Should You Seal Your Paver Patio or Driveway?

If you’ve recently installed a paver patio or driveway—or have one that’s been in place for a few years—you may be wondering whether sealing is worth the extra step. While pavers are designed to be durable, sealing can enhance both their performance and appearance when done correctly.

At JBS Landscaping, we help homeowners in Columbia, New Jersey, and surrounding areas maintain and protect their hardscapes with professional-grade materials and reliable care. Here’s what you need to know about paver sealing before deciding whether it’s right for your project.

What does sealing pavers do?

Sealing your paver patio or driveway means applying a specially formulated protective coating over the surface. This clear barrier helps maintain both the structural integrity and the visual appeal of the pavers—especially important in climates like New Jersey, where weather conditions can fluctuate dramatically throughout the year.

Rather than simply being a cosmetic upgrade, sealing plays a functional role in protecting your hardscape from the elements, wear, and time. It also reduces the amount of maintenance needed over the life of the installation.

A professional-grade paver sealer can provide the following benefits:

• • Repels moisture, oil, and staining agents
    The sealed surface becomes less porous, making it harder for water, vehicle fluids, food spills, or rust from furniture to soak in or cause permanent discoloration.
  • Prevents weeds from sprouting between joints
    The sealer helps stabilize the joint sand, creating a firm barrier that makes it more difficult for weeds to grow or for insects like ants to burrow into the gaps.
  • Reduces erosion of joint material
    Without a sealer, joint sand can wash away during heavy rain or snowmelt. Sealing helps lock the sand in place, preserving the structural stability of your paver system.
  • Guards against UV-related fading
    Constant sun exposure can gradually bleach out the color of your pavers. Sealers include UV inhibitors that protect the surface from sun damage, keeping colors richer for longer.
  • Enhances visual appeal
    Sealing can amplify the pavers’ color and texture, bringing out the depth and richness of natural stone or concrete. You can choose from matte, satin, or gloss finishes depending on the look you want.

While not every patio or driveway absolutely needs sealing, many benefit from it—especially in areas with heavy traffic, regular exposure to sun and moisture, or a desire for long-term preservation. For homeowners in Columbia, New Jersey and nearby towns, sealing is often a smart, preventative step that pays off in durability and curb appeal.

Benefits of sealing your paver patio or driveway

1. Protects against weather and wear

Outdoor paver surfaces are exposed year-round to the elements—rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature swings. In places like Columbia, New Jersey, where freeze-thaw cycles and winter road salt are common, this exposure can gradually damage your patio or driveway.

Sealing creates a protective barrier that helps defend against:

• • • Joint sand erosion, which can loosen pavers and allow weeds or insects in
    • Cracking caused by water penetration and freeze-thaw movement
    • Damage from salt and de-icing products in winter months
    • Color fading from prolonged sun exposure

By sealing your pavers, you’re not just adding a layer of protection—you’re extending the life and performance of your investment, especially in high-traffic areas like driveways and entertainment patios.

2. Preserves appearance

As pavers age, they tend to look weathered and stained unless properly maintained. Sealing enhances the natural texture and color of your pavers while protecting them from grime, algae, and discoloration.

There are different sealer finishes available depending on your style preference:

• • • Natural or matte finish for a clean, no-gloss look
    • Satin finish for a subtle, slightly enhanced appearance
    • Gloss finish for a rich, deeper tone with a “wet look”

No matter the finish, sealing helps your hardscape retain its curb appeal season after season.

3. Prevents weed growth and pest intrusion

Weeds and insects often enter through the joints between pavers. Sealing helps harden the polymeric sand in those joints, making it more resistant to breakdown and intrusion.

Key benefits include:

• • • Less weed growth between pavers
    • Fewer ants and burrowing pests disrupting the surface
    • Fewer seasonal touch-ups or joint replacements

A sealed surface not only looks cleaner but stays cleaner with less ongoing maintenance.

4. Makes maintenance easier

Unsealed pavers tend to absorb stains from oil, food, planters, or foot traffic. Sealed pavers repel moisture and stains, making them far easier to clean.

Advantages of sealing for maintenance include:

• • • Surfaces that resist dirt, grease, and fluid stains
    • Less need for power washing or scrubbing
    • Reduced likelihood of needing joint sand replacements

For busy homeowners or those who use their outdoor spaces often, sealing can save both time and effort in keeping the area presentable.

When sealing might not be necessary

While sealing provides strong benefits, it’s not always required. In some cases, it may be optional based on how the area is built and used.

You might not need to seal if:

• • • The pavers are tightly laid with very little joint exposure
    • The area is protected from direct sunlight and weather
    • You prefer a more natural, weathered look over time
    • The space is low-use and doesn’t require frequent maintenance

At JBS Landscaping, we assess each situation individually and only recommend sealing when it adds value. Our honest, no-pressure approach ensures that every service we provide fits your needs and property conditions.

How often should pavers be sealed?

If you choose to seal your patio or driveway, most sealers last between 3 to 5 years, depending on the product used and local conditions. High-traffic areas may need more frequent reapplication. As part of our hardscape maintenance services, we can inspect your surface annually and advise you on when to re-seal for maximum benefit.

Mini case study: Patio sealing in Long Valley, NJ

A client in Long Valley had a beautiful backyard patio that was beginning to fade and show signs of weed growth in the joints. Our team cleaned the entire surface, re-sanded the joints, and applied a satin-finish sealer to restore its color and lock everything in place. Not only did the patio look brand new, but it also required less maintenance over the next two seasons.

Proudly serving Columbia and surrounding areas

JBS Landscaping provides expert hardscaping, paver maintenance, and sealing services across Morris, Sussex, and Warren Counties, including:

• • Columbia
  • Allamuchy
  • Budd Lake
  • Chester
  • Flanders
  • Hackettstown
  • Long Valley
  • Newton
  • Rockaway
  • Sparta
  • Succasunna

We also specialize in paver patios, paver driveways, walkways, retaining walls, landscape lighting, and property maintenance.

Protect your paver investment with expert sealing

Schedule your paver sealing estimate with JBS Landscaping

Whether your patio is newly installed or a few years old, sealing can preserve its look and extend its lifespan. Contact JBS Landscaping today to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your hardscape and recommend the best sealing solution for your property.

We proudly serve homeowners in Columbia, NJ, and surrounding communities with trusted, high-quality landscaping and hardscaping services.