How To Seal Brick Pavers

Posted on: 12 May 2016

Brick pavers are a great option for use in your yard and can provide a unique aesthetic to walkways, driveways, or any other paved exterior surface. However, in order to ensure that they maintain their aesthetic and hold up to extended weather exposure, they should be sealed every few years, depending on wear. Thankfully, sealing brick pavers is a simple process that you can do yourself if you have the right tools and knowledge.

Preparation

You'll need

  • a paint roller
  • a paint brush
  • a stiff bristled brush
  • brick or masonry sealant
  • a bucket
  • mild detergent
  • a pressure washer
  • a broom
  • a bag of sand 

All of these items can be found at most hardware stores if you do not already have them at home.

Firstly, you'll have to clean off the surface of your brick pavers to ensure that the sealant can be properly applied. Use the pressure washer to clean off the entirety of the surface. For areas that the pressure washer cannot adequately clean, use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water and the stiff bristled brush. Alternatively to warm water and detergent, most hardware stores also sell specialized brick and masonry cleaner which can be highly effective.

Applying the Sealer

The sealant can be applied to the pavers using either a paint roller or a paint brush. The best course of action would be to use the paint brush for edge work and corners, while the paint roller can cover the larger, open areas. Start in a corner and work backwards so that you don't trap yourself, taking care to apply the sealant in a thin, even coat. A thin coat dries faster, and an even coat ensures that every paver has the same appearance once the sealant dries.

Allow the sealant to dry. The time this takes depends on the brand of sealant used, so check the container, but it is recommended that you wait at least a full day before walking on your brick pavers again.

Refilling the Sand

After the sealant has dried, you can apply sand between the cracks of the pavers. The sand helps keep the pavers from shifting and keeps them level, and the cleaning process can remove it. Simply pour sand onto the pavers and use a broom to sweep it into the cracks. It does not need to completely fill the cracks, though this does provide a unique aesthetic to your pavers.

For more tips on maintaining your brick pavers, contact a company that specializes in outdoor hardscapes.

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