
Why Professional Paver Sealing Might Be a Better Choice
DIY paver sealing will save you a few bucks. Sadly, the benefit is often short-lived. This approach can bring more harm than good over the long haul.
You’re often better off with professional work, even with less than a square foot of pavers, because of the following:
- Expertise and experience. This means quality results. Professionals evaluate your pavers and recommend the best sealant and application techniques.
- Time-saving. Hiring a professional saves you the hassle of time-consuming DIY projects.
- Customized solutions. Professional paver sealing services offer solutions tailored to your specific requirements. This ensures the results meet your expectations.
Get a Free Paver Sealing Quote Today!
We can conclude that professional paver sealing offers more benefits than doing the job yourself. Call Patrick’s Paver Sealing Sarasota at (941) 799-1571 to learn more about our professional paver sealing in Sarasota, FL, and get a free quote!
