Block paved drives are very popular in both residential properties and commercial areas. They can look great when they are first laid, but they soon attract weeds and dirt. Many people are asking the question- should i ‘seal’ my block paving?
Sealing is usually done with a solvent based acrylic resin.
The purpose of the sealing is to :
1. Protect and preserve the concrete blocks
2. Bond and strengthen the jointing sand
3. Deter weed growth and create a surface that is easy to maintain
Compared to simply cleaning a drive , it costs more financially to seal it. The cost of the sealant alone can be expensive , plus then there’s adding in labour costs when using professional contractors. As always, this should be taken into consideration.
But , the final results after cleaning and sealing a block paved drive can be fantastic. The whole surface, including the once sandy , muddy , weed filled joints , will now have a protective coat , binding it all together and strengthening the overall integrity of the drive.
The concrete blocks are then no longer porous which means pollutants such as leaking engine oil can not penetrate and stain. Algae growth can be much easier to deal with. A light pressure wash will now wash away dirt without upsetting the joints. Even a simple sweep with a broom is now much more of an effective job.
There are optional finishes , below shows the satin or ‘ wet look ‘ sealant
The most important part of the sealing process is actually the preparation and cleaning.
The concrete pavers need to be thoroughly pressure washed and treated with a chemical to kill and remove any organic growth such as lichens and algae. Oil and rust stains should also be removed.
The joints (originally sand- now probably mud ) should be cleared out with the pressure washer- But without removing the base sand underneath the block.
Once clean then the drive will need to be left to dry out for approximately 48 hrs as any moisture will spoil the sealing process.
Then the jointing sand can be replaced and the sealant applied. This must be done on a dry day.
Should I ‘seal’ my block paving? YES !
PureGem surface clean are approved Smartseal applicators and are happy to provide you with a quote
