Sealing your paver driveway will not keep weeds out for good, but it will stop most of them. Full, sealed joints give seeds almost nowhere to sprout. However, Florida rain and sun wear every sealer down in time, so a few weeds can return.
At Top Down Exterior Cleaning, paver sealing is our main line of work. We have sealed driveways, patios, and pool decks around Lakeland since 2010. So here is the honest answer we give every homeowner who asks.
Why Do Weeds Grow in a Paver Driveway in the First Place?
Weeds grow from seeds that land in the joints from above. Most people think they push up from the dirt under the pavers. However, the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association says weeds do not grow from the sand, base, or soil below. Instead, wind drops seeds into the joints, and they sprout there.
A seed needs three things to grow in your driveway:
- A gap. Low or missing joint sand leaves an open pocket.
- A little dirt. Dust, leaves, and grass clippings settle in that pocket.
- Water. Summer storms and sprinklers keep the joint damp.
Lakeland gives weeds all three. For example, one hard afternoon storm can wash sand right out of the joints. Then the heat and humidity do the rest.
How Does Sealing a Paver Driveway Keep Weeds Out?
Sealing keeps weeds out by filling the joints and locking the sand in place. As a result, seeds have very little room to settle and take root. The sealer also sheds rain and sprinkler water, so the joints stay drier.
Our paver sealing in Lakeland, FL takes three steps, and most jobs take one day.
- First, we deep clean. We use commercial-grade cleaners and a surface cleaner. Together they remove weeds, mold, algae, and dirt from every paver and joint.
- Next, we re-sand the joints. We fill each joint with fresh sand to the proper level. Full joints lock the pavers together.
- Then, we seal. We apply two coats of Ure-Seal H2O paver sealant. It goes on milky and dries clear.
The order matters. Sealer locks in whatever sits under it. Therefore, we never rush the cleaning or the sand.
Will Sealing My Paver Driveway Keep Weeds Out for Good?
No, sealing will not keep weeds out of your paver driveway for good. It greatly reduces weeds, but it does not build a permanent wall. So be careful with any company that promises “forever.”
Weeds can return for a few simple reasons:
- Sand wears down. Heavy rain, wind, and pressure washing slowly lower the joints.
- Dirt builds up on top. Leaves and dust settle on the sealed joint and give seeds a place to start.
- Sealer ages. Sun and traffic wear the sealer thin over time.
- Seeds keep coming. Wind drops new seeds on your driveway all year.
Still, the difference is big. Before sealing, weeds root deep in open joints. After sealing, the few that show up sit in loose dirt on top. In our experience, those pull out with two fingers.
Does Sealing Keep Ants Out of a Paver Driveway Too?
Yes, sealing cuts down on ants for the same reason it cuts down on weeds. Ants dig in loose, open joints. Because the sealer locks the fresh sand in place, they have a much harder time building hills. However, just like weeds, a few can come back as the joints wear down.
How Long Does Sealing Keep Weeds Out of a Paver Driveway?
A first sealing typically lasts about 2.5 to 3 years in Florida. Sun, traffic, and upkeep all change that number. Also, each new coat builds on the last one. As a result, pavers that stay on schedule hold their sand longer.
Watch for these signs that it is time to reseal:
- Water soaks in and no longer beads on the surface
- The color looks dull or chalky
- You can see the sand sitting low in the joints
- More weeds or ant hills pop up each month
The hardscape association also tells owners to top up joint sand once it drops more than half an inch. So don’t wait until the joints sit empty.
Should You Just Spray Weed Killer Instead of Sealing Your Paver Driveway?
Weed killer works on the weeds you see today, but it does not fix the cause. The joints stay open, so new seeds sprout soon after. As a result, you spray again and again.
Sealing works the other way. First, it closes the gap. Then the weeds have a hard time coming back. Plus, you get richer color and pavers that resist stains.
What Can You Do Between Sealings to Keep Weeds Out?
A few small habits keep a sealed paver driveway clear much longer. Each one takes only a few minutes.
- Blow or rinse off debris. Leaves, grass clippings, and dirt are what seeds grow in.
- Pull small weeds early. Get them before they drop new seeds.
- Go easy with the pressure washer. A hard blast washes the sand out of the joints.
- Check your sprinklers. Heads that soak the driveway every morning keep the joints wet.
- Reseal on schedule. Don’t wait for the weeds to tell you it is time.
In short, sealing does the heavy lifting, and light upkeep does the rest.
Ready to Seal Your Paver Driveway and Cut the Weeds Way Down?
You don’t have to fight weeds every weekend. We clean, re-sand, and seal your pavers, and we tell you what to expect before we start. Top Down is family owned and insured, and we have served Lakeland since 2010.
Contact Top Down Exterior Cleaning today for a free estimate. You can also call us at (863) 904-8956. We will come out, look at your driveway, and give you a clear price.
