You worked hard and now you've done it - you've finally put in that sleek pavers driveway you've been wanting for so long. Now, if you really want it to stay looking new, you need to seal it up! But with so many options out there, how do you know which sealer is best for your unique paver driveway?
The best type of sealant for a paver driveway is an acrylic-based sealer. This type of sealant helps protect pavers from rain and other elements, while also providing a glossy finish that improves curb appeal.
As a homeowner, you have to weigh cost, ease of application, durability, and other factors to find the perfect sealer for your driveway. We've taken a look at all the different kinds of sealer and analyzed their pros and cons. Read on to learn which kind of sealer is best for your paver driveway.
Table of Contents
What is a Paver Sealer?
A paver sealer is a product designed to protect pavers, such as interlocking concrete pavers, from environmental damage and wear. It usually comes in the form of a liquid or film-forming product that is applied directly to the surface of the paving material. The sealer works by forming a protective barrier over the surface of the paver and preventing dirt, oils, contaminants, and other substances from entering the porous material and causing discoloration or staining.
There is ongoing debate about the benefits of using a paver sealer for paving materials used in residential applications like driveways and patios. Proponents of sealing argue that it helps maintain color, improves water resistance, delays weed growth, reduces bacterial growth and helps keep out oil stains. Detractors of sealing point to cost, saying that sealing a driveway is expensive and may not provide any meaningful protection over time. They also argue that sealers fill in some of the pores in the concrete, giving it an unnatural and glossy appearance.
It's important to weigh both sides of the argument carefully before making a decision on whether or not to use sealer on your driveway’s pavers. Ultimately, there is no right answer since many factors will influence which option is best for an individual situation.
Now that we’ve looked at what a paver sealer is, let’s explore its features in more detail in the next section.
What are its Features?
When you're looking for a sealer to protect your paver driveway, one of the most important factors is the features. One type of sealer may offer great protection but another type might provide better aesthetic appeal. You'll want a product that offers all the features you need.
The biggest feature to consider is how long a sealer lasts. Long-lasting sealer means fewer reapplications and less maintenance in the long run. Some sealers are designed to last several years while others require repeating applications more often. Depending on how often you use your driveway, choose the best sealer that fits your needs and expected performance life.
You should also look for a sealer that will prevent staining from spills, oil, or dirt. While no sealer can be completely stain-proof, some offer much better protection than others. Consider what types of jobs you’ll be doing in the driveway as well as any environmental challenges like intense sun or heavy rain when selecting a sealer and read product labels carefully for more information about its stain-resistant properties.
Another key feature is how easily a sealer can be applied. Some products require special tools or traps while other products are user-friendly with easy-to-follow instructions. Different types of pavers might require different types of sealers, so make sure to research which one is right for your specific type of pavement before making a purchase.
Lastly, consider any additional benefits offered by a sealer such as UV protection or water resistance if those are important to you. There's a wide range of features that come with different types of sealers, so make sure to look around and find the one with features that suit your unique needs best.
Now that we've discussed some key features you should consider when choosing the right sealer for your paver driveway, let's move on to discuss why you even need a paver sealer in the first place.
Why Do You Need a Paver Sealer?
Pavers are a common and attractive choice when it comes to driveway materials. Not only do they provide a unique aesthetic, but pavers have many other advantages that make them an excellent choice for driveways: They don't crack, are low maintenance, are long-lasting, and are highly resistant to extreme temperatures.
However, no matter how durable pavers are, they can still succumb to wear and tear from external forces like weathering and staining if they're not adequately sealed. To protect your investment in your paver driveway, it’s worth the effort to apply a sealer. Although some may argue that sealing is time consuming and expensive labor, applying a sealer comes with several rewards. It helps prevent water infiltration, freeze/thaw damage, fading due to UV exposure, mold accumulation, weeds growing in between the crevices of pavement, bug infestations and more. Furthermore, when looking at value in the long run it is important to factor in the cost prevention because these repairs can be costly if left unprotected.
Therefore it is beneficial to apply a paver sealer to maintain your driveway's appearance and keep it in its best condition for years to come. The next section will explore what types of sealers can help protect your paver driveway from wear and tear.
Key Takeaway
Pavers offer a unique aesthetic and many advantages such as being low maintenance, resistant to extreme temperatures and not cracking. However, external elements such as weathering or staining can cause wear and tear. Applying a sealer to the pavers helps protect against water infiltration, freeze/thaw damage, fading, mold accumulation, weeds, bug infestations and more. Ultimately, this will help maintain the driveway's appearance for years to come.
