We get a lot of questions regarding the rejuvenation and sealing process so we thought it would be a great idea to try and answer most of them right here.
1. How long does it last?
The short answer, three to five years. Sealed pavers require minimal maintenence in our desert climate. Rain and sitting water is our number one enemy and we do not get much rain here. Our water is quite hard as well, so when you hose off your pavers its best to use a leaf blower to remove the excess water. Yes we know its an extra step, but what often happens is the water sits, and turns white due to our high solids content. Left unattended, it can be difficult to power wash off. Most homes have drip lines to potted planters and those leave the most damage. Try to regulate the water flow to avoid overflow and contamination to pavers and concrete. Don't be afraid to use a soapy brush once in a while to contain our fine dust and keep that rich look. You may also power wash your pavers once in a while to also get rid of that dust that settles and seems to never go away. So, with proper maintenence, they can last upwards to 5 years. It says three years on the product bucket, but the product is made in Florida and can handle some 150 plus days of rain per year.
2. What happens after 3-5 years?
In most cases we may need to power wash thoroughly and add new sand. Sometimes that is all that is needed. However if color looks faded, we can spay a nice thin coat of sealer to regain the color and add another 3- 5 years. Our water-based sealer can be layered for the rest of the life of the pavers.
3. Oil stains and tire marks on unsealed pavers, what can I do?
We use top quality oil and stain extractors and pre-treat the areas prior to power washing, which will remove the dirt, but not all of the oil, as it takes many treatment to extract the oil over time and is not cost effective. Oil left unattended for weeks will never fully come out of the untreated pavers, however after sealed, the discoloration will tend to blend and visually fade away. It is importatnt to seal right away. After the area is properly sealed, oil and tire marks will be less likely to penetrate the sealer. In most cases, a simple soap like dawn will wash the spill right up. You may have to use a scrub brush as well, but rest assured, your pavers will be sealed and block the oil and tire marks from penetrating through the surface but not forever, as oil is a solvent and will eat through the sealer if left totally unattended. We like to consider sealing as a way to slow down the process of contamination, and let owners have a strong chance to keep the pavers from getting discolored.
4. How much sand do you use?
We use a water wash in method to apply sand into the joints of the pavers, thus sending the sand deep into the joints and "locking" them in to stabalize the joints. Typically we try to get enough sand to reach 1/8" to 1/4" from the surface. Our intense prevailing winds love to knock the sand out almost daily. So, if the sand resides below the surface line, it is more likely to last. During the sealing process, the sealer falls into the joints, thus locking them in.
5. How many coats of sealer do you use, and can i get more if I want?
We start with a heavy "flood" coat to close off the capilaries and pores of the surface and the sealer penetrates deep into the surface. After it soaks in, (which takes only a few minutes), we spray several lighter coats to get a nice even wet look over the field. We continue this process until the colors look even. There is a point when there can be too much sealer. When this occurs, you will see shiney spots on the surface, where the sealer pools up and remains shiney. We stop prior to this point, which answers the question of, can we add more if we like. Yes you can, over and above the factory recommended totals, but realize that once we reach even color, its usually best to stop.
6. What shoud I do before you are scheduled to work?
We ask that you remove your furniture and personal items away from the area we are cleaning and sealing. Also it is important to pull your vehicles out of the garage if you require access to them after the sealing process is applied. Items with rubber feet or botoms should not be placed back for at least 48 hours to avoid marking. Vehicles should reamin off for 48 hours as well, and avoid sharp turns or burn outs or abrubt braking so not to embed rubber into the sealer. You can typically walk on the area 4 or so hours after the sealer is applied. Just check to see if it is still sticky, as it takes time to cure.
7. Summer or Winter is here, theres no way you can work, right?
Quite the contrary, we can work in Las Vegas almost year round. The pavers can be sealed when wet, so we cool them off in the summer. The cure times do speed up, which is great so you can get back to normal life quicker. In the winter times, the sealer takes much longer to cure but will cure. We like the temperature to be above 50 degrees for faster cure times but we do not close down during the winter season. So, there is no down time for us at Paver Sealing Vegas unless it is snowing!
8. Can you add a walkway or pour a patio for us?
Sorry, we ONLY power wash and seal existing pavers and concrete. On occasion we can do simple repairs, like lift a sunken paver or re-align a few pavers that may have shifted. But anything larger, we have amazing associates who specialize in proper installation of pavers and concrete repairs.
9. What other services do you offer?
We offer some paver-related options, like removing old sealers, staining pavers and concrete with translucent stains to add color to dull areas, for HOA compliance, and some touch up projects added to your bid.
Feel free to contact us anytime with any questions or concerns. (702) 701-0388 or Paver Sealing Vegas