As a homeowner, should you invest in driveway paver cleaning and sealing? This is a fair question, as property owners don’t want to pay for unnecessary services around their house. On the other hand, paver sealing is often an excellent investment for any outdoor space!
To help you make the right decision, consider some pros and cons of driveway paver cleaning and sealing. You can then discuss this service and your property with a power washing and paver sealing professional near you.
Is Driveway Paver Cleaning and Sealing a Good Idea?
First, consider some benefits of driveway paver cleaning and sealing, to help you decide if it’s a good investment.
- Concrete, brick, and other materials are often very porous. In turn, they tend to absorb stain-producing materials quickly. Sealants help block those materials, preventing stains and keeping pavers looking their best.
- Along with stain-producing materials, pavers tend to absorb moisture. That moisture softens concrete and brick, weakening those materials and risking cracking. Also, that moisture freezes as it expands, which can also mean premature cracking.
- Pavers tend to fade over time, due to sun and weather exposure. Regular driveway paver cleaning and sealing helps prevent or delay fading. Consequently, your pavers look new for far longer when you invest in regular sealing.
- Chemicals in pavers help stop mold, mildew, and weed growth around and between pavers. Not only will pavers look better but this can also mean less work cleaning and weed pulling!
- Mold, mildew, and other growth around pavers often creates a slick surface underfoot. In turn, sealing can even mean a safer walking surface around your property.
- As with similar materials, pavers might erode or suffer etching and scratching over time. That layer of sealant helps prevent erosion, also keeping pavers looking their best.
The Downside of Sealing Pavers
There aren’t many drawbacks or disadvantages to driveway paver cleaning and sealing. However, you might note its cost when deciding on this service. Most homeowners pay several hundred dollars for pressure washing and sealing services.
Also, chemicals in paver sealers are sometimes dangerous to nearby lawn and landscaping features. If you’re concerned about your lawn, ask your cleaning professional about biodegradable materials. Some manufacturers use eco-friendly chemicals in their processes, making them safer for outdoor greenery.
Additionally, some sealants create a slick surface when wet. This is a vital consideration for pavers around pool decks and in tropical areas. Above all, you need to reapply sealant every 3 to 5 years! In turn, it’s vital that you budget for new driveway paver cleaning and sealing as needed.
How Long Does Sealing Pavers Last?
Paver sealing usually lasts between 3 to 5 years, as said. After that time, the sealant tends to break down and degrade. It can then leave a thin film or residue on pavers. Also, sealant loses its effectiveness as it breaks down.
While most homeowners find that they need to have sealant reapplied after 5 years or so, some suffer premature wear. For instance, harsh sunlight and extreme weather conditions might cause sealant to break down sooner than it should. Additionally, heavy foot traffic or vehicles can damage sealant prematurely.
Above all, remember that low-quality products almost always degrade or break down sooner than their higher-quality counterparts. Consequently, you might assume you’re saving money by buying cheap materials and applying sealant yourself. However, you might end up paying more for new sealant over time!
Do’s & Don’ts of Pressure Washing Sealed Pavers
While pressure washing keeps sealed pavers clean, note that this is not a DIY job! One reason to avoid trying to power wash pavers yourself is that it’s easy to etch their surfaces. Two, using the wrong tools and techniques can mean leaving behind a sticky residue after cleaning.
Check out some added information on keeping pavers clean and in good condition. First, note that power washing offers lots of benefits for pavers, concrete, and other outdoor materials. Built-up dirt, oil, lawn care chemicals, and other residues fade and damage those materials. Also, sand and other slick debris creates an unsafe surface under foot.
Regular cleaning removes those damaging debris. Above all, power washing keeps pavers and other materials looking their best, improving curb appeal. Additionally, pressure washing removes pollen, dust, air pollution residues, and other irritants. In turn, you’ll breathe easier when you invest in power washing!
On the other hand, DIY pressure washing risks damage to pavers, concrete, and other materials. It’s easy to scratch and etch those materials, especially soft brick and clay. Also, power washing can kick up lots of messy splatter, leaving behind more dirt than when you started.
To avoid these risks, invest in a professional for needed power cleaning and sealing. Their services ensure a thorough pressure washing job without damage. Your property will then look its best for many years to come!