pros and cons of sealing pavers
Pros and Cons of Sealing Pavers
The walkways and driveways just beautify the entrances to your home. Sealing will help you in maintaining the pavers. But is sealing pavers really necessary? If you want them to look flawless and shining, then yes! The main purpose of sealing pavers is to protect them. Find out the pros and cons of sealing pavers in this Buzzle article.
Tip!
Seal the pavers every 1-2 years using a sealant that is specially designed for pavers of each material type.Pros
Appearance
Sealing will make the pavers look shiny and give them a glossy finish. The sealant blocks the harmful UV rays and prevents the colors of the paving stones from fading. It often makes the colors of the pavers stand out, giving them a clean look. It also helps remove stains and grease from the pathways or driveways easily.Protection from Weather
Sealants can withstand harsh weather and climate, and thus save the pavers from getting damaged by ice and snow. If the water seeps in through the unsealed driveway, then it may lead to the formation of puddles below the surface, causing cracks and frost heaves. Sealants fill the pores and repel water by preserving the sand dust in the joints. Durability and Longevity
It promotes durability and ensures longer life of the paving stones. A quality sealant will protect the pavers from all kinds of damages including the damages caused by acid rain and erosion. It also prevents the weeds from growing in the joints of the paving stones.Cons
Cost of Sealing
The cheaper the sealant gets, the thinner it will be. Therefore, it is better to go for a reliable and quality sealant if you want maximum protection. The more expensive and thicker sealants contain quality ingredients. However, it may burn a slight hole in your pocket. Sealants for concrete driveways tend to cost more than that of the sealants for asphalt driveways, but will definitely last longer.Reapplications
It reduces regular maintenance, but increases the number of reapplications. As the pavers age, it may be required to seal them again and again after a span of 1-2 years. If not applied properly to the stones, the sealants can break down.Safety Measures
Before sealing the pavers, there are certain safety measures that you should take care of. You will need to wear safety equipment like gloves, mask, and shoe covers since the sealant can be difficult to remove if you come in contact with it.
The chemicals in sealant tend to make the surface more slippery, especially during rains and snow. Acrylic and urethane based sealants tend to be hazardous in case of fire.
Inhaling the chemicals can be harmful, especially if you have breathing problems and lung issues. Be careful not to work on sealing in a poorly-ventilated area.