By Oleyn’s
As the warm glow of summer fades and cooler weather rolls in, your outdoor spaces start to face a new set of challenges. The patios, driveways, and walkways that once hosted summer barbecues and pool parties will soon encounter falling leaves, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. While most homeowners start thinking about interior projects this time of year, one essential outdoor task often gets overlooked—paver sealing.
At Oleyn’s, we believe that preparing your pavers for fall is one of the smartest home maintenance steps you can take to protect your investment and keep your property looking beautiful year-round. Whether you’ve recently installed pavers or have had them for years, a proper end-of-summer sealing can make all the difference.
Why Timing Matters: The Importance of Sealing Before Fall
After a long summer, your pavers have likely endured heat, UV rays, foot traffic, and even the occasional spill or oil stain. All of these factors can wear down the protective coating on your pavers. If you wait until after fall or winter to seal them, you risk moisture seeping into cracks, organic debris settling into joints, and mold or algae taking root—problems that can be costly to repair later.
According to our friends at NJ Paver Sealing, late summer or early fall is the perfect time to seal your pavers because:
- Temperatures are moderate, allowing sealants to cure properly.
- Moisture levels are lower, meaning your pavers are dry enough for even application.
- It creates a protective barrier before heavy rain, fallen leaves, and cooler conditions arrive.
Think of sealing as giving your outdoor surfaces a “shield” that locks out stains, prevents fading, and enhances the natural beauty of your pavers.
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly Before You Seal
Before applying any sealant, start with a deep clean. Over time, pavers collect dirt, grime, moss, and algae—all of which can interfere with how well the sealant bonds to the surface.
Here’s how to properly clean your pavers:
- Remove debris: Sweep away leaves, dirt, and loose materials.
- Treat stains: Use a paver-safe cleaner to remove oil, rust, or organic stains.
- Pressure wash carefully: A professional wash ensures a deep clean without damaging the pavers or joints.
- Let the surface dry completely: This step is crucial. If moisture is trapped beneath the sealant, it can cause hazing or peeling later on.
At Oleyn’s, we often find that homeowners skip the cleaning step or don’t give the surface enough time to dry. That’s why our team uses professional-grade cleaners and equipment to make sure every surface is properly prepped before sealing begins.
Step 2: Choose the Right Sealer for Your Pavers
Not all sealers are created equal. The type of paver material—whether it’s concrete, brick, or natural stone—determines which sealer will deliver the best results. Generally, you’ll want to decide between two main types:
- Penetrating Sealers: These soak into the paver to provide invisible, long-lasting protection against moisture, mold, and staining. Ideal if you prefer a natural, matte look.
- Film-Forming Sealers: These create a visible layer on top of the paver, often enhancing color and sheen. They’re great for homeowners who love that “wet look” finish.
At Oleyn’s, we assess your pavers’ condition, exposure, and age before recommending the most effective sealer. Using the wrong type—or applying too much—can lead to slippery surfaces or discoloration, so professional application is always a smart move.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Joints
One of the most overlooked parts of paver maintenance is the joint sand—the material that fills the spaces between your pavers. Over time, this sand can wash out or become infested with weeds and moss. When sealing, you should always ensure joints are properly refilled with polymeric sand before applying sealant.
Polymeric sand hardens when moistened, locking your pavers together and preventing weed growth. Once the joints are filled, applying a sealer helps lock everything in place, reducing erosion and maintaining a uniform, polished look.
Step 4: Apply the Sealer Correctly
Sealing might look easy, but there’s a fine balance between applying enough for protection and too much, which can lead to a blotchy finish. Proper sealing requires:
- Even distribution using a sprayer or roller
- Working in small sections for uniform coverage
- Applying in ideal weather (50°F–85°F, dry conditions)
Professional technicians at Oleyn’s ensure consistent coverage with no puddling, streaks, or missed spots. We also consider environmental conditions—like humidity and shade—to optimize curing time and long-term performance.
Step 5: Allow Proper Drying and Curing Time
Once your pavers are sealed, patience is key. Most sealants require 24–48 hours of curing before being exposed to water, rain, or heavy traffic. Rushing this step can ruin an otherwise perfect job.
At Oleyn’s, we always schedule sealing projects with the forecast in mind, ensuring there’s enough dry time to allow the sealer to properly bond and deliver maximum protection.
Benefits You’ll Notice Immediately
After sealing, your pavers don’t just look cleaner—they perform better. Here’s what you’ll notice right away:
- Enhanced color and vibrancy that bring your outdoor space back to life
- Water beading and runoff, showing that the surface is properly protected
- Resistance to stains and organic buildup, reducing maintenance needs
- Stabilized joints that help your patio or driveway stay level longer
And long term? You’ll extend the life of your pavers and protect your investment for years to come.
Make This the Year You Stay Ahead of the Seasons
As the seasons shift, your pavers deserve a little attention before fall sets in. A professional sealing service not only preserves the beauty of your outdoor spaces but also saves you from costly repairs later.
At Oleyn’s, we take pride in helping homeowners safeguard their properties with expert paver sealing solutions. Our process ensures your surfaces are deep-cleaned, sealed with precision, and ready to withstand whatever fall brings—from rain to leaves to temperature changes.
So before you cozy up for the cooler months ahead, give your outdoor spaces the protection they need. Because a home that’s well cared for on the outside always makes a lasting impression.
Oleyn’s — Protecting What Makes Your Home Shine.
