The Benefits of Patio Sealing

Sealing your patio is the best way to help to maintain its natural beauty. At London Stone, we understand the importance of choosing the right patio sealer to protect your new patio. With a range of sealing products and a convenient pre-sealing service, we can offer everything you need to protect your garden investment. This guide explores the essentials of sealing, offering insights on the best practices and products to ensure your patio remains pristine and welcoming.

Understanding the Importance of Patio Sealing

All types of stone paving can benefit from sealing. Sealing acts as a barrier against staining, moisture absorption, and weather-related wear. However, it is crucial to recognise that, while all stone can be sealed, not all stone needs to be sealed. The decision to seal stone should be based on the type of stone, its location, and expected usage and we explain in detail in Sealing and Pre-Sealing – All You Need to Know.

The Need to Seal Sawn Limestones and Sandstones

Sawn limestones and sandstones, in particular, are highly porous and prone to staining and frost damage if left unsealed. Sealing these materials, not only enhances their resistance to the elements, but also helps to maintain their natural colour and finish. For these types of stone, a good quality sealer isn't just recommended; it's essential.

Selecting the Right Type of Sealer

When it comes to choosing a patio sealer, it's important to steer clear of inexpensive, generic options. Cheap sealers are often merely topical sealers that sit on the surface of the stone, creating a shiny, unnatural finish that degrades quickly with weather and foot traffic.

Instead, at London Stone, we recommend using impregnators. These products penetrate the stone’s pores, coating them to repel water and stains effectively, all without leaving any shine or gloss on the surface. This type of sealer allows the stone to breathe, which prevents any moisture getting trapped inside the stone. Read more in our guide to choosing the best paving sealer.

When to Apply Paving Sealer

There are times when it is inadvisable to apply sealer, such as during a period of efflorescence or when the weather is wet. Find out more in When to Use Patio Sealer.

How to Apply Patio Sealer

Knowing how to seal paving slabs is essential to achieve the best results. Here is a brief rundown of what needs to be done:

• Ensure the paving is dry: Before applying any sealer, make sure that the paving is completely dry. Sealing damp or wet paving can trap moisture, leading to damage and ineffective sealing.

• Conduct a patch test: Always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area before applying the sealer to the entire patio. This step will help you see the effect of the sealer on the stone and ensure it provides the finished look you were expecting.

• Application tips: For the best results, apply the sealer evenly using a roller, brush or sprayer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application methods and drying times.

Maintenance and Reapplication

Quality sealers like Dry-Treat need minimal reapplication and offer up to 15 years’ protection, depending on the product and the stone type. This longevity minimises maintenance efforts and costs over the years, making it a wise investment.

London Stone’s Pre-Sealing Service

For those looking to save time and ensure a professional finish, London Stone offers a pre-sealing service. This service allows the stone to be sealed evenly and professionally before it arrives at your site. Reasons why our sealing service makes installation quicker include reducing the preparation time required on-site, and ensuring that your paving is ready to be laid immediately upon delivery.

Contact Us for More Information

At London Stone, we have the expertise to choose the right sealer for your project. Our goal is to help you maintain a beautiful patio. With our pre-sealing service, we also make it very easy to protect your paving investment right from the start. For more information on our products and services, or to discuss the best sealing plan for your patio, don’t hesitate to contact us today.