Does paver sealing prevent weeds, moss, and algae?  That is a great question!  We would like to be clear about our services and ensure you that we wish to provide you with the best information possible regarding your pavers.

The sealant includes a polymer additive that soaks into the sand between the pavers turning the sand hard; similar to a mortar.  This creates an environment that makes it extremely difficult for weeds to germinate and grow.

Our goal is to minimally prevent 90% of future weed growth.  However, there can always be certain circumstances that can alter the efficiency of the sealed pavers.  There are also a few things that can be done after your pavers are sealed to allow for maximum weed and vegetation prevention in the future.  We feel that it is important for you to understand that our process and service is not a remedy for poorly installed pavers (uneven, sunk, misaligned, etc.).

The number one reason weeds, moss, and algae grow between the pavers is due to inadequate or faulty paver drainage mechanisms and/or little to no sun exposure.  The inadequate drainage can be caused by low or sunken areas, pavers that were improperly sloped during installation, patios that have stone walls around the perimeter (preventing water from draining appropriately), or even mounded landscape beds that also prevent effective water drainage.

When pavers are not draining properly, these areas remain damp (especially in shaded areas).  Airborne organic materials begin to stick to the damp surfaces including pavers and sand joints.  Over time, this promotes the growth of moss and algae.  Airborne seeds from weeds and grass also begin to adhere to the damp areas.  The airborne organic materials and seeds, within these damp areas, create the perfect conditions for germination.  The roots then begin to grow in the shallow layer of organic material.  We would be happy to address any drainage issues prior to sealing your pavers.  The best fix for damp pavers is proper drainage.

How can I minimize the risk of future weeds, moss, and algae growth within my paver joints?  Utilizing the following steps, you can have long term success with your sealed pavers.

• Keep the pavers clean of debris and airborne materials.  Use a leaf blower to clean off the pavers each time the lawn is mowed.  This is an easy yet crucial step to paver cleanliness.

• Every couple of weeks, thoroughly rinse the pavers using a garden hose and nozzle on the fan setting.  Chase the dirt and debris off the pavers into the lawn or landscaped beds.  This is very important to do after a heavy rain as well.  We do not recommend utilizing a pressure washer as it can damage the sand joints.

• If the pavers are poorly drained, damp, shaded or prone to weeds, moss, and algae growth, we recommend treating the pavers every couple of weeks with a diluted outdoor bleach solution (we recommend Clorox Outdoor Bleach which can be found at your local hardware stores).  Once you see weeds, moss or algae beginning to germinate, it is also a good idea to treat the area immediately.  The solution is 1 part bleach to 3 parts water.  Mix the solution in a pump style sprayer.  It is a good idea to spray down surrounding plants/grass with water prior to spraying the pavers with the solution.  This will make it more difficult for them to absorb any of the solution should it be airborne.  Spray the pavers with the bleach solution and let is sit on the pavers/sand joints for 15-30 minutes.  If new growth is visible, use a bristled brush to agitate the solution into the growth.  Once the 15-30 minutes has passed, use your garden hose to rinse the solution off the pavers.  Use plenty of water as it will dilute the bleach further eliminating the risk of harm to surrounding plants and grass.

We appreciate your business, and as always, we look forward to serving you in the future.  Utilizing the above steps will increase the effectiveness of your sealed pavers and ensure long term success.  We are more than willing to assist with these precautionary steps; please contact us for more information.