If you’ve invested in brick pavers for your driveway, patio, or walkway, you might be wondering—is sealing really necessary, or is it just another upsell? Many homeowners believe pavers are designed to withstand the elements without additional protection, but the truth is, sealing can make a huge difference in the lifespan and appearance of your pavers.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between sealed and unsealed pavers so you can decide whether sealing is the right choice for your outdoor surfaces. For professional sealing services, explore our expert paver sealing solutions.
1. Color Retention: Faded vs. Vibrant Pavers
One of the biggest visual differences between sealed and unsealed pavers is color. Over time, UV rays from the sun cause unsealed pavers to fade, making them look washed out and dull.
Sealed Pavers:
✔️ Retain their rich, original color for years.
✔️ Are protected from UV rays that cause fading.
✔️ Can have a natural or enhanced glossy "wet look" finish.
Unsealed Pavers:
❌ Fade over time due to sun exposure.
❌ Can appear uneven in color due to weathering.
❌ May require expensive color restoration in the future.
If your pavers are already fading, a professional paver sealing service can restore their vibrancy.
2. Stain Resistance: Protective Barrier vs. Open Surface
Brick pavers are naturally porous, meaning they absorb liquids like oil, grease, and rust if they aren’t sealed. This can lead to stubborn stains that are difficult—sometimes impossible—to remove.
Sealed Pavers:
✔️ Repel oil, grease, and other contaminants.
✔️ Prevent stains from soaking into the surface.
✔️ Make cleanup easy with just soap and water.
Unsealed Pavers:
❌ Absorb spills, leading to permanent stains.
❌ Require harsh chemicals or professional cleaning to remove stains.
❌ Can become discolored from rust, tree sap, and vehicle leaks.
For heavy stains, paver cleaning and restoration can help restore your pavers before sealing them for long-term protection.
3. Weed and Moss Growth: Locked-In Sand vs. Erosion
If you’ve ever had weeds sprouting between your pavers, you know how frustrating it can be. Without a proper seal, the sand between your pavers can wash away over time, creating spaces where weeds and moss can grow.
Sealed Pavers:
✔️ Lock in joint sand to prevent erosion.
✔️ Reduce weed and moss growth between pavers.
✔️ Keep pavers stable, preventing movement and shifting.
Unsealed Pavers:
❌ Lose joint sand over time, allowing weeds to grow.
❌ Require frequent re-sanding to maintain stability.
❌ Can shift and become uneven as sand washes away.
If your paver joints are eroding, joint stabilization services can help before sealing them for extra protection.
4. Water Damage: Moisture Resistance vs. Absorption
Since pavers are porous, they naturally absorb water when it rains. Over time, this can lead to erosion, cracking, and mold growth—especially in Florida’s humid climate.
Sealed Pavers:
✔️ Repel water, preventing absorption and erosion.
✔️ Reduce mold, mildew, and algae buildup.
✔️ Maintain their structural integrity for longer.
Unsealed Pavers:
❌ Absorb water, leading to discoloration and deterioration.
❌ Develop mold and algae growth, making them slippery.
❌ Can crack over time due to water expansion and contraction.
For long-term durability, a paver sealing treatment can prevent moisture-related damage.
5. Maintenance: Low Effort vs. Constant Upkeep
While both sealed and unsealed pavers require some maintenance, sealed pavers are much easier to clean and maintain over time.
Sealed Pavers:
✔️ Require minimal maintenance—just occasional sweeping and rinsing.
✔️ Can be quickly cleaned with water and mild soap.
✔️ Are more resistant to staining and weed growth.
Unsealed Pavers:
❌ Need frequent re-sanding to keep them stable.
❌ Require more aggressive cleaning to remove stains and mold.
❌ May need professional deep cleaning more often.
If your pavers require constant upkeep, sealing them can significantly reduce maintenance needs.
Final Verdict: Is Sealing Worth It?
✅ If you want long-lasting, vibrant, and easy-to-maintain pavers, sealing is a must.
❌ If you don’t mind fading, frequent cleaning, and potential repairs, you can go without it—but expect more maintenance.
Sealing your pavers protects your investment, enhances curb appeal, and reduces costly maintenance in the future. If your pavers are unsealed and showing signs of wear, it’s not too late to protect them!
Get Your Pavers Sealed by the Experts
If you’re ready to protect and enhance your brick pavers, we offer professional sealing services that improve durability and keep your pavers looking brand new.
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Final Thoughts
Sealing your pavers isn’t just about appearance—it’s about long-term protection and reduced maintenance. Whether you want to protect new pavers or restore old ones, a quality sealant can make all the difference.
For more expert advice, visit our blog on paver care.