According to the National Association of Home Builders, 68% of homebuyers rank patios among their most-wanted outdoor features. If you’ve invested in pavers for your patio, driveway, or walkways, spring is the right time to assess whether they need some attention before the busy outdoor season kicks in.
Here’s how to tell if your pavers are due for sealing.
They’ve Lost Their Color
Fresh pavers have a rich, consistent color. Over time, sun exposure and weather fade that color, leaving surfaces looking washed out or uneven. If your pavers look noticeably duller than they did a year or two ago, that’s a sign the protective layer has worn down. A fresh seal restores that original look and provides a barrier against future UV damage. This is one of the most noticeable improvements you can make without replacing anything.
Water Is Absorbing Instead of Beading
Healthy sealed pavers repel water, and you’ll see droplets bead up on the surface. If the pavers are dry, you can do a quick test. Splash a small amount of water on your pavers. If it beads up and runs off, the sealant is still doing its job. If water absorbs into the surface, the protective layer is gone. Unsealed pavers are more vulnerable to staining, moss growth, and freeze-thaw damage. The test takes about a minute and tells you a lot.
Weeds and Moss Are Taking Hold
Weeds sprouting up between your pavers are a sign that joint sand has eroded and the surface has become hospitable to growth. Left alone, weeds can work their roots deep enough to shift and crack individual pavers over time. Our post on whether you should seal your pavers breaks down why this happens and what sealing actually prevents.
The Surface Looks Rough or Pitted
Pavers in the Ozarks take a beating through winter. Freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing salt, and repeated moisture exposure can pit and roughen the surface over time. If the texture has changed or you notice surface erosion, your pavers need to be professionally cleaned and resealed before the damage compounds.
You Can’t Remember the Last Time They Were Sealed
Paver sealant typically holds up for two to three years under normal conditions. If you can’t recall when your pavers were last sealed, or it’s been more than three years, it’s time. The longer you wait, the more work is required to restore them to good condition.
Stains That Won’t Come Out
Oil, rust, and organic stains are much harder to remove from unsealed pavers because there’s nothing stopping them from penetrating the surface. Cleaning is always the first step before resealing. If you seal over existing stains, you’ll lock them in permanently.
Spring Is the Right Time to Act
Mild spring temperatures in the Ozarks create ideal conditions for paver sealing. The process requires moderate, dry weather for the sealant to cure properly, and spring delivers exactly that before summer heat and humidity arrive. As we covered in our post on money-saving benefits of professional pressure washing, staying ahead of maintenance is almost always cheaper than repairing damage that’s been allowed to build up.
If your pavers are showing any of these signs, contact Patriot Exteriors today to schedule professional paver cleaning and sealing for your home in Branson, Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, or anywhere else in the Ozarks.
