A Closer Look at Paver Cleaning and Sealing With Open Sea Pressure Washing
Do you want to learn more about paver cleaning and sealing? If so, you are in the right place! We are Open Sea Pressure Washing, and restoring exterior surfaces with the power of pressurized water is our specialty. In addition to this, we provide paver sealing services, so we are experienced with both halves of this work. As a result, we have a full understanding of the entire process, and we want to share our knowledge of these procedures with you!
Let us review the paver cleaning and sealing together—from gathering the necessary equipment to admiring the final results. That way, you can decide whether you are cut out for this work. If you decide to DIY, that’s great! If not, no worries, because the professionals at Open Sea Pressure Washing are here to help no matter where you are in the Jacksonville, FL community.
Always Pressure Wash Pavers Before Sealing Them
Can you seal pavers without pressure washing them? The short answer is that we can’t recommend it. There are a variety of reasons for this. For one, if you seal unwashed pavers, all dirt and debris will be encased by a transparent barrier. This means that your pavers will not only be dirty, but they will also stay that way for a long, long time. Additionally, the presence of debris on pavers will interfere with the sealing process itself. It will prevent liquid sealer from forming an even layer, meaning that it will crack, flake, and peel more easily.
We can’t stress it enough—pressure washing before paver sealing is so helpful that it might as well be required. Don’t go without it! It pays off in dividends down the road.
How to Pressure Wash Pavers
So we’ve established that you should pressure wash pavers before sealing them. The question is, how do you pressure wash pavers? First things first, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment for the job. This includes a pressure washer (to pressurize the water), an attaching hose and hose tip (to channel the water towards the pavers), and safety gear (including protective eyewear, closed-toe shoes, and full-length pants).
After acquiring all the necessary equipment, you will need to determine how much water pressure is appropriate for your project. Pavers are made of varying materials, so consult the following list to figure out what’s best for your project.
- Natural Stone Pavers (up to 1,000 PSI)
- Brick Pavers (1,000–1,500 PSI)
- Concrete Pavers (1,600–2,000 PSI)
Finally, after adjusting your pressure washer’s settings accordingly, you can begin to clean the pavers. Generally, when pressure washing surfaces, you want to be at least two feet away from them. The closer the hose is to the surfaces, the stronger the jets of water will be. Keep this in mind as you remove dirt, mud, moss, mold, and algae from pavers. Work in a row-by-row fashion until all pavers have been completely restored.
Preparing For Paver Sealing
After pavers have been pressure washed, the coast is clear for paver sealing. All you need to do now is make the correct preparations. The first and most important step is giving the pavers time to dry. If pavers are still wet, and you attempt to seal them, the moisture will negatively interfere with the process. We recommend waiting at least two days after pressure washing before moving on to paver sealing.
Are your pavers dry? Great! For the paver sealing process, you will need sealer, which is typically sold in buckets in a similar fashion to paint. Speaking of which, you will also need brushes, such as standard brushes and rollers, to apply the sealer to pavers. Finally, you will want drop cloths or tarps to protect any nearby surfaces or landscape features from being accidentally dripped or splattered with sealer.
How to Seal Pavers
First, find the pavers that need to be sealed; then, place drop cloths or tarps on the surrounding surfaces to protect them. Then, open the bucket of sealer, stir it, and pour a moderate amount into a paint tin. At this point, you can wet your brush and begin applying a thin layer of sealer to the pavers. Ensure an even covering for the best results. Uneven application can result in sealer flaking or peeling sooner rather than later.
After sealer has been applied to pavers, simply give it a day or two to dry. During this time, it will harden into a transparent barrier that protects pavers from harm. Once the sealer has dried completely, it will be safe to use the surface again.
Benefits of Paver Sealing
Paver sealing is a worthwhile investment because it protects pavers from unnecessary harm. If pavers are not sealed, they will be fully exposed to the outside world, and this invites various forms of damage. For example, pedestrians, vehicles, and even surface debris can cause friction that erodes pavers over time. This erosion will cause more noticeable damage the longer it occurs. A similar effect is true of moisture damage. Rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation leave pavers damp, and when they are damp, they deteriorate more quickly. Paving slows down this process considerably.
By preventing damage with paver sealing, property owners can even save money in the long run. This is because it isn’t cheap to repair property damage. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Avoid the frustration—and price tag—of paver repairs by making sure they never become necessary!
Professional Paver Cleaning and Sealing With Open Sea Pressure Washing
If the process of paver cleaning and sealing seems too overwhelming for you, don’t give up hope. You can still enjoy the benefits of this process by scheduling an appointment with Open Sea Pressure Washing. We specialize in pressure washing and paver sealing, so we’re ready to give your pavers the royal treatment.
To request a free cost estimate, contact us online with information about your project. That way, you can decide if Open Sea Pressure Washing is the right choice for you. We are excited to hear from you in the near future.
