Things to Consider Before Sealing Denver Pavers

Are your pavers sealed? Sealing can help protect your Denver pavers against the harmful effects of erosion, weeds, mold and mildew, and other environmental elements. But, before you schedule a sealing with a hardscaping professional, make sure you keep these things in mind:

Take a look at the forecast.
Unfortunately, you cannot seal your pavers in certain weather conditions, so it’s important to plan ahead and check the forecast before you start this project. Ideally, sealer should be applied when it is between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and it absolutely cannot be applied if there is rain coming. Sealer usually takes around 24 hours to completely dry, and during this time it cannot get wet. So, make sure you look at the forecast while scheduling a sealing appointment with your hardscaping professional and choose a day with a very low chance of rain.

Wait after installation.
Many people are under the impression their pavers should be sealed immediately following the installation, but that’s not the case. In fact, you have to wait at least 28 days to seal your pavers after they have been initially installed. Waiting four weeks to apply a sealer ensures the sand in between the pavers is completely settled and dry.

Talk to the hardscaping professional.
Ask the paver company you work with whether you should do anything to prep your pavers prior to the sealing. Some pavers will need to be power washed and swept the day before they are sealed. This will get dirt and debris off of the surface so it’s not sealed into place. You may also want to remove any weeds that have sprung up between your pavers over the last 28 days. But, don’t do anything to your pavers without asking the hardscaping professional.

Choose a sealant.
You will also need to think about how you want your pavers to look once the sealant has been applied. Like paint, sealant comes in a variety of finishes, from matte to glossy. Do you want a shiny finish that makes your pavers appear wet? Then go for a glossy sealant. If you want something with absolutely no shine, then matte would be the best choice. But, if you prefer something in the middle of these two extremes, ask for a semi-gloss finish.

Be sure to also talk to the hardscaping professional about how each sealant will affect the color of your pavers. Some sealants will make your pavers appear darker than they look when they are first installed. It’s important to understand this prior to applying a sealant so you are happy with the final result.

Are you still wondering why you need to seal your pavers? Answer the question Should I use a paver sealer? here. But, if you’re ready to get the job done, turn to the experts! Call AMK Hardscapes, the premier interlocking paving stone installer in Denver, for help finding the perfect, on-trend pavers that will complement your home. Contact us today to get started on your property’s transformation!