Brick Paver Sealing : Spraying vs. Rolling

I am often asked what is the best method for applying brick paver sealant. The two methods that are most common for sealing brick pavers is "pump" spraying or rolling on with a foam roller. I have brick paver contractors that swear by both methods, but from my 25 year experience I prefer the "pump" spraying method.



Starting first with the Rolling method of applying brick paver sealant, I find that my time in applying the paver sealant is less. The special foam slitted roller spreads the sealer pretty evenly and efficiently. The rolling method of applying paver sealant will stretch the sealer so you will not have very much waste. The biggest setback that I experience when rolling on brick paver sealant is that the roller will sometimes roll the joint sand over the top of the brick pavers, especially if the joints are wide. Also, I am not satisfied with the amount of sealer that pours into the sand joints. Even though the paver sealant companies push their special rollers, I have yet to find one that satisfies me.


The Spraying method is my preferred method of applying brick paver sealer. When applying sealer for paver patios, walkways, and driveways, this method will apply sealer very generously while allowing sealer to soak into the sand joints as well. As long as you apply the paver sealer on a windless day, the coverage can be generous and effortless. You will use up more sealer with this brick paver applying method. The biggest headache for us brick paver contractors is that there are no real good brick paver sealer sprayers. Even the high dollar commercial sprayers require so much cleaning & maintenance to perform properly, most of us contractors have resolved to the cheap and disposable "pump" garden sprayers. After each brick paver sealing job, I just throw them away. The thermoplastics in the paver sealer harden up & eat up the rubber seals on the sprayers and make them unusable unless you thoroughly clean them out with acetone or thinner. I usually purchase a sealer sprayer under $20 at Lowe's or Home Depot. I feel my time is worth more than the actual cost of the sprayers.

No matter what brick paver sealing method you use, make sure you seal patio stones & retaining walls on a dry sunny day. Make sure all pavers and paver joints are completely dry and it will not rain within 4 hours. To get more information and instruction about brick paver sealers and cleaners, check out Techniseal for information and source near you!

Brick Paver Sealing is for the Brick, NOT the sand in the joints!

After completing a brick paver sealing of a paver patio today, the customer said while handing me my check, "so I will not get any weeds, right?". It drives me crazy that customers are only concerned with the sand in the joints being sealed and not the patio stones. Sealing pavers is for the brick, NOT the sand!

Today's customer never commented on the enhanced color and appearance of the brick paver patio. They never asked any questions regarding the long term performance of the paving stones surface or protection from natural elements. They were never concerned about the cost or frequency of an approved brick paver sealer application. They were only concerned during my estimate and my completion of services about a 100% guarantee of NO WEEDS!

I usually have to slowly explain to potential clients that sealing of pavers is for the enhanced appearance and performance of the concrete paver. But as predictable, customers only hone in on the sand in the joints. They believe that the brick paver sealer is for sealing the joints, therefore making the sand permanently hard like mortar so weeds can not grow. It is true that the paver sealer will typically flow into the joints and temporarily harden the sand. But as the interlocking brick pavers expand or heave due to winter frost, these joints will absorb the pressure and loosen. Snow, ice, rain, and wind will eventually erode the sand and create opportunities for weed seeds to germinate.

I could have saved this customer 100's of dollars if the paver joints were their only concern. I could have simply used some brick paver polymeric sand in all the paver joints to harden for the season. Simple touch ups of paver joint sweeping each Spring will keep joints filled and hardened to deter any chance for a weed seed to establish. I always tell customers that the number one reason to seal brick pavers is for aestheitc values of the paving stones, NOT for the sand in the joints!

Brick Paver Repair Costs

When it comes to costing out brick paver repairs, it really is a subjective method of pricing. There are two common approaches I offer clients that need their brick pavers repaired.

The first is a Job Cost approach. This is usually a single total "job" price. For sake of argument, there may be several pricing options that determines the final total price, but for the most part, this will be the total price the client pays after the paver repairs are completed. This brick paver repair job cost should cover all labor & materials and mention any possible unforeseen costs that may occur. While performing brick paver and retaining wall repairs, it is possible that some existing products or materials will not be reusable. I will list on my paver estimate that I will supply the necessary brick paver replacement receipt for reimbursement. When it comes to the dreaded "unforeseen" , I will cover the cost with my client before I proceed with the paver repairs. Nobody wants to get a bill at the end that is more than quoted and was not discussed during the project. 90% of my brick paver repairs have come in on the total Job Cost quoted!

The second is a Hourly Rate approach. This approach should not be accepted by a brick paver repair client unless they have total TRUST of their brick paver contractor! This approach to repairing pavers is an open end final cost. I usually spell out that all material costs will be reimbursed and receipts will be supplied. The difficult part is letting the customer know an exact range of hours needed to complete the brick paver repairs. I am within an hour or so on smaller paver repairs and usually within 5 hours on large paver repairs. I do supply an exact hourly rate for paver repairs for myself or package workers. This approach to costing brick paver repairs can get dicey and it is important to communicate to the client each day your strategy and job performing tasks. Clients need to be aware that the time of obtaining materials and unloading tools and materials are part of the hourly rate of repairs. I do not include in my hourly rate of paver repairs any lunch breaks or time of loading tools at the end of the day. This approach of costing is the fairest approach to brick paver repairs as long as both parties TRUST each other!

Brick paver repair costs is a necessary evil for homeowners to maintain and protect their investment in brick pavers or retaining walls. It can be a very emotional decision for a client to accept your brick paver quote for repairs. I always felt that communicating and selecting the best costing option before performing the paver repairs is the BEST approach.