Sealing pavers is a great way to protect them from stains, mildew, discoloration, and unwanted vegetation. It also helps to lock the sand in place and prevents weeds from spreading. A quality sealant can also stabilize pavers, making them less likely to move or shift. However, sealants don't last forever and need to be reapplied every one to two years.
Before deciding if you want to seal your pavers, you need to know if they can be sealed in the first place. If so, you'll want to remove any efflorescence before sealing them with a cleaner like Techniseal Paver Prep. This will help eliminate efflorescence and will also chemically prepare the pavers for the sealant, allowing for optimal penetration. For best results, use Techniseal HD Paver Prep, which will dissolve efflorescences, remove embedded dirt, and chemically prepare pavers to accept the sealant.
The pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they will likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. If you choose a sealer that includes UV protection, you can keep your pavers looking new even if they're exposed to the sun for years. In some cases, depending on the purpose and material of your installation, you may prefer not to seal your pavers. It is not necessary to seal the walls, but it is recommended to seal the covers when you use them in places where there may be stains (such as the wall of a seat or the top of a kitchen or bar).
Overall, sealing pavers offers many advantages and can help keep your patio or walkway looking its best for years to come. However, it is important to remember that sealants don't last forever and need to be reapplied every one to two years.