To Protect from Wear and Tear
When considering what kind of sealer is best for your paver driveway, protection from wear and tear must be accounted for. To ensure the preservation of your driveway, a resilient sealant must be applied. A good sealant will protect the driveway from fading, weathering, weed growth, algae growth and cracking.
There are two specific types of sealants to consider: a penetrating sealant and a surface coating sealant. A penetrating sealant can help repel stains, blocks out moisture and keeps the pavers from fading as it bonds on a molecular level with the paver material. This type of sealer does not typically change the appearance of the brick or block significantly. On the other hand, a surface coating sealant lays on top of the pavers and creates an even layer across them, providing a glossy finish and adding color to them. If a custom look is desired, this type of sealer may be more appealing but some argue that this finish may wear away over time more easily than a penetrating sealant due to daily vehicular traffic.
To decide what type of sealer is best for you, it is important to weigh out all factors including longevity, desired appearance and cost effectiveness before making a decision.
Fortunately, there are various types of sealers available in order to fit any particular needs. The next section will go into detail about what types of sealers are available depending upon your individual needs.
What Types of Sealers are Available?
When it comes to selecting a sealer, there are two major types available: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based sealers are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior environmental properties. They last longer and offer better protection than solvent-based products, making them the favored option in many cases. However, water-based sealers are more expensive and often require specialized expertise to apply correctly.
Solvent-based sealers, on the other hand, are affordable and easy to apply. They won't last as long as water-based options, but many property owners can save money on their initial application costs. Plus with proper maintenance, a solvent-based sealer can provide good protection for your paving project. Yet some users report that these products leave an unpleasant odor when first applied which can linger for days or even weeks after application.
No matter which type of sealer you choose, it’s important to do your research and select the product that is best suited to your specific requirements – longevity and appearance wise. This will ensure that your driveway remains protected while preserving its aesthetic appeal. Now that we have discussed the different types of sealers available, let's explore the best way to choose a paver driveway sealer in the next section.
Choosing the Best Type of Sealer
When it comes to choosing the best type of sealer for a paver driveway, there are several factors that need to be considered. The two most important characteristics to consider when selecting a sealer are the type of application and the formula used in its construction.
Sealers come in either water-based or solvent-based formulas. Water-based sealers are often less expensive than their solvent-based counterparts, but they typically do not offer the same level of protection against fading, staining, and water damage. However, some homeowners prefer to use water-based sealers because they emit fewer VOCs into the air and dissipate quickly after being applied.
Solvent-based sealers offer enhanced protection against fading and can penetrate deeper into the paver stones to provide more protection against water damage. They usually emit more VOCs and take some time to dry completely.
Another factor that needs to be considered is whether you plan on applying a single coat of sealer or a double coat. For best results, it is recommended that two coats of sealer be applied at least once every five years in order to ensure maximum protection.
At the end of the day, choosing the best type of sealer for your paver driveway depends largely on your individual needs and preferences. Whatever option you decide to go with, make sure you read all product labels carefully and follow all safety precautions when using any hazardous materials.
Now that you have an understanding of which type of sealer is best for your paver driveway, let's move on to discussing how to apply a paver sealer in the next section.
How to Apply a Paver Sealer
Applying a paver sealer is an important step to protect the investment of your driveway, but it’s also important to make sure you apply the sealant correctly. Here's how to apply a paver sealer properly:
- Prepare the Area - Before applying the sealer, clean off any dirt or debris with a leaf blower, then sweep away all lawn clippings and loose sand. Any vegetation should also be removed from between pavers and around their edges.
- Clean the Paver Surface - Using a pressure washer on medium-high intensity, clean the area thoroughly and then rinse it with water. After cleaning, wait until the surface has completely dried before adding any sealant.
- Apply the Sealer - Use a roller or sprayer to apply an even coat of sealer onto your paving stones with a fabric applicator or rubber squeegee. The process may require multiple coats of sealant depending on how much protection is desired by the homeowner. Start at one end and work in sections for fewer streaks and overlapping coverage. Follow application instructions for best results
- Fix Problem Areas – If this is a problem, such as cracks or fading spots, use asphalt crack filler or patch material appropriately during this stage prior to sealing and let dry completely before moving further.
- Allow Adequate Drying Time - Once finished, allow approximately 24 hours for complete drying and curing of the sealant so that it can properly safeguard your paved driveway against weather damage for years to come.
Finally, keep in mind that applying a paver sealer comes down to personal preference, as some people may opt not to use one at all while others may choose a higher-grade solution such as an acrylic solvent-based sealer that keeps out dust and weeds while preventing deterioration over time. With this in mind, let’s now examine the pros and cons of using a paver sealer in more detail as we move into our next section.
