Most paving materials, such as concrete, brick, and stone, are porous. This allows water to enter the pavers, encouraging mildew, mold, moss, and grass growth.
The best solution is to use a weed killer, such as white vinegar, that won’t cause discoloration or damage to the pavers. Then, apply a sealer to the pavers once they’re clean.
It Keeps Weeds Away
Weeds can quickly sprout between pavers; once they do, getting rid of them is almost impossible. However, a good sealer will prevent them from growing, especially when combined with excellent joint sand.
Ensure the area to be sealed is clean before applying the sealant, as dirt and grime can interfere with its effectiveness. You can use a hose or pressure washer to scrub the paved surface and remove any accumulation.
You can also use a pre-emergence weed killer to stop the seeds that hide in the cracks before they start germinating, or a contact poison type that kills the weeds when they come into contact with it. In addition to this, there are several natural remedies you can try. For example, spraying a mixture of vinegar and salt can dry out and kill the weeds without damaging the adjacent grass or soil.
It Prevents Stains
Brick and paver sealing protect the pavers from stains caused by oil and other liquids that might be spilled on them. They also help prevent mold, mildew, and algae from growing on the paved surface, making your outdoor area cleaner and more attractive.
Moss and other green growth on the paving is caused by moisture seeping into the porous concrete, causing it to absorb and grow. This can be difficult to remove without damaging the paving, as traditional weed killers and other cleaning chemicals often cause harm (like muriatic acid, which emits toxic fumes and burns the skin).
Sealing your pavers will protect the joints between them from being filled with grass or weeds. This will save you time and effort on future landscape maintenance and protect your investment.
It Prevents Water Damage
You should be OK with growing weeds if your pavers are correctly positioned, and your contractor uses the proper polymeric joint sand. However, even with the best installation and maintenance, weeds can grow, and some will inevitably get trapped between the joints.
This is where paver sealers help prevent weeds, moss, and green growth from spreading. The weed killer in the sealant kills the weeds, and the loose sand underneath the paving turns into solid mortar, blocking any chance of a weed seed germinating.
The best time to apply a weed killer is when the weeds are still small. A sprayer can evenly distribute the weed killer over the pavers and allow it to dry for 2-3 hours before the paved area is used again.
It Protects the Pavers
Sealing them may be necessary to keep weeds at bay, depending on the kind of pavers you have. In addition to preventing weeds, sealants protect your hardscaping from weathering and moisture. This helps prevent mold, mildew, algae, and moss from growing on the surface. It also helps reduce freeze-thaw damage and surface deterioration.
Before applying a sealant, ensure the pavers are free of dirt or grime. Applying the sealant on a clear day with minimal wind is best. This will minimize the amount of sealant overspray that could affect surrounding plants.
Using an application sprayer that can saturate the pavers is also essential. This will cover all the crevices and help avoid unsightly lines and drip marks.
It Makes Cleaning Easier
A properly installed and maintained paved area must be cleaned at least once a year to remove dirt, grime, mildew, and weeds. Cleaning can be accomplished quickly using a water-based cleaner and a medium-stiffening bristle broom.
The addition of paver sealant makes this process even more accessible. Once the area is clean and debris-free, a sprayer can apply the glue evenly over all pavers and seams. It’s best to do this on a clear day with no wind, as the overspray may damage surrounding plants.
Paver sealants are available in matte and glossy finishes, so you can choose whichever looks best with your hardscaping. In the long run, brick and paver sealing will help reduce maintenance costs and keep them looking their best for years to come.