How to Seal Block Paving Driveways
While block paving is already a strong and sturdy choice for the front of your home, did you know that you can make your driveway even more durable with one simple addition?
That’s right, by adding block paving sealant, your driveway will become more resistant to stains, scratches, and colour fading. In this guide, we will walk you through how to seal block paving, including the following steps:
1. Gather the right tools and materials
2. Prepare your driveway
3. Rejoint the paving slabs
4. Apply the sealer to the paving
5. Clean up and finish
Read on to find out how to seal block paving to stop weeds and lengthen the lifespan of your driveway.
What type of paving can I apply a sealer to?
Don’t start shopping for sealer just yet! You first need to find out whether your paving needs sealant or has already gone through this process in manufacturing.
That said, you can apply sealer to most types of domestic block paving, with the major exception being porcelain paving. These luxurious pavers are pre-treated, meaning they are more resistant to stains, colour fading, and scratches straight out of the box.
If you’re eyeing up a concrete paving or natural stone driveway, however, then you can seal your block paving to make it more durable and long-lasting.
What are the benefits of sealing block paving?
Still a little unsure about whether you need to seal the block paving in your driveway? After all, you may feel it’s a lot of faff for an optional extra step of laying block paving – especially when you could otherwise be enjoying the summer sun!
Well, we’re here to tell you that sealing block paving is vital for lengthening the lifespan of your driveway. Not only does it better protect pavers from stains, oil spills, and general wear and tear, but sealer also makes paving much easier to clean – just a quick once over with a sponge is usually enough to wipe away any dirt or grime.
What’s more, sealant helps to stop weeds in block paving driveways, covering those cracks and crevices that stubborn stalks sprout up from. Great news for those who always dread the task of removing weeds from their paving when it crops up on their to-do list!
How to seal block paving
1. Gather the right tools and materials
While you may have the majority of what you need already squirreled away in the shed, sealing block paving does require a few specialist materials, as detailed below:
Tools and materials for sealing block paving
2. Prepare your driveway
Before you start sealing a block paving driveway, you first need to prep the entire area for this essential addition. That means removing weeds, clearing moss or algae from the pavers, and cleaning any built-up dirt or oil stains.
A pressure washer will make short work of cleaning your driveway, instantly clearing away the everyday grime – just be sure to check if your block pavers can handle a jet wash first. Then, brush away any remaining debris and wait for the pavers to dry.
3. Rejoint the paving slabs
In some cases, you may find that some of the jointing compound between pavers has come loose while you were enthusiastically cleaning your driveway. Not to worry, this is a great opportunity to grout your paving slabs[AA1] !
If you’re opting for a slurry-based compound, then you need to fill the gaps carefully with a trowel, whereas kiln-dried sand just needs to be brushed into the gaps between the pavers. Wait 12 to 24 hours for the jointing compound to settle before moving onto the next step of sealing a block paved driveway.
4. Apply the sealant to the paving
Now for the main event: sealing your block paving.
We recommend starting with a small test patch in a discreet part of your driveway. This is just to check whether you’re happy with the finish of the sealant and how it fits in with your overall aesthetic.
If you’re satisfied, start applying the sealant to the rest of your driveway, following the instructions on the packaging. We typically find that the best method for sealing block paving is to pour the sealant into a roller tray, and then use a paint roller to apply an even coat over the pavers.
5. Clean up and finish
With the entire driveway covered, it’s just a waiting game. Most sealants take anywhere between 3 to 4 hours to dry (this is usually specified by the manufacturer), so avoid walking or driving on the driveway until the sealant has set.
Take the opportunity to clear away your tools or any remaining materials. That’s because sealant can be very difficult to remove once dry, so you want that area to be completely clear of anything that could get permanently stuck to your driveway.
And that’s all there is to sealing a block paved driveway. Job done!
Feel ready to take on a bigger DIY paving project? Head over to our Advice Centre for a wealth of how-to guides that cover everything from laying a patio to mixing mortar. Alternatively, if you want to start shopping for a brand new driveway or patio, browse our paving slabs collection or get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 037 6306 or start a live chat.