Block paving sealer is a product designed to protect and preserve driveways or other surfaces made from paving blocks. Surfaces constructed from interlocking blocks of brick, cement, or other natural stone products are susceptible to damage, whether from natural elements or from everyday wear and tear. To seal block paving, a combination of resins and either polyurethane or water bases are sprayed on top of block-paved areas, creating a protective barrier over the paving materials. Protective block paving sealers generally keep outdoor driveways, walkways, or patios looking and performing better for a longer period than untreated surfaces.
There are several types of materials that are likely to benefit from being treated with a block paving sealer. Surfaces constructed from bricks, interlocking slabs or pavers made from cement, or driveway pavers made from other varietes of stone are all good candidates. Outdoor wooden surfaces like decks or open porches benefit more from products made specifically for use on wood, and are not necessarily good matches for block paving sealers. Similarly, paved surfaces should typically be treated with sealants designed specifically for asphalt.
If a surface is indeed a good match for treatment with a block paving sealer, there are many benefits to be gained from its application. Sealing a block paved surface protects the paving materials from stains, which can result from leaky cars, residue from road salts, paint spills, food stains, or a multitude of other day-to-day mishaps. Keeping the block paved surfaces in a yard clean and free from stains creates a neat, well-kept, and attractive appearance.
Other aesthetic benefits of applying a block paving sealer are maintaining joint filling and deterring weeds from growing in the cracks between the pavers. Stone, brick, and cement pavers are usually separated by joint filling, which is the material that holds the individual pavers together to form a solid surface. Exposure to rain, snow, wind and other elements can cause the joint filling to erode, which not only decreases the quality of the surface, but also makes those cracks susceptible to weed and grass growth. Applying a block paving sealer can prevent loss of joint filling by sealing it in place, and keep unwanted foliage from sprouting through the subsequent cracks.
While most block paving sealers are clear, they are available in a couple of basic finishes to suit the different desires of customers. Glossy finishes are high shine and give a smoother, more polished look to the block pavers. In contrast, matte finishes are also available, and result in a more natural look while still offering protection.
Regardless of the finish, block paving sealer can be applied either by a homeowner or professional using a sprayer device. The liquid sealer is pumped through a hose that dispenses it in a thin, even layer over the surface. When the sealer is dry, the paving underneath will be protected and preserved.