Paver Sealing in St. Marys, GA

Yes. A job normally runs in order: wash, new joint sand, a dry period and then sealer. Since washing takes out joint sand, it goes back in before sealing. Ask the contractor how long each stage takes on your lot. Sand that matches the pavers makes the finished surface read as clean. Ask for the whole job in one written estimate.

It depends on the pavers and your taste. Film-forming sealers give a wet look and need new coats every 3 to 5 years, one Jacksonville company says, while penetrating sealers last longer and keep the natural look. The old coat also matters, because the two types cannot be stacked. Have the contractor name the product, and file that name for the next coat.

For St. Marys pavers, two to five years per coat is the common quote. One Jacksonville company says sunny driveways last roughly 18 to 24 months and shaded walks 24 to 36 months. A coat is worn out when water sinks in and no longer beads. A wet look can turn cloudy if it goes on damp, and spring and fall tend to be steadier for sealing. Spring and fall often bring steadier weather for sealing, one company says.

Homeowners in Georgia can lean on the Jacksonville-area figure of $1.75 to $3.25 per square foot for a wash, sand and seal. Per foot, a small patio often runs above a large driveway. Have the quote state the area so you can compare it. A strip and reseal job costs above a simple new coat. Large driveways spread setup over more area, so they tend to cost less per foot.

Ask the city before you start. St. Marys has a Historic Preservation Commission, and the district covers 230 acres. A coat of sealer may need no review, but changing pavers or a drive could. A short call to city staff settles it. Homeowners associations such as the one in a gated community may also have their own rules, so read yours.

They can. Water-side pavers and shaded ones dry more slowly, and sealer needs a dry surface. A Jacksonville page says wait 24 to 48 hours after cleaning. Your contractor will check the surface before sealing. Humid summer air can add time. Sealing a patio that is still wet traps moisture under the coat. About one tenth of the city's area is water, so damp ground is common near the edges.

Per a Jacksonville sealing company, feet are fine in a few hours and cars in about a day. Weather can change that. The contractor can give the wait for the product used. Rain on a fresh coat can spoil it, so the contractor watches the forecast. Rain can spoil a fresh coat, so the contractor watches the forecast.

No. A Jacksonville company says sealing locks in whatever is there, so sunken or lifted pavers are repaired first. Point out dips where tires turn. Repairs come before the wash and the coat. Tell the contractor if a tree has raised an edge, since roots can lift pavers.

It helps over time. A landscaping industry guide says algae and moss grow where shade is heavy and pavers stay damp. The wash removes the green, and sealing gives it less to grip, though heavy shade can bring it back. Seeds that land on top of a surface can still sprout, so some cleanup is normal.

Mostly upkeep and timing. A coat wears out eventually, and a wet look scuffs sooner than matte. Pavers must be dry, and river damp or September rain can push the date back. A natural finish scuffs less visibly. Companies commonly quote two to five years between coats, so the upkeep is occasional.

Not always, but being reachable helps. Expect questions about gates, outlets and where the crew can park. Ask when you request the estimate how access will work.

Usually the surface was damp or the sealer went on too thick. One Jacksonville paver company says sealer put on a damp surface can go cloudy white. With river damp and humid summers, a long dry wait matters here. Applying sealer too thick causes the same look.