sealing pavers

[Tom7227]

I have some pavers on a deck and recently saw about sealing them.  I did the google and found a number of different products.  Some seem to seal and others use a two step process and come up with a bit of a sheen.  Keeping the deck looking decent requires an annual power wash and a pretty extensive effort to clean the discoloration from dirt and dust.

 

Has anyone tried any of this?  What was your opinion and recommendation.   I assume I should put some of the poly sand back in place as it has disappeared over the years.  Again, ideas and recommendation.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

Tom

[Tom7227]

No one has any info to offer?

[nofishfisherman]

I assume you're talking about a brick paver patio?  Is your major issue the labor it takes to power wash the bricks each year?  Sounds like you're hoping to avoid that.

 

I've never sealed a brick patio but understand it can help prevent staining and mildew growth and generally extend the lifespan.  If you're looking simply to avoid the annual pressure washing I'd assume you'd still need to do that to keep them looking clean even after sealing.  I have a stamped concrete patio that is sealed and even though I make sure its swept off regularly I still need to power wash it once a year.  Its a night and day difference between the before and after.

 

If you do seal the brick make sure your brick has enough texture to prevent the sealer from making the bricks slippery.  If the sealer covers up the texture it can make things super slick when wet.  My patio was a death trap in the winter or anytime it was wet.  When I sealed it this spring I added a product called Gator Grip to the sealer.  Its basically super fine poly beads that add texture without being visible.  it didn't 100% fix the slippery problem but still made a big difference and now you at least stand a fighting chance to not fall on your butt.