Everything You Need to Know About Paver Cleaning and Sealing in Florida

Florida’s climate is beautiful—but brutal on brick pavers. With constant UV exposure, high humidity, frequent rain, and sandy soil, outdoor surfaces in the Sunshine State deteriorate faster than in many other parts of the country. Whether it’s a driveway, patio, pool deck, or walkway, maintaining your pavers isn't just cosmetic—it's critical for longevity, safety, and value. Paver cleaning and sealing is the frontline defense against Florida’s harsh elements, and it should be part of every homeowner’s maintenance routine.

What Is Paver Cleaning and Sealing?

Paver cleaning and sealing is the process of restoring and protecting brick, concrete, or stone pavers by removing buildup and applying a protective sealant. The two-part process not only improves appearance but also safeguards the surface from future wear. It’s an essential service for preserving the quality and look of outdoor hardscapes in Florida's high-impact environment.

What’s Involved in the Cleaning Process

Cleaning involves more than a simple rinse. Professional paver cleaning uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, algae, mold, mildew, and embedded debris from the surface and between the joints. A specialized algaecide is often applied to kill spores and prevent regrowth. This step clears the way for effective sealing and ensures that no organic matter or stains compromise the finished result.

Why Sealing Is Essential After Cleaning

Cleaning alone is not enough—unsealed pavers are vulnerable to UV damage, water intrusion, and stains. Sealing adds a protective barrier that locks out moisture, enhances color, and helps maintain joint sand. In Florida, where extreme weather is the norm, sealing slows down deterioration and gives you a longer-lasting, lower-maintenance surface.

Benefits of Cleaning and Sealing Your Pavers

Keeping your pavers clean and sealed isn’t just about looks—it has functional, financial, and safety benefits that make it a smart investment for any Florida property owner.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

Few upgrades offer as much visual impact for the cost as paver cleaning and sealing. Clean, vibrant pavers can transform your home’s exterior, giving it a polished, well-maintained appearance that’s instantly noticeable.

Protection from UV Rays, Mold, and Stains

Sealing creates a shield that resists Florida’s harshest elements. UV rays won’t bleach your pavers, moisture can’t penetrate and promote mold, and organic stains (like leaves or rust) are less likely to become permanent.

Increased Durability and Reduced Maintenance

Well-maintained pavers last significantly longer. Sealing stabilizes joint sand, prevents surface erosion, and reduces the need for frequent cleaning. That means fewer repairs, fewer weeds, and fewer problems down the line.

Common Problems Florida Homeowners Face With Pavers

Even the best-installed pavers can suffer if not maintained properly—especially in Florida.

Fading and Discoloration

Constant sunlight fades the original color of your pavers, making them look old before their time. Without sealing, there's nothing to protect the pigments from UV damage.

Algae and Mold Growth

Humidity and rain create perfect conditions for slippery algae and mold, especially in shaded or moist areas like pool decks or patios. These growths aren’t just ugly—they’re also safety hazards.

Joint Sand Erosion and Weed Intrusion

Florida’s intense rains wash away the sand between pavers. Without this stabilizing material, pavers shift and create gaps—inviting weeds, grass, and even ants to settle in.

Paver Shifting and Instability

Loose or missing joint sand, poor drainage, or erosion under the base layer can all lead to uneven or sunken pavers. This creates tripping hazards and compromises the integrity of the entire surface.

How Often Should You Clean and Seal Your Pavers in Florida?

Florida’s climate accelerates wear on outdoor surfaces. With constant UV exposure, frequent rainfall, and high humidity, brick pavers face more intense conditions than in most states. As a result, regular maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential.

In general, pavers in Florida should be:

• Cleaned once every 12–18 months, depending on traffic, foliage, and exposure

• Sealed every 2 to 3 years, or sooner if fading, joint erosion, or mold growth appear

  
  

Driveways and pool decks typically require more frequent care than shaded patios or walkways. If your pavers have lost their color, feel gritty, or have weeds sprouting between joints, it’s time to schedule service.

Types of Sealers Used in Florida’s Climate

Sealers aren’t one-size-fits-all. The type of finish you choose affects both appearance and performance. At Premier Coatings, we offer three main finishes—each designed to withstand Florida’s environment while achieving your desired look.

Natural Finish

Natural finish sealers offer subtle enhancement with a matte or low-sheen appearance. This finish preserves the original tone of your pavers without changing their look. It’s a popular choice for homeowners who want invisible protection—ideal for walkways, patios, and driveways where a traditional appearance is preferred.

Wet Look

A wet look sealer enhances the pavers’ color and gives the surface a rich, slightly glossy finish—similar to how it looks when freshly cleaned. This is a go-to choice for pool decks and courtyards where aesthetics matter. It deepens the contrast and texture of the pavers while offering strong UV and moisture protection.

