How To Apply A Sealant To An Interlocking Block Pavement

An interlocking block pavement is beautiful and easy to maintain. Nevertheless, there are still a few maintenance practices that you should observe on such pavements. One of these measures is sealing the surface of the pavement. Here are the steps you need for the process:

Gather the Required Materials

The materials, tools, and safety gear for the job include:

  • Safety goggles
  • A pair of gloves
  • Paint brush
  • Stain remover
  • Sealer
  • Pressure washer
  • water
  • Sand

Clear the Work Area

Once you have everything ready, you need to remove all obstacles (such as cars and wheelbarrows) from the pavement. Don't forget about adjacent landscaping, such as delicate potted flowers, which may be damaged during the job. Things that cannot be moved, such as young trees, should be protected, for example, by running a plastic barrier around them.

Wash the Pavement

The next step is to wash the pavement so that the sealant can properly stick on it. Use the power washer, but don't set it too high to begin it. Start it at a low or medium setting, which may be enough to do the job if the pavement isn't too dirty to begin with.

If the pavement isn't terribly dirty, then water and soap may be enough to get rid of all the dirt and grime. However, if it is extremely dirty, you may need to set the power washer to high and use a masonry stain remover to remove the remaining stains.

Follow the directions on the package, but do not allow the stain remover to sit for too long on the bricks so as not to damage them. Rinse the pavement thoroughly and allow it to dry before proceeding to the next step.

Replace the Sand Between the Blocks

Power washing is important since it gets rid of all the dirt, but it also removes sand between the block joints. You need to replace this polymeric sand and ensure that all the joints are evenly filled. This is necessary to prevent weed growth between the joints, and to keep the blocks from disengaging.

Apply the Sealant

You are ready to apply the sealer once the pavement is clean, sanded and dry. You can use a paint roller or brush for the job, or you can even opt for a high-pressure sprayer. Whichever method of application you choose, ensure that the sealant is applied in a uniform coat. You can apply a second coat once the first one dries, but this isn't necessary if it isn't the first time you are sealing the pavement.

Seal your interlocking pavement periodically, whenever it starts to deteriorate. There are also driveway paving contractors you can contract for the job. Done right, the sealing will protect and prolong the useful life of your pavement.


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