We have cleaned and sealed pavers in Sarasota for over 20 years, and this is the question we hear most. The short answer: most paver surfaces here need a clean and seal every 2 to 3 years. The longer answer depends on where the pavers are and what they go through.
Why Florida is hard on sealer
Sealer breaks down faster here than almost anywhere else. Summer sun hits the surface with heavy UV all year. Afternoon storms and irrigation keep the joints wet, which feeds mold and washes out joint sand. Near the coast, salt air adds its own wear. A sealer that lasts 5 years up north is usually done in 2 to 3 years in Sarasota.
Signs your pavers are due
You do not need a moisture meter to know. Look for color that has gone flat and chalky, joint sand washing onto the surface after rain, black or green growth in the joints, and water soaking straight in instead of beading. If weeds are coming up between pavers, the joint sand is already gone.
What a proper clean and seal involves
A real clean and seal is three jobs, not one. First the surface is cleaned to remove dirt, mold and old failing sealer. Then the joints are re-sanded, because the sand between pavers is what locks the surface together. Only then does sealer go on. Skipping the re-sand is the most common shortcut we see from pressure washing outfits, and it is why some driveways look good for a month and then shift.
Wet look or matte
Sealer finish is a preference, not a rule. Wet look deepens the color and adds sheen. Matte keeps the natural tone. Pool decks usually get a finish rated for wet areas so they do not get slick. We can show you both finishes on real pavers at our showroom on S Tamiami Trail.
What it costs and where to start
Price depends on square footage and the condition of the surface, so we quote after a look at the pavers. Estimates are free. You can read about the full service on our paver cleaning and sealing page, or call us at (941) 922-2442.