Brick pavers add beauty to your property while being immensely functional. Periodical application of a quality seal coat can protect your pavers from ugly stains, dirt, mild chemicals from fertilizers as well as fading from the sun. Water borne acrylic sealers and oil-based sealers both provide a protective barrier that resist brick erosion, mildew, algae intrusion and color fading.
However, sealing brick pavers also comes with its challenges, like knowing what type of product was put down prior and whether or not there is moisture that would affect the clarity of the new sealer. Rely on a professional contractor to do the job to maximize the effectiveness of the protective seal. Even if an old layer is still on the brick paving, the contractors will take up the old layers before applying a new coating. An old or uneven layer of sealant will not offer the best protection for a long lasting sealing job.
Ironwood Coatings uses only premium commercial grade quality products for all our brick and stone paver sealing jobs
For the DIY Brick Paver Sealers:
- Plan to seal pavers when the weather outside is between 55 and 80 degrees. Sealing will take at least three days, so choose a week when there will be no rain.
- Clean the surface of the pavers thoroughly. Remove grease and dirt with a heavy-duty commercial cleaner.
- Create a bleach and water mixture and then clean with the solution to remove mold, algae or mildew. Remove efflorescence stains with a mild acidic cleaner formulated for efflorescence stains, then neutralize the surface with a neutralizing rinse.
- Remove excess sand, fine powder and dirt with a pressure washer. Then let the pavers dry for at least 2-3 days
- Set up a barricade around the brick pavers to prevent anyone from using the area. Turn off your lawn irrigation system.
- Apply the first coat of sealer with a paint roller or garden sprayer. You want to put on enough so that it absorbs, but doesn’t puddle.
- Let oil and water based sealers dry for eight hours. (Note some WB sealers can be applied in the same day. Check your manufacturer’s technical data sheet for instructions.)
- Apply a thin second coat of sealer using the same procedure, Let the sealer dry for two hours before walking on it and limit heavy traffic for at least 72 hours.
- Plan to re-coat every 2-3 years in order to maintain brick pavers
Maintenance Tips
Caring for any application of brick pavers starts with good cleaning habits. Dirt and spills will slowly erode the beautiful facade of brick paving. Routine cleaning includes:
- Sweeping off dirt and debris, especially from walkways, as grit will deteriorate brick over time.
- Use a commercial grade absorbent (or cat litter can work most of the time) to pick up spilled liquids and oils.
- Periodic low pressure power washing will return even old brick pavers back to some of their original shine and beauty.
Tampa Brick Paver Professionals
If you don’t want the hassle of attempting this project yourself, then we’re here to help. Call (813) 603-7572 for your Free Estimate.