Pros and Cons of Using a Paver Sealer
Choosing whether or not to use a paver sealer is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on the look of your driveway. While applying a sealer can be beneficial to your paving project, it has both pros and cons that should be taken into account when making this choice.
The main advantage of using a paver sealer is that it helps protect against staining, weather damage, and weed growth, as well as dust accumulation. When properly maintained, these sealers increase the durability of your pavement and extend its lifespan by transforming pavers from porous materials into non-porous surfaces. Additionally, this sealer will give your paving project a glossy finish; it will look more vivid and vibrant.
Not only does sealing pavers add aesthetic appeal and protection to your driveway, but it also eliminates additional maintenance costs in the future since the pavers are less likely to become easily damaged. The sealant acts as a protective layer between the concrete and any other potential sources of damage such as spills or car fluids. It can also make cleaning easier since dust, dirt, and grime won’t be able to settle in the small crevices between the pavers.
On the other hand, paver sealers do have some drawbacks that must be considered when deciding whether or not you want to apply one. One of them being cost – purchasing and installation of these sealers is usually quite expensive. Furthermore, these sealers require occasional reapplication every 1-3 years which adds up over time in regards to both money and labor costs. Additionally, because it doesn’t leave much room for water penetration, laying/applying a paver sealer may result in damage to existing pavers due to frost heaves (when soil expands due to freeze/thaw cycles).
Overall, there is no clear answer when it comes to deciding if you should use a paver sealer for your driveway project; each situation needs to be taken into account differently. Weighing out all sides of this decision carefully is essential before making a commitment either way so that you can ensure you are making the best selection for you and your home. To help with this process further and conclude on this issue as it pertains specifically to paving projects, we will now discuss our conclusions on paver sealers in the next section.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best sealer for your paver driveway, the decision depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, water based sealers tend to be more affordable and offer more color options compared to solvent based sealers. However, solvent based sealers are often more effective at providing long-term protection and are more resistant to wear and tear.
The amount of sunlight exposure your paver driveway receives will also affect the type of sealer you choose. Acrylic based sealers may fade or discolor when exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, so they should be avoided in sunny areas. Conversely, solvent based sealers provide better protection against the sun’s UV rays and will retain their original color better over time.
It's important to take into consideration the type of paver used when selecting a sealer as well. Clay pavers are particularly vulnerable to cracking and staining over time, so a silicone-based sealer that penetrates the material is often the best option for these types of surfaces. On the other hand, concrete pavers hold up better in harsh climates and require less maintenance overall, so water-based sealers are generally recommended for these surfaces.
Overall, there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to choosing a paver sealer. Ultimately you need to consider your budget as well as how much time and effort you want to devote to regular maintenance in order to make an informed decision. While both water and solvent based sealers can be effective at protecting your paver driveway, one may be more suitable than the other depending on your particular needs or preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I reapply sealer to my paver driveway?
It's important to reapply sealer to your paver driveway periodically in order to protect it from the elements and resist staining. Depending on the specific product you use and other weather-related factors, it's generally recommended that you reseal your driveway once every two to three years in order to ensure optimal protection.
If you live in a climate that receives more rain or snow, it may be necessary to reapply sealant more frequently. Additionally, if you notice any areas of your driveway that seem duller or discolored than others, they may also indicate the need for a fresh coat of sealant.
Are there any specific sealer products that are better suited to paver driveways?
Yes! When it comes to finding the best sealer for your paver driveway, there are certain products that stand out from the rest. For example, a solvent-based acrylic sealer is an effective choice for providing protection against wear and tear while also maintaining the original colour of the pavers.
This type of sealant generally lasts two to three years before needing reapplication. Additionally, polyurethane sealers are also popular and provide excellent protection against UV rays and staining as they form a hard and wax-like coating over the surface. Finally, natural stone sealers are well suited to block paver surfaces since they penetrate the pavers’ pores to provide ultimate protection.
Different types of natural stone sealer will offer more protection depending on what you need – some help prevent weed growth while others can protect against salt damage and freeze-thaw cycles. Ultimately, with so many different sealer products available for paver driveways, it’s important to take your time researching which one best suits your needs.
Are there any environmental benefits to sealing a paver driveway?
Yes, there are some environmental benefits to sealing a paver driveway. It helps protect the pavers from wear and tear, thus extending their longevity. This means less waste created from the replacement of pavers, which is beneficial for the environment. There’s also a lesser chance of water runoff, which could ultimately affect ecosystems that are near your property.
When sealers are applied, they help make the surface of your driveways more resistant to stains, oils and other contaminants that may find their way onto your pavement. This means fewer pollutants entering our waterways, thus helping to preserve the environment.
