Do Concrete Pavers Fade? [And How To Prevent That From Happening]

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When the color of a material fades, it looks worn out and old. In short, it is not as appealing as it used to be. That's why those shopping for paving materials want to know if concrete pavers will fade to manage their expectations. That's what we researched on based on the experiences of other homeowners and here's what we found out.

Concrete pavers do fade over time due to constant use and exposure to various environmental conditions. But this can be prevented by sealing your pavers. The sealant will give them extra protection against UV rays, wear and tear, and dirt so that they can retain their color for a longer time.

Keep on reading so that we can tell you why pavers fade and how to seal in their color to make it last longer. We'll also talk about how you can make your pavers look new and how long concrete pavers last. Let's get started!

Will concrete pavers fade?

Concrete pavers are made of cement, sand, gravel, and water. These are poured into forms to create different shapes and sizes. After this, they are compressed and air dried to cure. They are also pigmented so that they come in different colors.

Concrete pavers are a popular choice when it comes to hardscaping. They can be used for your walkway, driveway, patio, pool deck, among others. They enhance the appearance of your outdoor area especially since they can be arranged into different patterns that add beauty to the landscape.

However, that beauty will diminish once the color fades. This is one of the disadvantages of using concrete pavers. Their color is just dyed with pigments. It isn't natural that's why it fades over time.

These paving materials may lose their color due to heavy foot and vehicle traffic. The harsh UV rays can also strip them of their dyed pigment.

These environmental factors can erode the exterior surface and slowly expose the real color of the cement and sand used to make the concrete pavers.

How do I keep my pavers from fading?

The good news is that there's something you can do to make your pavers' color last longer. This is simply by sealing them.

A good acrylic concrete sealant will protect the pavers' exterior and their pigment by shielding them from the harsh UV rays. It will prevent their color from fading and you will enjoy their vibrant finish for a long time.

The sealant isn't just a coat on top of your paving material. It penetrates deep into the pores. As a result, dirt, dust, and other unwanted particles won't be able to affect the pavers' interior and spoil their appearance.

How do I make my patio pavers look new?

You can make your pavers look new by keeping them well-maintained. This means you have to clean and seal them regularly to keep them looking fresh and presentable at all times. You can also apply a stain on their surface to restore their color.

Here are some tips on how to achieve having pavers that look brand new.

Cleaning

Cleaning your concrete pavers requires a little effort. You can use a broom or leaf blower to remove the dirt on its surface. Take out the weeds between the interlocking joints. You can also use water and a long brush to scrub the dirt and grime off.

For deep cleaning, you can do the following steps:
1. Soak the pavers in soapy water. You can mix water with Simple Green, dish soap, and other mild and non-acidic cleaning agents.
2. Use a scrub brush to remove lingering dirt and grime. Do not use a scouring pad, wire bristled brush, or any abrasive materials so as not to damage the surface.
3. Rinse off the soap thoroughly together with all the dirt that has been lifted off from the pavers.

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Sealing

About every three to five years, you need to reapply sealant on your concrete pavers. This will ensure that they have constant protection from heavy use and environmental factors.

Here's how to apply sealant on your pavers.

1. Make sure that the pavers have been cleaned thoroughly and are completely dry.
2. Apply a layer of acrylic concrete sealant on the pavers using a paintbrush or bottle spray.
3. Wait for it to dry before applying another layer of sealant.
4. Enclose the area for about two days to give the sealant sufficient time to dry and penetrate the pavers' core.

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Staining

You can also refresh the look of your concrete pavers by staining them. It is easy to do and will give your pavement a more natural look.

Here's how you stain your pavers.

1. Make sure that the surface is clean and dry.
2. Apply the stain evenly on the pavers using a roller brush or pump sprayer.
3. Give it sufficient time to dry completely.
4. Add another layer of concrete stain if you're not yet satisfied with the color.
5. Allow to dry before applying the sealant.
6. Let it dry fully before you use this outdoor area.

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It is important to schedule your cleaning, sealing, and staining tasks on sunny days. Rain will ruin the sealant. It will make it cloudy and blotchy which isn't pleasing to look at. It will also affect the effectiveness of the sealant in protecting your pavers.

How long do concrete pavers last?

Concrete, in general, is a durable material that's why it is a popular choice for hardscaping needs. Concrete pavers can last up to 50 years or even longer.

Different factors influence their lifespan such as installation, use, and maintenance.

Installation

The installation of concrete pavers can be quite complex and laborious. There's a series of steps to follow before and after you can lay down the pavers.

It starts with excavating the site, filling and compacting the base, installing the bedding sand and the edge restraint, then laying the pavers. After this, you need to vibrate then sand the pavers. You end with the application of a sealant to protect the pavers and enhance their appearance.

It's best that you hire a professional for this job so that it can be accomplished properly. If it isn't done correctly, there could be shifting, sinking, cracking, or lifting among the pavers and these issues would shorten their lifespan.

Use

Some hardscapes are used in areas with heavy traffic such as the driveway. This will put more strain on the pavers and cause them to break faster than pavers used in low-traffic areas.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your pavers can help them last longer. Cleaning them will prevent dirt and grime from settling on their surface and causing unsightly stains. Sealing them will help preserve their color and quality. But of course, you should choose and use the right products so as not to damage the surface.

When concrete pavers are installed, used, and maintained properly, you can help extend their lifespan and you'll get more value for the money that you spent on your hardscaping.

Final Thoughts

Concrete pavers will fade with the passing of time. To preserve its color, it's best that you apply a good sealant on their surface so that they have added protection from harsh UV rays and wear and tear.

If you want to read more about concrete pavers, you may visit the following links:

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Do concrete pavers need rebar?