How To Clean And Seal Your Interlock Like A Pro
Throughout the year, your interlocking pavers from Lanes Landscaping Supplies have been subjected to things like:
- Bleaching from the sun
- Oil stains
- Mud
- Leftover driveway and sidewalk salt residue
So chances are they arent looking quite as sharp as when you first laid them down.
Its inevitable that interlock or pavers will be exposed to wear and tear.
Fortunately as a homeowner, you can bring their original lustre and beauty back by cleaning and sealing them just like the pros.
Acids Can Be Great Cleaners
Often times when you inspect a paver patio prior to washing, youll notice stains. Leaves that have been left to lie on the patio can leave tannin stains. Iron furniture that sits on the patio will most likely leave rust stains. Any stains you find need to be removed prior to sealing pavers or they will be sealed in and become permanent, so now is the time to work on them. The simplest way to get the stains out is by using an acid cleaner. Conventional muriatic acid works well and its cheap, but it burns your skin and the vapors from it are terrible. Instead, I use a safer cleaner, such as MasonrySaver Safer Brick & Masonry Cleaner.
For severe stains, I simply pour a little cleaner at full strength on the stain and give it a few minutes to work before rinsing. If the whole patio is fairly dirty, dilute the cleaner 4:1 and, using a garden-type pump up sprayer, spray the entire surface with cleaner. Allow the cleaner to remain wet on the surface for 5 minutes or so, and then rinse using a power washer.
Here Are Some Tips For Sealing The Deal Yourself:
1 | Choose a high-quality sealer.
Many homeowners tackle this job and are very happy with the result.
Disappointment comes if the sealer begins to flake, peel or becomes discolored. For good results, it is very important to choose the right product and to read the directions carefully.
Rosie’s Recommendation: Techniseal, in the water based Natural Look Matte Finish gives the longest protection- up to 3 years and is available at . Avoid the gloss version as it can be maintenance intensive. Color Boost in matte finish would be an option as well.
2 | Find someone to help you.
Sealing your patio takes two one person to spray the sealer and the other to work it into the patios crevices and pores before it starts to dry.
3 | Cover up yourself and surrounding areas.
Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and long sleeves so the sealant doesnt get on your skin. Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask and wear glasses or goggles to protect yourself from harsh fumes and potential splashback. Cover plants, grills and appliances, too.
NOTE: We don’t recommend anyone who is pregnant or has health issues such as asthma, to do this job yourself.
4 | Secure the area.
You will want to keep people and pets from walking across the surface before it dries. Sealer can take several hours to dry completely. Foot or paw prints, especially if they are dirty, are not easily remedied and will leave a lasting impression.
5 | Prepare the surface.
6 | Apply the sealer with a bug sprayer.
Don’t Miss: Woodard Patio Furniture Vintage
Is Any One Paver Sealant Finish More Protective Than Another
There are basically two types of paver sealants: film-forming and non-film-forming . Film-forming sealants, such as Wet Look and Clear Look, offer the ultimate protection because they create a physical barrier on the paver surface. However non-film-forming sealants, Natural Look and Color Boost, still offer excellent protection and last a bit longer.
Should You Seal Natural Stone
Yes. It makes sense to use patio sealer or paving sealer on natural stone simply because the weather is going to damage its appearance. To avoid spoiling to look and to protect against stains and spillages, you should really invest in the best product on the market.
You can get away with not sealing natural stone, but then you risk your patio starting to look tired and worn long before its time. It may well vary from product to product.
Read Also: How To Remove Mildew From Outdoor Cushions
Ready To Start Your New Stone Patio Project
Here at Dutchies, were not just expertstone masonry contractorswere homeowners too! We understand all of thepain points that sometimes come with big home projects like patios. So, whileproducts like natural stone sealer can flash more dollar signs in your eyes, weonly recommend it because we know whats best for you and the projects we buildlong term.
From your initial consultation, through design, and all ofthe other phases of your project, our expertise is here to guide you. Dutchiesis ready to help you take your patio experience to the next level!
How To Remove Concrete Sealer From Floors
Before applying a new sealer, its very important that you make sure the old one is completely gone. This is because any old sealer left on the surface of your concrete can impede the effectiveness of the newly applied sealant, preventing proper adhesion to the concrete surface.
The removal of old concrete sealer can be done in one of two ways: mechanical or chemical. The mechanical way involves using some kind of tool to physically grind, sand, or blast away the sealer.
This method can be noisy and damaging to the concrete. There can be significant scratching or damage sustained during the process of mechanically removing sealer.
Read Also: Flagstone Joint Filler
My Recommendation For The Best High Gloss Sealer Is:
This acrylic high gloss sealer will give your stamped concrete a very shiny look.
This is a low maintenance sealer that is easy to re-coat.
