What is deck and paver sealing?

Slippery patios, moldy paving stones, wobbly rocks–all of these issues can be avoided with proper deck and paver sealing. It’s a service we recommend to all of our clients with an established outdoor space, whether that’s a wooden deck, a stone patio, or a multi-use space built from a variety of materials.

But what does it mean to “seal” decks and pavers? Shouldn’t this be part of the installation process? And how often should you have this treatment completed?

We’ve got all the answers for you in this week’s blog!

What does it mean to “seal” my deck or pavers?

The concept of “sealing” refers to waterproofing or hardening the surface of your wood or stone outdoor space. We call this “sealing” because we’re sealing in the building material to keep everything else out. Think of it like laminating an important document: With a hard, protective layer on top, your deck or patio stays safe from stains, unwanted growths, damage, and more.

It’s important to note that sealing isn’t a perfect process: Obviously, if you drop a cinderblock on a sealed paver stone, there’s still a chance it’s going to crack. Sealing gives your outdoor investment a booth, increasing the longevity of that “just installed” look and acting as an extra layer of defense from minor damage and structural issues.

Do I HAVE to get my deck and pavers sealed?

Technically, no. You can leave your deck unsealed as long as you like. However, decks and patios that are left unsealed are more likely to develop eyesores and structural issues. Sealing helps keep seeds and dirt out of the spaces between your stones or wood slats. Not only does this prevent growths like weeds, mold, and mildew, but it also helps keep out moisture from rain (or from your pool, if you’ve got one!).

Too much moisture in your pavers can lead to structural integrity issues, like crumbling or wobbly pavers. Similarly, too much moisture makes the spaces between, around, and under your pavers an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can make your deck extremely slippery with even the slightest bit of added moisture.

How often should I seal my deck or patio?

We generally recommend this service about once a year. However, living in such a humid area like North Florida means that certain growths (mold and mildew, we’re looking at you!) have an easier time causing damage to your outdoor space. Your patio might need different treatments than your neighbor’s deck.

The best way to keep a paver seal lasting as long as possible is to commit to regular outdoor maintenance, particularly pressure washing. A top-quality sealing treatment will help keep out moisture and minor damage, while regular pressure washing will remove the detritus that builds up on top of the seal. This is the best of both worlds! The more often you pressure wash, the less you’ll have to re-seal your outdoor space.

When it comes down to it, sealing your outdoor spaces is the best way to keep them protected from moisture, dirt, damage, and more — and it’s also the best way to keep your investment looking as shiny and new as the day it was installed. If your outdoor space is looking a little scummy, give us a yell at (904) 747-4DPW (4379). We’ll head right over for a custom inspection to determine if it’s time to seal your pavers — and then we’ll get to work!

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