Block Paving Sealer

Application of StoneCare4U Essential Block Paving Sealer is the perfect way of sealing block paving and bringing out its natural rich colours. It’s formulated from the highest quality ingredients and is safe, quick and easy to apply. StoneCare4U Block Paving Sealer provides a durable barrier to everyday wear and tear caused by vehicles, foot traffic and punishing weather. Sometimes it is referred to as a brick paving sealer but they are one and the same.

Any kind of major home improvement generally costs a substantial amount of money. When it comes to a hard landscaping project that involves block paving, this is certainly the case. In relation to your own property, whether the block paving has been laid as a driveway, patio, path, pool surround or another kind of hard surface it is always advisable to protect your investment.

Block Paving Sealer

Most types of block paving sealers or brick sealers on the market are manufactured to a pretty low standard. Generally, the raw materials used are quite a low grade when compared to other types of brick. This is relevant in relation to various aspects of the materials’ long term performance and durability. With this in mind, sealing block paving is best done using a high-quality product.

If a block or brick pavers are not protected they can start to deteriorate relatively quickly. This deterioration would manifest itself and become apparent in several ways. Firstly, as the pigment within the pavers is of low concentration and density, combined with the fact that the pigment used is not UV (sunlight) resistant, loss of colour can quickly become apparent. Secondly, as the bricks are quite ‘soft’ regular vehicle traffic or use of a pressure washer can cause damage to the protective ‘skin’ of the paver. Standard block paving is also very porous. This enables grubby looking black and green algae’s to flourish on the surface and become ingrained into the pavers, again spoiling their overall appearance.

Sealing Block Paving

The simplest way to protect against these and other issues such as weeds is the application of a good quality sealer for brick pavers. When block paving sealer is correctly applied to pavers in the recommended ratios, it provides a number of benefits.

One of the aspects that homeowners find most frustrating in relation to their drive or patio is the constant battle with weeds. Many varieties of weeds and green growth thrive within the confines of the sand-filled joints between block paving. Moisture within the pavers and the bed of sand upon which they are laid creates the perfect environment for various forms of green growth to flourish. When a sealer for brick pavers is applied generously it will flood the sanded joints with sealer and they will then dry solid and resistant to weeds. In fact, when sealed correctly, the joints will be set so hard, it is difficult to push a key or any other hard object into them.

Protect Your Surface With Brick Paving Sealer

Another significant benefit is when a UV resistant block paving sealer is applied the overall colour will be protected. Without the sealer, an appreciable loss of colour can be apparent, frequently after only around 5 years. After 2 or more coats of brick paving sealant have been applied, a durable film of protective resin will be present on the surface of the pavers. This protective skin will create a barrier between the paver and wear caused by vehicles, wind, rain, snow and Ice.

If you are looking for guidance on sealing block paving, there are a few important things to consider. This is because, as previously mentioned, the block pavers are quite porous and are laid on a bed of sand. Therefore, the amount of moisture present prior to application is crucial. No type of block paving sealer responds well to moisture. It can either diminish the performance of the product or, worse still, cause an unpleasant reaction. In the majority of cases, this reaction will identify itself as surface whiteness on the surface of the pavers. With the unpredictable nature of the British weather, we would advise that brick paving sealer should only be applied between mid-April and early October.  At the beginning and end of this period, the weather conditions should be on the dry and warm side of what is normally expected at that time of year.

The Application Process

When it comes to the actual application of the sealer, this is a relatively straightforward process that can be undertaken by someone with just rudimental DIY skills. StoneCare4U block paving sealers are all solvent-free, so nasty smells and unpleasant chemicals are not an issue. As per any kind of DIY or home improvement project, preparation is always the key. With block paving, this means that the surface needs to be clean and dry with muck, weeds, green growth and dirty sand removed from the joints.

If the driveway or patio has been laid more than around 6 months ago, it will need some form of cleaning. This can normally be carried out with just a basic pressure washer, although if the block paving has been laid a number of years and has been neglected, some additional block paving cleaner as a pre-treatment before cleaning is advisable.

Once the cleaning process is complete, it is recommended to wait for around 7 days before applying the sealer for brick paving. This time period can be reduced slightly in the middle of summer when the water table is low but may be increased during more inclement periods. The reason why such a long drying out period is suggested is partly due to the ‘hidden bed’ of sand under the blocks. This ‘hidden bed’ of sand is shielded from the sun and wind and if the drive or patio also receives very little sunlight, can take many days to dry.

Sealer For Block Paving

On the day that you plan to apply the sealer for block paving, it is important that all the joints between the blocks are filled with kiln-dried sand. It is the sand between the joints that help stabilise the blocks and helps to inhibit weed growth. This type of sand is readily available from DIY shops and builders merchants at a relatively low cost. Simply spread the sand over the pavers and sweep it neatly into place with a medium broom.  If the sand is only applied on the same day as the sealer, this helps to ensure the sand is totally dry, enabling the sealer to penetrate and soak correctly into the joints. Once properly cured, the joints will set solid. This will help to restrict and inhibit the future growth of weeds and other organic matter.

The key to successfully sealing block paving is ensuring enough sealer is applied. If the product is applied too sparingly, it will not be able to soak deep enough into the sand or the paver and the key benefits of applying the sealer will be limited and relatively short-lived.  The method of application should be by sprayer or roller. Both techniques will be equally as successful, but a good quality sprayer can significantly reduce the amount of time required to apply the sealer.

Methods Of Application

If you decide roller is the best method for you, just remember to apply no pressure at all to the roller, simply let it glide over the surface of the pavers. Also, ensure there is plenty of sealer on the roller sleeve, this will help saturate the jointing sand and reduce the risk of ‘drawing’ sand from the joints onto the face of the paving. When using a sprayer to apply block paving sealer, apply enough product so that a temporary small ‘puddle’ forms in front of you. For example, this is a great indication that enough sealer is present to correctly ‘glue’ the joints. Within a couple of hours, a second lighter coat of brick paving sealer should be applied. As previously indicated, this second coat will create a secondary hard-wearing resin skin on the surface of the pavers. This will appreciably increase the lifespan and protection levels that the sealer can achieve.

Future Maintenance

Once your block paving is sealed and protected, the same as any external surface, it would benefit from some occasional basic maintenance. This will help not only increase the lifespan and aesthetic appeal that the sealer provides, but also help keep potential weed and green growth to a minimum.  This maintenance would be to simply sweep the joints clean of organic debris with a broom, maybe two or three times a year. Also, occasionally apply our green growth or algae cleaner by watering the can or sprayer to keep any potential growth at bay.

If you are prepared to invest a little time, money and effort, there is no reason why your block paving should prematurely age and look drab. With limited maintenance and a top-up coat of sealer every few years, you can keep your block paving weed and green growth free with its vibrant original colour retained.