You can also use this sealer for garage floors, concrete floors, pavers and concrete previously sealed with solvent based acrylic sealers.
You can apply this sealer by pump up sprayer or roll it on.
Use the Chapin Stainless Steel Sprayer to apply it with.
Will Sealing The Concrete Make It Slippery?
A penetrating sealer doesnt leave any kind of film on the surface, so it wont make your concrete any more slippery than before you sealed it other than the water beading up on the surface.
A topical sealer leaves a very thin film of sealer on the surface and could make it slightly slipperier when it gets wet.
If this is a concern, just add a non-slip additive to the sealer when you apply it to help make the surface less slippery.
These are the 3 basic types of topicalstamped concrete sealers
Acrylic film forming sealers are the easiest to apply. They can be used on interior or exterior stamped concrete.
Acrylic sealers provide good protection against water and chemical damage. They are UV resistant, non yellowing, fast drying, and come in high or low gloss levels.
Acrylics offer a softer surface and are usually the least expansive.
Urethane film forming sealers go on about twice as thick as the acrylic sealer and provides excellent protection against chemicals and abrasives.
See how I do it HERE.
Check Out 4 Easy Steps On How To Seal Concrete Patio By Yourself
As everyones most favorite spot, its always an important thing to maintain your patio to make it look adorable and feel comfortable all the time. Regular maintenance is obviously necessary for you as the homeowners to keep in mind.
As you may have noticed, pavers have become the most famous material when it comes to building a patio. Its because paver is considered a more practical option since you can build a gorgeous patio out of the material all by yourself. Moreover, they are also affordable that suit well for you who want to have a patio on a budget.
One of the most common maintenance steps that you have to do when you have a pavers patio is sealing. Although sealing is still a debatable process to maintain a pavers patio, its still considered a good way to keep the look and comfort of your outdoor space. Moreover, sealing is also quite easy maintenance that you can do all by yourself without costing you a lot.
There are two main reasons why sealing is always worth adding to your DIY project list first, it protects your pavers patio from its well-known enemy which is weed and it prevents the stain to damage the look of your patio.
To guide you to seal your beloved pavers patio, check the easy tutorial on how to seal concrete patio below.
Read Also: How To Secure Patio Doors
Apply A Second Coat Of Paving Sealant
You will now repeat the process but with 100 ml per metre squared, applying sealant to wet on wet within 15 minutes of the first coat being applied.
For best results, work back in the opposite direction to the first application for a balanced, even finish. Make sure that the formulation is applied evenly.
Handy Hint: If your application technique leaves puddles or patches, it is important to remove any surface residue. Doing so will avoid any sticky patches or hard to remove white marks drying on the surface.
This second coat acts as a surface protection.
Follow the instructions given on the product label regarding curing times for the second coat. This can vary considerably depending on whether you opt for a top coat sealer or an impregnating sealer.
Why Is It Important To Seal A Concrete Patio
There are a number of benefits that comes with sealing concrete patios. Firstly, water is the worst enemy of decorative concrete. If your concrete patio is not sealed well, it is likely to be vulnerable to moisture. Water from rains, melting snow, or the garden hose that you have used to wash the patio can get through the concrete surface and encourage the growth of moss and algae.
Sealing concrete patios can also help with stain protection. Patios are frequently exposed to a number of things like rust that can leave ugly-looking stains on the surface. These range from leaves and dirt, to fertilizers, pet urine, oil, or those occasionally spilled drinks. However, if you are using the right sealant, your patio will stay clean and these extraneous elements will not be able to penetrate the surface and leave an unsightly stain on the concrete.
Finally, concrete faces the risk of developing cracks because of the freeze-thaw damage that is common in colder climates. This means the concrete patio may crack and need filling because of the expansion of ice that has seeped into the gaps. The water that enters the gaps tends to expand when the water freezes. A sealer is helpful in such a case, since it will keep the water from sinking into the patio in the first place. The best way to check if your sealer is working properly is to check if there are water beads on the surface of the concrete. If water beads are not forming, it may be time for you to reseal your concrete patios.
Read Also: How Deep Should A Patio Sub Base Be
How Do You Waterproof A Concrete Patio
Film-forming sealer protects the concrete with a layer of acrylic, epoxy, or urethane on the surface. Step 2: Apply Waterproofer/Sealer to the Concrete Surface
Epoxy Or Polyurethane Sealers
The second type of concrete sealer costs considerably more than the acrylic variety. This, however, does not mean that it is superior in quality and performance. You will be able to observe a much denser layer but the concrete sealer tends to get slippery and may defeat the purpose if used for an outdoor area that has a lot of pedestrians or foot traffic. This variety also prevents the concrete from breathing moisture, which can turn into a problem as it may leave your concrete patios with a whitish residue which can be seen between the layer of concrete and the sealer that you have used on the surface.
