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April 18, 2006
The Secrets to Pavers Sealing by a Professional Installer
Mike Johnson of www.CurbsandConcrete.com gives professional advice about pavers sealing.
Orlando, Fl (PRWEB) April 18, 2006 -- Most pavers are manufactured with porous materials meaning that everything from water to oils can and likely will be absorbed into pavers. While simple absorption may not affect the comprehensive strength of pavers the lack of a properly applied sealer can make a significant difference to the installed pavers overall structural integrity and often leads to an unsightly appearances and discolorations. When properly applied sealer will seal pavers surface areas and saturate between the pavers over a fine sand (see steps 3,4,5).making a very effective seal and in effect acting as an adhesive that binds the pavers together with the sand. This also makes it extremely difficult for weeds to grow between pavers and makes it very easy to clean pavers simply with a garden hose.
My recommended method to install sealer varies according to the pavers composition type however I will address concrete pavers for now.
1. First make sure the surface areas of the pavers are properly cleaned. I have had great results with a 3500 PSI.pressure washer using a 25-degree tip. When necessary I will also use a degreaser.
2. After pressure washing, the pavers surface must be allowed to completely dry.
3. Next, over the completely dry pavers spread a surface layer of fine sand approximately 1/4 inch in depth using a gauge rake.
4.Use a nylon push broom to work the sand between the pavers. (I have found that a surface area of thick pavers measuring 20 X 20 will require approximately 350 pounds of fine sand for proper coverage). Make sure you continue to work the sand between the pavers until the area between the pavers spacers is completely filled in and no more sand can fit between the pavers. Next, using a nylon push broom, remove any excess sand to a depth of approximately 1/8th inch lower than the maximum surface height of the pavers surface.
5. I have found that a weed blower set on low speed can be very helpful in removing excess sand.
6. Check with the pavers sealer manufacturer install specification for recommended pavers surface temperature. I have found the best results are those applications installed at approximately 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Apply the sealer from a 5-gallon plastic bucket with an open top, use a 3/4 inch nap roller and an extension handle. Saturate the roller and roll-push the sealer gently into sanded areas starting with the corner furthest from the completion point. Make sure to gently saturate sealer between the pavers as you are sealing the pavers surface areas. After completing the surface application make sure to follow the manufacturer recommended cure (drying time) before allow any foot or driving traffic.
Make sure to wear the manufacturers suggested mask/filters when applying sealer and follow all safety instructions.
TIPS: I have found that a xylene based sealer works very well on gray and white cement based pavers.
What to watch out for. Make sure that any sprinklers or water than can get on the pavers are off for 24 hours following sealer installation/application. Any water or rain can quickly turn your sealer application into a disaster so make sure of the weather and sprinklers before you apply sealer.
Next months secret: How to rough and finish grade a sub-base.
Mike Johnson is owner operator of www.CurbsandConcrete.com
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at April 18, 2006 03:56 AM