Our 3-Step Paver Restoration Process — How We Bring Sarasota Pavers Back to Life

Every paver restoration project we do in sarasota follows the same three-step process. Not because we lack creativity, but because these three steps — in this specific order — are what the science of paver maintenance requires. Skip a step or change the sequence and the results suffer. Here's exactly what happens and why.

Step 1: Deep Cleaning

Before any sand or sealer touches the surface, every contaminant has to come off. Dirt, algae, mold, oil stains, efflorescence, old degraded sealer, weeds, ant mounds — all of it. This is the most labor-intensive step and the one that determines the quality of everything that follows.

We start with a chemical pre-treatment: a sodium hypochlorite solution that kills biological growth at the root. This dwells on the surface for 10–15 minutes, breaking down the cellular structure of mold and algae. Then we follow with a commercial surface cleaner — a rotating pressure washing disc that provides uniform cleaning across the paver surface.

For pavers with stubborn stains — oil, rust, battery acid — we spot-treat with specialized removers before the general cleaning. Each stain type has a specific chemistry that addresses it. Using the wrong remover on the wrong stain either doesn't work or makes it worse.

After cleaning, the pavers need to dry completely. We allow 24–48 hours of dry weather before proceeding. Rushing this step traps moisture under the sealer and causes failure.

Step 2: Joint Sand Replacement

This is the step that most cheaper contractors skip or rush — and it's the step that determines how long the entire restoration lasts. Proper joint sand prevents paver shifting, weed germination, insect intrusion, and water erosion between pavers.

After cleaning washes out old, degraded sand, we inspect every joint across the entire surface. Where sand has been lost (which is typically 30–50% of all joints on a neglected surface), we fill with new sand. For most residential and commercial applications, we use polymeric sand — a specialized product that contains polymers that activate with water and harden the sand in the joint.

Polymeric sand is more expensive than regular sand, but the performance difference is significant. Regular sand washes out with heavy rain. Polymeric sand stays locked in place, resists weed growth, and prevents ant colonization. On a Sarasota driveway or pool deck, the upgrade to polymeric sand adds years to the maintenance cycle.

After spreading the sand, we compact it into the joints with a plate compactor and then activate the polymers by misting with water. The sand needs another 24 hours to fully cure before sealer application.

Step 3: Sealer Application

The final step locks everything in place. Sealer protects the paver surface from UV degradation, prevents stain absorption, stabilizes the joint sand, and enhances the paver color.

We offer two sealer finishes: natural look (matte, enhances color slightly without changing appearance) and wet look (glossy, significantly deepens color and creates a polished appearance). Both provide the same protection — the choice is aesthetic.

Application uses professional spray equipment for uniform coverage. We apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat — this ensures even penetration and prevents pooling that creates blotchy results. Each coat dries for 2–4 hours before the next.

How Long Does It Last?

A properly executed 3-step restoration in Sarasota's climate maintains its appearance for 2–3 years. At that point, you won't need another full restoration — just a cleaning and sealer reapplication (steps 1 and 3). The joint sand from a proper installation lasts 5+ years. That means your second cycle costs less than the first because the most expensive step (sand replacement) doesn't need repeating.