Short answer: for most paver driveways, pool decks and lanais in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, yes. But not every time, and not always for the reasons people are told. Here is what sealing actually does in our climate, what it costs, and a quick test you can do today to see whether yours needs it.
What sealing actually does here
What it won't do: lift sunken pavers or fix an uneven base. Those have to be leveled first, or the sealer just locks the problem in. A few weeds will still find their way into the joints over time, too.
- Holds the color. Strong sun fades unsealed pavers to a flat, chalky version of what you paid for.
- Locks the joint sand. Summer downpours wash sand out of the joints; sealer binds it so the pavers stay tight.
- Makes cleaning easier. Mildew, algae and dirt sit on top of the sealer instead of soaking in, which matters most on shaded, screened lanais.
What it costs around here
Most companies in our area charge between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot to clean, sand and seal. For a 600-square-foot driveway, that is roughly $900 to $1,800. We charge $1.55 per square foot with no minimum, so the same driveway is about $930 with us. The price moves with the size, how dirty the pavers are, whether old sealer has to be stripped, and whether any pavers need leveling.
The real comparison isn't sealing versus doing nothing. It is sealing now versus fixing later. Once the joints empty out and the pavers start to shift, the job becomes lifting, re-leveling and re-sanding before any sealer goes down, and that takes more time and costs more.
The 30-second water test
Before you call anyone, pour a cup of water on a few sunny spots and a few shaded ones, then watch:
- Water beads up: your sealer is still working, and you can probably wait.
- Water darkens the paver and soaks in within a minute: the sealer is gone, and the pavers are absorbing water, oil and stains.
- Sand sits well below the paver edges, or you can see gaps: the joints need re-sanding before anything else.
Timing matters more than people think
From June through September, most afternoons bring a storm. Sealer needs completely dry pavers and a dry window afterward, so the best time to seal here is the drier stretch from October through May. We would rather move a job than seal over damp pavers, because trapped moisture is what turns sealer cloudy.
Whether your home is near University Town Center, around Lakewood Ranch Main Street or closer to downtown Sarasota, the rainy season is the same, so plan for the drier months.
What a real job looks like
On this screened lanai in Del Webb, the left side had just been washed while the right side still carried months of mildew. After washing, fresh joint sand and two coats of sealer, the color came back and the joints were locked in. The driveway at the top of this page, in Greyhawk Landing, got the same treatment.
We currently use Sherwin-Williams' new clear sealer and are starting to test ICT sealers on upcoming jobs. We'll share how they compare once they've been through a rainy season.
So, is it worth it?
If your pavers are in decent shape and you plan to stay in the home, yes. A fresh seal every few years costs far less than letting the joints wash out and paying for leveling later. If your pavers are brand new, wait until the white haze (efflorescence) has had time to come out first. If they are already sinking, level them before sealing.
Not sure which camp you're in? Send us a photo for a free estimate and we'll tell you honestly, or see more of our paver work in Lakewood Ranch.