Do You Know How To Seal Your Interlock? 7 Tips

With spring soon approaching, it's the perfect time to think about getting your outdoor landscaping ready to enjoy once the snow melts and warmer days have arrived.

A big part of your outdoor space is your interlocking pavers.  In this article, we're going to take a closer look at interlocking pavers and how to seal them.

By sealing your interlock driveway, you’ll make certain it keeps its color and looks its best all year long. Especially throughout our cold Canadian winters. And with the right tools and know-how, you’ll be able to seal your interlock driveway or interlocking patio stones like a pro.

What you need

Many of these accessories you’ll be able to find at Legends Landscape Supply or you might already have them at home.

• Garden hose
• Bucket and water
• Scrubbing brush
• Brick or concrete stain remover
• Paint roller and paint sprayer
• Broom (stiff-bristled)
• Sand
• Acrylic-based interlock sealant

Step 1: Rinse the pavers with your garden hose

The first step is to hose down your pavers to create a clean area. If you have any patio or outdoor furniture on your interlock pavers, take some time to safely relocate them. Then use your garden hose or power washer to wash them down. Be sure to do a complete and thorough job!

Step 2: Mix water and detergent in the bucket

Combine household detergent with water in a bucket until it is soapy and sudsy.

Step 3: Pour the water and detergent solution over your pavers

Next, let the solution sit on your pavers for about 20 minutes or so. This will allow the solution to penetrate the dirt, helping it to lift and wash away easier.

Once the 20 minutes have passed, scrub the solution deeper into the pavers using your scrubbing brush or a broom with stiff bristles.

Step 4: Look for deep stains on your pavers

Even after you’ve cleaned them with your brush and solution, there may be some stains that are still visible. If you find any stubborn stains, clean them with the brick or concrete stain remover. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Step 5: Look at the joints between each paving stone

You’re looking to see if they have the right amount of sand, which helps keep the interlocking pavers in place. The level of sand should be about 50% of the height of the pavers themselves. If you notice that any joints need extra sand, fill them by:

• Pouring sand on the bricks
• Sweeping the sand into the joints of any pavers which require it

Remember, the sand should reach about halfway up the side of each individual paver stone. When done, sweep away any leftover sand, soil or other debris with your broom.

Step 6: Apply a coat of solvent-based and water-based interlock sealant

Use long, smooth and consistent strokes. You can then use the paint sprayer to spray the sealant on the pavers (especially if you have a large area to seal). Don’t forget to even spread out any excess sealant over your interlocking pavers.

• For brand new jobs, you may want to wait for the interlock to weather for approximately 60-90 days. That way, the efflorescence will come out (and not be trapped under the sealant, giving your interlock that milky, hazy appearance).

Step 7: Let the sealer dry

Once the sealant has dried (as per the time recommended on the label), add another layer of sealant.

Let us help you with your interlock pavers

You worked hard this year to install attractive interlocking pavers on your property. Don’t risk your hard work by neglecting to seal and protect them for the upcoming winter weather. Contact us with any questions about your interlocking pavers.

We’ll be happy to provide a FREE quote or to give you the advice you need to keep your interlock stone looking its best for years to come.