The short answer to this question is: Nothing can completely prevent mold from growing outdoors on any surface, but sealing your pavers will dramatically mitigate it.
But you’re not here for a quick answer. You want to know how sealing pavers prevent mold, don’t you?
If so, you’re in the right place!
But before we can do that, it’s important to understand why untreated pavers make such an excellent location for mold to grow.
Why Unsealed Pavers Breed Mold
When you have pavers installed for your driveway, patio, or pool deck, the unprotected bricks are extremely porous. These pores make them practically sponges. Every drop of water that touches them is quickly absorbed.
Where does the water go?
In Florida’s summer weather, between the high humidity and rain, the moisture trapped inside pavers doesn’t go anywhere. Inside and underneath every brick, it is always either slightly wet or swimming in water.
Bacteria, mildew, mold, and algae love anything that remains wet for long periods of time. This causes unsealed pavers to become a breeding ground for these microorganisms.
Although the moist environment is perfect for mold to thrive in, there is one extra ingredient that gives mold a growth boost — shade.
In and around each paver, mold is shielded from the sun. If your pavers are in a shady, wet area, especially around tree cover and large bodies of water, your mold problem will be even worse!
How Sealing Protects Pavers From Mold
There is a misconception that pressure washing pavers will be enough to remove mold. But due to thousands of tiny holes, mold has more than enough places to hide.
But sealers fill the pores in pavers, closing off the entry points for moisture and mold. By preventing them from absorbing water so readily, pavers stay drier and become less inhabitable.
Sealers also harden the sand around pavers, locking them in place. This resists mold growth in the sand by making the joints just as water-resistant as the pavers.
When you hire Premier Pro Wash & Seal to seal your pavers, we sand with clean and sterile sand so the joints are clean before the sealer is applied. The last thing you want is to seal microorganisms into your property!
Our technicians also use a premium professional-grade water-based sealer that allows water to evaporate from the pavers. This lets moisture leave your pavers without letting more in, providing the perfect protection for our subtropical climate.
Tell Me More About Paver Sealing
You need to wait at least 60 days after your new pavers are installed before having them sealed. Paver installers may try to talk you into sealing right away, but do not listen! It’s imperative to allow time for efflorescence to present itself. The efflorescence looks like a cloudy film and it’s caused by the salts inside of the brick. As they come in contact with water, salt will surface.
If you seal your pavers before the salts come to the surface, it will trap the unsightly white fog under the sealer. In order to repair this staining, you’ll need to strip everything away and start from scratch again.
After your first wash and seal application, you will need to have your pavers sealed every 2 to 3 years to keep them continuously protected.
What is the Paver Sealing Process?
Premier Pro Wash & Seal uses a rotary surface cleaner that pumps out 8 gallons a minute to reach deep into your pavers. This pressure wash treatment draws out dirt, mold, and grime.
Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, we can begin sealing right away.
This is why water-based sealers are superior in Florida. Solvent-based sealers require pavers to be bone dry, but water based sealers do not. This protects your pavers from additional moisture and mold damage.
Once the sealer is evenly applied to your paver surface, it will only take an hour or two for it to set.
Paver Sealing in Tampa Bay
If you have questions about paver sealing and want to know if it’s right for you, our friendly customer service representatives are waiting to speak with you. Premier Pro Wash & Seal is dedicated to providing our customers with the best service possible. Your complete satisfaction is our priority.
If you are ready to get started, you can schedule an appointment right away. Our certified and insured team is ready to take care of your needs with speed and unmatched skill.