Other important rules to follow in-between the cleaning and sealing process?
Once the surface has been cleaned it needs to thoroughly dry prior to sealing. This can take 24 hours in the heat of mid summer to seven or more days in the Spring or Fall. Areas that are covered like carports or areas that are shaded from trees will take much longer to dry at any time of year. Sealing a surface with excess moisture content will cause moisture blushing and possible sealer de-lamination over time. Never seal until you are sure that the surface is “completely” dry. A good rule of thumb for paving stones is ” when the sand joints are powdery dry and do not clump up when you run a finishing nail through the sand, then the entire surface should be ready to seal. For concrete, “if the cut lines show dampness or produce moisture when blown with a leaf blower, the surface is not ready to seal”. Remember! Turn off your irrigation system (sprinklers) throughout the cleaning and sealing process and for 24 hours during the drying process of the sealer.