Recommended Reading: How To Identify Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Do I Need To Seal My Concrete Patio
Even though concrete patios arent exposed to vehicle traffic or deicing salts, like concrete driveways are, they still take plenty of punishment. Backyard barbecues, outdoor campfires, heavy foot traffic, and unrelenting sunshine can cause patios to fade, discolor, and abrade if you leave them unprotected.
Find concrete patio contractors near me.
The reasons for sealing a concrete patio are similar to those for waxing a car, wearing sunscreen, or applying stain repellent to new carpeting. Its done to enhance the appearance, keep the color from fading due to sun exposure, and protect it from stains and moisture absorption.
If your patio is located in a region of the country subject to freeze-thaw cycles, applying sealer will reduce the chance of freeze-thaw damage – the ugly surface spalling and scaling that can occur after water is absorbed into concrete and expands when it freezes. Although concrete patios arent typically exposed to deicing salts, which can aggravate the problem, they are still porous and will absorb water if left unsealed.
Four Apply The Sealer
After you pick the sealer of your choice, you will be required to follow the instructions given by the product manufacturer. This will also help you determine what tools will be required for the process and how long you should wait for the sealer to dry. Reading the instructions make the job so much easier than figuring it all out on your own!
As a rule of thumb, try to start the process from one corner of the concrete patio and work backwards towards the other end of the surface. In some cases, you will need to add another coat of sealer. If that is the case, make sure that the first layer is given enough time at least overnight to dry.
If the temperatures are low outside, give the first layer another full day to dry thoroughly before putting on the second layer. Allow the second layer a full 48 hours to cure and finally clean it up with a garden hose. Once the process is complete, you will need to give it 10 days for the sealer to reach the ideal condition.
Read Also: Mold Concrete Patio
When Spring Came And All The Snow Was Melted We Went Outside To See How The Patio Looked To Our Horror The Stones Were Ruined
The nice patterns and colors that the stones had were all peeling off. Therefore we contacted the landscaper, and his immediate response was that we had bad stone. I never heard of such an expression. How can stones be bad? The landscaper never provided any further explanation of what bad stone was. He was supposed to come back and pull up the stones, so we can get them replaced, and then was going to lay a new patio for us .
To make a long story shorter, he never came back out. I ended up pulling all the stone up, and putting in a new patio all by myself. The landscaper told us that he filed a claim with his supplier and that we would get a full refund due to the sealer being no good. Do you have any experiences like this?
Can a sealer destroy the color and look of flagstone? Attached are a few pictures we took after we found the stones ruined. In some pictures you can even see that the landscaper did not do a good job cleaning off the stones before sealing them, since the polymeric sand is sealed on the stone in some areas.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experience in this area, and if you agree that our conclusions make sense. The sealer was no good and/or the landscaper did not properly clean off the sand before sealing the stone. Thanks!
Sealing flagstone is not recommended.
Pea Gravel Stamped Concrete Patio:
Whether you want to redo your old-designed patio or want to install a new one, it is one of the best stamped concrete design options. The project can be implemented easily. You can bring unique texture and more of an organic sensation to your patio with a pea gravel design. You can place a pair of chairs with cushions on one side of the patio to add on the extra beauty.
Don’t Miss: How To Build A Hip Roof Patio Cover
Is There A Prep Process Before Applying Paver Sealant
Even new pavers should be cleaned with Techniseal® Paver Prep prior to sealing. Not only will it clean the pavers, but it will open the pores on the surface to allow better penetration of the sealant. Older pavers will also benefit, as Paver Prep will remove any efflorescence that has accumulated. Any stains should be removed prior to applying Paver Prep, using the specific stain remover for the type of stain. For more information, read last weeks blog on paver stain removal.
How Often Should Paver Sealer Be Reapplied
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin. Keep in mind that in cases of a really heavy rain, even well-sealed pavers may darken for a couple of days until the water fully evaporates, which is not an indication of sealant failure.
You May Like: How To Replace Webbing On Patio Chairs
Find The Make And Model
Some patio door manufacturers engrave their logo on the door pull lock hardware, but others hide the branding and model information. If you cant find a manufacturer logo or model label, look along the door edges or jamb for a gold sticker from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association .
If you find the label, shoot a digital photo and go to aamanet.org and click on certified products directory to decipher the codes and get the brand and model information. If you cant locate the label, copy the numbers on the metal strip between the panes of glass. Then go to igcc.org to decipher the codes. If neither approach works, or the manufacturer no longer sells replacement weatherstrip seals, youll have to use off-the-shelf weather stripping and come up with a custom fix.
Next, measure the stationary and movable sections. Take a digital photo of the entire door, track and jamb. Then contact the manufacturers customer service/parts department to order replacement parts.