Once you have had your driveway or patio professionally cleaned, it is worthwhile considering having the cleaned area treated with a sealant. The reasons for choosing to have the paved areas sealed are summarised as follows:
- Strengthens & maintains paving performance, as the sand is bonded by the sealant.
- Reduces surface porosity thereby resisting the penetration of stains
- Inhibits the growth of weeds, grass, algae & lichen.
- Helps to prevent the colonisation of ants nests
- Renders the area easier to maintain in the future.
- Enhances the appearance, especially older paving blocks.
- We are able to offer customers a choice of different types of sealant; these are either
A basic matt acrylic finish, or a more durable pre-polymer urethane sealant, in either matt, or gloss form.
There are a variety of sealants available and we will recommend the most suitable, which is chosen on the basis of economy and the wear characteristics needed in the expected use of the surface being treated.
Seal a Block Domestic Solvent Acrylic Block Paving Sealer Seal a Block Domestic Premium Block Paving Sealant.
Is the low cost option and is a two-coat process using a solution of an acrylic polymer in xylene.
The polymer solution soaks into the jointing sand and the blocks, then after solvent evaporation it is left firmly bonded and coated. This has a stabilising effect on the driveway, preventing loss of the actual jointing sand and inhibiting the growth of weeds and grass in the joints. This sealing process also helps to prevent the colonisation of ant nests.
The matt-look finish given to the surface enhances the appearance of the of the driveway considerably and has a life expectancy of 1 to 3 years dependent on local conditions.
Seal a Block Commercial (Pre-polymer Urethane Sealer ) Seal a Block Commercial Block Paving Sealant.
The more expensive pre-polymer urethane sealants perform a similar function to the acrylic option, but they are more durable and last typically twice as long between full treatments.
As with the acrylic coating process the pre-polymer urethane soaks into the jointing sand, to bind the particles and sides of the blocks, or paving stones together.
Then after this penetration actual polymerisation of the urethane takes place in-situ as a result of solvent evaporation, atmospheric and residual moisture. The urethane plastic is therefore effectively cured in place producing a very strong stable bond, which retains the normal flexural properties of the pavement. Once sealed with the urethane treatment, the coated driveway will withstand washing with a normal jet washer.
Seal a Block Domestic Premium (Pre-polymer Urethane Sealer)
The matt version of the urethane polymer known as Seal a Block Domestic Premium is a two-coat Seal a Block Domestic Premium Block Paving Sealant process and is therefore more expensive since it uses more material. The properties are similar, except that the surface of the blocks remains coated and are normally somewhat darker than the original colour. The two-coat process means that it can only be applied in a period of good weather to ensure a consistent finish. The surface coating remains on the surface of the blocks unlike the single coat application, and is chosen by those customers who like the blocks coated, but with a longer lasting matt appearance.
Seal a Block “Easy Sealer” Environmentally friendly block paving sealant
Is a non solvent sealant that can be used indoors to seal concrete floors as well as outside to seal block paving. The solvent free paving sealant contains the highest quality poly-urethane and acrylic resins.
Having a whitish colour when in liquid state, it becomes clear when dry. Since it is solvent free it does not give off unpleasant odours, and is therefore ideal for indoor use. It reduces dust formation inside warehouses and factories by preventing crumbling of concrete floors. It gives a very low satin sheen finish that in most cases does not darken the treated surfaces. It protects materials while retaining their original colour and makes cleaning easier by reducing oil and dirt penetration.
It resists both calcium and sea salt. Since it reduces their porosity, vertical surfaces will tend to self-clean under rainfall. Above all it’s tough sand binding formulation makes it ideal for sealing aggressive vacuum swept shopping centres, and block paved driveways.