Interlocking pavers are one of the most popular choices for homeowners when it comes to outdoor landscaping, but without the proper care and attention, your pavers can go from “beautiful” to “blah” in just a few years. However, the experts at ISR Gardening know all about preserving your pavers. In this article, we’ll discuss how interlock sealing can keep your driveway, patio and more in pristine condition.
What Is Interlock Sealing?
Interlock sealing keeps your interlock paver stones on your patios, driveways and walkways protected and clean. During new installation or resealing, sand is used to fill any gaps in the paver joints, then a solvent-based and water-based sealant is applied over the entire interlock surface, forming a protective shield that guards against heavy foot traffic, spills and weather.
Why Is Interlock Sealing Important?
Sealing keeps your interlock look its best by defending against weed growth and stubborn stains. Using a polymeric filler in your paver joints will stop weeds from breaking through. Also, concrete paver stones are porous, meaning they easily absorb greasy spills. Whether you’ve just had new paver stones installed, or you’ve just power washed your patio, protective sealant will help your patio last longer and look amazing for years to come.
Should All of Your Interlock Be Sealed?
Should you seal the interlock? Yes, every time. If you have concrete paver stones, they will absorb grease stains if not sealed. Also, without sealant, the stones are exposed to harmful UV rays that can fade the colour of your paver stones.
When Is the Best Time for Interlock Sealing?
The first time to seal your interlocking stones is right after installation. The next time you seal depends on the condition of your pavers. It may take a few years to notice some wear and tear. However, a quick wash and resealing can make them look brand new and ensure that your interlock lasts for a long time.
How Often Should Interlock Sealing Be Done?
Most experts agree that interlock sealers should be redone every 3 to 5 years. Depending on the sealant you use, there are different signs that it’s time to reseal. With a film-forming sealant, you’ll notice the protective barrier physically wearing down. On the other hand, when non-film-forming sealants start to wear out, you’ll notice some bricks get much darker when it rains because a lack of sealant means the pavers can absorb water.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Interlock Sealing?
The pros of sealing your interlock include:
- Durability: Sealing your interlock creates a protective barrier from UV rays, weather elements, oil and grease stains, ensuring your interlock lasts longer.
- Easier maintenance: Sealed interlock is easier to clean than unsealed ones. For efficient cleaning of your sealed products, all you need is a strong mixture of soap and water, combined with a broom featuring medium-stiff bristles.
- Maintaining a fresh appearance: Sealers will enhance the natural hues of the pavers, making them more vibrant and fresh.
The cons of sealing your interlock include:
- Maintenance: Sealant needs to be reapplied every 3 to 5 years to maintain protection and appearance
- Cost: Different types of interlock sealers range in price, and often the premium options will cost more but have better durability.
How to Clean Interlock Bricks?
Here’s the simple DIY method for how to clean interlocking brick before applying new sealant:
- Hose down your paver stones to get rid of the dirt and debris, but first remove any patio furniture or other obstacles. Be thorough and generous using a power washer or simple garden hose.
- Mix household cleaning detergent in a bucket with water and mix until sudsy.
- Pour your cleaning mixture over the interlock and wait 20 minutes.
- Use a scrubbing brush with rough bristles to cleanse the area and get rid of any stubborn oil stains.
If stains still won’t come out, you can buy a more powerful concrete stain remover from your local hardware store.
Need Help with Interlock Sealing?
Interlock sealer is essential to protect your paver stones from stains and harmful UV rays, and it should be part of your interlock maintenance routine. The team at ISR Gardening can deliver premium services at affordable prices. We make landscaping an easy and stress-free experience for homeowners. Contact us now to get a free estimate and learn more about our highly recommended services across the GTA.
FAQs
Sealing your interlock prevents oil and grease from staining the pavers. Applying paver sealant makes stain removal easier and also acts as a protective barrier from different weather conditions.
Depending on the size of the interlock, the average cost can range from $40 to $200 for the sealant itself. Other factors involved are labour, power washing, additional cleaning products etc.
Interlock sealer can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to dry. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before walking or driving on a newly sealed interlock.
If the interlock sealer has not dried and it rains within 24 hours, the sealer can be washed away. Soon after, there can be cloudy spots or blotches of puddled-up sealant.
Sealing pavers is highly recommended to protect your landscaping investment. If you don’t seal pavers, it can be more prone to stains.
You need two coats of paver sealant for a long-lasting effect. Before applying the sealer, you need to pressure wash the interlock, refill the joints with sand and then apply the sealant.
Interlock sealing will not change the colour of your pavers but it will enhance the natural colours. Interlock sealers also provide protection against UV rays that often cause fading, ensuring your interlock maintains a fresh appearance.