How to Keep Pavers from Fading
Are you thinking about installing pavers at your home, or did you recently have it done? Did you purchase a new home that has a beautifully paved driveway or patio area? If so, you will want to protect your concrete pavers by sealing them. Sealing pavers keeps them from fading and also protects them from weather and other outdoor elements.
Installing pavers is a wonderful way to enhance the value of your house! Pavers on your driveway, walkway, steps, or patio bring a sophisticated look to the exterior of your property. But after you have invested your money and time to create the perfect paver design, how do you protect your investment? Concrete pavers can fade over time, so it is important to know how to keep pavers from fading.
Concrete pavers are made of cement, and they are molded into various shapes. Concrete pavers are less expensive than other materials and are available in various colors. Also, concrete pavers are easy to install. All in all, concrete pavers are widely used due to the many benefits. One drawback for homeowners is that concrete pavers have a tendency to fade over time. It is important to keep pavers from fading, and thus protecting your investment.
Why do concrete pavers fade?
When concrete pavers are made, they are dyed to be the desired color. This allows for many diverse color choices when you design your paved area. It is important to remember; however, it is not the pavers’ natural color. The dye fades over time. Pavers that have been dyed with a darker pigment are more likely to fade. Often the faded paver resembles the concrete’s natural color. This is especially true in areas of intense sun exposure like Florida. Unfortunately, once a paver has faded and the pigment is gone, it is impossible to restore the paver to its original shade. At this time, pavers need to be replaced if the homeowner wishes to reobtain to the original color.
How can I keep pavers from fading?
Applying a quality protective sealant to your pavers will promote the pavers’ longevity and durability. Many people enjoy the aesthetic benefit of sealed pavers as well. A sealer protects the pavers by blocking the effects of sun, water, and other contaminants found in the air. Sealed pavers have a barrier on the surface, which has a glossy appearance.
How frequently should I seal my pavers?
Sealing pavers near the time of installation is a smart move to prevent fading. However, sealing your pavers once in their lifetime is not enough. A general rule of thumb is to seal your pavers every 3-5 years. In Florida, where the sun is intense, applying a sealant closer to every 3 years will greatly maintain the rich color of your paved area.
What types of sealants are available to keep pavers from fading?
There are primarily two types of paver sealants available. The first is a film-forming substance. This type is either glossy or semi-glossy. This type of sealant offers the most protection because they create a strong barrier on the surface of your pavers. The second type of sealant for your concrete pavers is a non-film-forming seal. This sealant penetrates the paver itself but does not alter the overall look or color of the paver. This sealant still offers great protection and can last a little longer than its film-forming cousin.
Will sealing my pavers make them slippery?
Concrete brick pavers have enough porous texture to them that the sealant doesn’t form a solid, slippery film over the paver’s surface. Yes, sealed pavers will have an overall glossier look than unsealed pavers, but it will not be a safety concern when walking on them.
How much will it cost to have my pavers professionally sealed?
Sealing pavers is a service offered by many professional paver companies. Having a professional perform this job is highly recommended. After all, you have invested significant money into the actual pavers and the install. Why not allow a professional to complete the work by applying the sealant? Professionals typically will need to come to your home to review the area to provide a more accurate estimate. Many companies charge per square foot when estimating the cost to seal your paved area.
Are there additional benefits from sealing?
Sealing pavers indeed helps protect them from the sun, but there are other benefits as well to sealing your pavers. Think of your newly paved driveway. What if your car (or a visitor’s car) has an oil leak? What if you spill another substance that stains your pavers? Remember, pavers are porous, and they can absorb the color of different substances. If you have sealed your pavers, a quick douse with water or pressure washing should remove unwanted liquid from penetrating them. Sealing your pavers also helps reduce movement and keeps the sand that is packed in between the pavers in place. The sand can be affected by weather (wind and rain) and the bugs that live outside. Again, applying a protective seal to your concrete pavers has several benefits in addition to protecting your pavers from sun damage.
Unique Pavers Design specializes in creating beautiful and unique pavers for outdoor spaces. We offer pavers in many different materials to create the perfect look for your needs and style. To get inspired with a unique paver design for your space or to learn more information about our company, contact us here or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram! We would be happy to install your pool deck, driveway, fire pit, patio, and more!