Paver sealers preserve, protect and beautify the pavers installed in your walkway or driveway. Pavement aesthetics influences the first impression of your home, making it a concern for many homeowners. However, the market has multiple sealers, making choosing one a daunting task. Worry not because this guide details how to select the perfect Paver sealer.
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Why Use Paver Sealers?
Pavers are a beautiful way to add beauty and character to your outdoor space. But without proper sealing, the pavers can become stained and discoloured over time.
The most common reason people choose to seal their pavers is to prevent damage from dirt, soot and grime from living in an urban environment. This protection also helps keep the paver clean during use and when it rains or snows.
As far as durability goes, sealing your concrete will help prevent cracks from forming while protecting its original colour for years to come.
What is a Paver Sealer?
Pavement sealers are a liquid applied to the surface of pavers to protect them from the elements and keep them looking their best. They can help prevent excessive wear, staining, and fading caused by exposure to moisture and salt. The most important benefit is that they will protect your pavers from UV rays—they essentially act as a sunblock for your driveway or patio.
They usually come in oil- or water-based versions (also known as acrylic urethanes). The former uses petroleum products like resin solvents and polymers; it has a low VOC content but is more expensive than water-based products. Water-based sealers are also cheaper because they are made with hydrocarbon solvents replaced by renewable carbon dioxide sources like ethanol or methanol—they have no VOCs! These days there are plenty of options available that let you choose between these two types depending on what matters most: price versus performance.
Choose a solvent-based sealer.
There are two common types of sealers that you can use with your pavers: solvent-based and water-based. Solvent-based sealers are the most common, easy to apply, durable, and expensive. They’re also known for filling in cracks in your concrete surface and creating an even coating over the entire surface.
Water-based sealers are made up of fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means they can be applied indoors without a ventilator or mask. However, they’re not as durable as solvent-based sealers because they don’t penetrate as deeply into the pores of the concrete paver material as solvent-based products do. The best part about using either type is that it only takes one coat for complete coverage!
Choose a water-based sealer.
Water-based sealers are the best option if you’re looking to seal your pavers. They’re easier to apply, less toxic, environmentally friendly, and more affordable than other types of sealer. Water-based sealers are water soluble, meaning they will not stain your pavers or leave them slick like a paint coating.
Choose an oil-based sealer.
Oil-based sealers are the best for pavers because they’re non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and easy to apply. As a bonus, oil-based sealers also deliver more protection than water-based products.
After you’ve applied your oil-based paver sealer, wait two weeks before using the patio or walkway again.
How to Apply Paver Sealer?
You’ll need to use a roller or sprayer to apply the sealer properly. The sealer should be applied to all surfaces of the pavers, including their joints, cracks and edges.
It’s essential to choose a suitable paver sealer.
It’s essential to choose the suitable paver sealer for your needs. Sealers are typically divided into three categories: solvent-based, water-based and oil-based. Solvent-based sealers have a high content of solvents (typically between 40% and 60%) that dissolve in water, but they can be harmful to plants when they come into contact with them. Water-based sealers are less than 10% solvents and 90% water; this type of product is eco-friendly but may need frequent reapplication due to its low oil content. Oil-based sealers contain no solvent, making them ideal for use in areas with trees or shrubs since they won’t harm the plants or grasses surrounding concrete pavers.
To determine which type of paver sealer is best suited for your situation, it’s essential to consider how much maintenance is required after application as well as how long each application will last before needing reapplication again – the answers depend on many factors, including climate conditions (temperature/humidity), and the age/condition of existing surface materials.