Landscape Maintenance - Sealants
About Sealants
Introduction
Nowadays sealants are being used by contractors of all sorts to seal and protect all sorts of pavements, roadways, brickwork and glass. Sealants provide optimal protection against everyday problems such as: weather conditions, fire hazards and wear and tear. Commonly sealants are used on residential pavement and commercial pavement applications to prevent the surface of pavers from cracks, scratches and stains. They also add slip resistant qualities to all flooring surfaces. Sealants are made from various different chemicals which will not cause any harm to the surface where it’s used or the environment. Most sealants are made from polyurethane components. But there are various different types of sealants available today for all different types of surfaces. Contractors always decide on the best type of sealant for the application in which they intend to use the sealant on.
The Purpose of Sealants
Sealants are mainly used for protection on flooring both residentially and commercially. They can prevent damages to flooring materials. Sealants are also used for joint applications to ensure no lose debris or gravel enters the joints of pavements and flooring materials. Sealants are also used as fire prevention.
Most sealants are fire resistant. Sealants are also used to prevent harsh weather conditions from damaging pavements and roadways. Water caught in pavements can cause severe damages to the pavement material and cause the flooring to shift out of place, crack and spilt. This in commercial areas is very dangerous for the public and is a big liability risk therefore all public pavements should be sealed professionally. Residential pavements are also at the same risk and should always be sealed for that further protection. Paver Sealants
Paver sealants are always used on pavement surfaces to add shine and character to the surface. Sealants offer pavers many beneficial protection values which include the following:
- Sealing paver joints to prevent weed growth and movement.
- Protecting the natural coloring of the paver.
- Block UV rays which can cause the paver color to be dull.
- Providing a shiny and clear top coating.
- Prevents stains from penetrating through to the paver.
- Pavers are easier to maintain when a sealant is used.
- Will prevent early damages to the pavers.
- Pavers only need to be sealed once a year.
- Will prevent tire marks and oil stains from vehicles.
Sealants can be used on all types of pavers. There are specially formulated sealants which are suited to brick, concrete and natural stone pavers. Sealants come in a wide variety of finishes such as; shiny, clear coat, glassy coat, textured coating and natural coatings. Sealants used in pavers are a simple and effective application. Once the pavers have been laid they should be completely dry before a sealant is applied. Most sealants are water based therefore they will not damage or change the coloring of the paver. Road & Car Park Sealants
Road and car park sealants are used on most commercial applications. The sealant is made from silicone to ensure much needed protection to these high traffic areas. They are used on main roads to seal and protect the road from heavy load bearing and wear and tear. Sealants are mainly used in commercial areas to keep water from entering the lower areas of the pavements and roads which cause shifting and cracks.