High-Gloss

High-gloss sealers provide the most dramatic visual impact. They intensify the paver color and add a bold, polished finish that stands out. Best used in entertainment areas or accent zones, this finish requires a clean, smooth surface and is often reapplied more frequently to maintain shine.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

What Can Go Wrong With DIY Sealing

It’s tempting to save money by sealing pavers yourself—but without the right products, tools, and experience, mistakes are common and often costly:

• Applying sealer to a dirty or wet surface can trap moisture, causing haziness or peeling

• Uneven application results in blotchy areas or discoloration

• Using low-grade sealers may offer little protection and require early reapplication

• Improper pressure washing can damage pavers or erode joint sand

  
  

DIY efforts often lead to poor aesthetics, reduced protection, and in some cases, complete stripping and redoing the job.

Why Professional Equipment and Expertise Matter

A professional team like Premier Coatings brings more than just tools. We bring the training and techniques to get it right the first time. Our process:

• Uses commercial-grade cleaning and sealing equipment

• Applies the right type of sealer for your specific surface and conditions

• Delivers a uniform finish that enhances and protects

• Ensures proper joint stabilization to prevent future shifting or weed growth

  
  

Hiring a professional saves you time, ensures high-end results, and extends the life of your investment.

Premier Coatings’ 7-Step Paver Cleaning and Sealing Process

At Premier Coatings, our proven 7-step process is designed to restore and protect pavers in Florida’s demanding environment. Each step is performed with precision and care.

Deep Cleaning and Algaecide Application

We begin with a thorough pressure wash to remove dirt, stains, algae, and organic buildup. Then, we apply a professional-grade algaecide to kill mold and mildew spores and prevent future growth. This ensures a clean, sterile surface ready for sealing.

Joint Sand Replacement

Once the pavers are clean and dry, we refill the joints with fine, nutrient-free silica sand. This stabilizes the bricks, prevents weed intrusion, and supports the structural integrity of the surface. We sweep and compact the sand to ensure a consistent, polished finish.

Flood Coat Sealing for Long-Lasting Protection

The final step is the application of a heavy flood coat of premium sealer. We saturate the surface and joints for maximum penetration and protection. The result: enhanced color, sealed joints, and a durable finish that resists moisture, UV rays, stains, and wear for years.

Cost of Paver Cleaning and Sealing in Florida

The cost of professional paver cleaning and sealing varies based on several key factors, but for most Florida homeowners, it’s a smart and affordable investment compared to letting damage go unchecked.

Factors That Affect Pricing

Several variables determine the final cost of your project:

• Square footage: Larger areas like driveways or pool decks naturally cost more.

• Condition of the surface: Heavily stained, moldy, or weed-covered pavers require more prep work.

• Level of repair needed: Loose, sunken, or damaged pavers will need additional labor.

• Type of finish: Glossy or high-performance sealers may increase material costs.

• Accessibility: Hard-to-reach or multi-level areas may require more equipment and time.

  
  

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

Why It’s a Cost-Effective Investment

Letting your pavers go unsealed or poorly maintained often leads to more expensive problems: base erosion, weed infestation, cracking, and even full replacement. Cleaning and sealing helps:

• Extend the life of your pavers

• Reduce the frequency and cost of future repairs

• Improve curb appeal and property value

• Prevent expensive restorations due to long-term neglect

  
  

For a fraction of the cost of replacement, you get long-lasting protection and aesthetic enhancement.

When to Schedule Service: Best Time of Year for Sealing in Florida

While paver sealing can technically be done year-round, the ideal time is during Florida’s dry season—typically from late fall to early spring (November to April).

Why? Lower humidity and fewer rain interruptions allow sealers to cure properly and deliver long-lasting protection. During the wet summer months, scheduling becomes more weather-dependent, but with flexible planning, it’s still possible.

Avoid scheduling immediately before or after heavy storms, and make sure the surface is completely dry prior to sealing.

FAQs About Paver Cleaning and Sealing

How Long Does Sealing Last?

In Florida, high-quality sealers typically last 2 to 3 years—less in high-traffic or heavily exposed areas, and longer in shaded or low-traffic zones. We recommend annual inspections to determine when reapplication is needed.

Is It Safe Around Pets and Pools?

Yes. Once fully cured (typically within 24–48 hours), the sealer is non-toxic and safe for pets, kids, and poolside use. We use premium products designed for residential environments and follow strict safety guidelines.

How Long Until I Can Use My Surface Again?

Foot traffic is generally safe after 24 hours, while driveways and heavy use areas should remain off-limits for 48 to 72 hours to ensure full curing. We provide detailed aftercare instructions based on the sealer used and the weather conditions at the time of application.

Get a Free Estimate From Premier Coatings

Not sure where to start? Let us do the work.

Our team at Premier Coatings offers free, no-obligation inspections and estimates. We’ll assess the current condition of your brick pavers, explain what services are needed, and give you a fair quote—no surprises, no pressure.

📞 Call us today at 727-237-5953

🔗 Or click here to request a free estimate

Protect your investment and bring new life to your outdoor surfaces with Florida’s trusted experts in paver cleaning and sealing.