When it comes to outdoor hardscaping, pavers are a popular choice for homeowners. Pavers are attractive and durable, making them a great option for patios, walkways, and driveways. But like any other outdoor feature, pavers need to be properly maintained to keep them looking their best. One of the most important steps in paver maintenance is sealing the pavers. But what happens if you don’t seal your pavers? Let’s look at some of the consequences of not sealing your pavers.
Weathering and Fading
One of the main reasons to seal your pavers is to protect them from the elements. Without a sealant, your pavers will be exposed to wind, rain, snow, and sun. Over time, this exposure can cause the color of your pavers to fade and the surface to become dull and weathered. Sealing your pavers will help protect them from UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause fading over time.
Staining
Another consequence of not sealing your pavers is staining. Without a protective layer on top of your pavers, they will be more susceptible to staining from dirt, oil spills, food spills, and other substances that can leave behind unsightly marks on the surface of your pavers. Sealing your pavers will create an impermeable barrier that will help protect them from staining agents like oil and dirt.
Weed Growth
Unsealed pavers can also lead to weed growth between the cracks in the surface. Without a protective layer on top of your pavers, weeds can easily take root in between them and start growing outwards. Sealing your pavers will help prevent weeds from taking root in between them by creating an impermeable barrier that won’t allow water or nutrients through for weed growth.
Mold Growth
Finally, unsealed pavers can also lead to mold growth on their surface due to moisture buildup over time. Mold spores need moisture in order to grow and thrive; without a protective layer on top of your pavers they are more likely to retain moisture which can lead to mold growth over time. Sealing your pavers will help prevent moisture buildup by creating an impermeable barrier that won’t allow water or nutrients through for mold growth.
In conclusion
Sealing your outdoor hardscaping is an important step in maintaining its appearance and longevity over time; without it you may be left with faded colors, stained surfaces, weed growth between cracks in the surface, or even mold growth due to moisture buildup over time. So if you want to keep your outdoor hardscaping looking its best for years to come make sure you seal it!