Direct Answer
Pavers should usually be cleaned before sealing, and joint sand may need to be replaced when gaps, weeds, washout, or loose pavers are visible. Sealing can help protect the surface and improve appearance, but the pavers need to be dry, properly prepared, and suitable for sealing first.
Signs pavers need attention
Paver areas often show wear through fading, mildew, weeds, sand loss, tire marks, rust, irrigation staining, or white haze. Cleaning alone may improve appearance, but joint sanding and sealing may be needed if the surface has washed out or become unstable.
- Weeds or ants between joints
- Missing joint sand or loose edges
- Dark organic growth, stains, tire marks, or faded color
- White haze or cloudy sealer from a previous application
Why preparation matters
Sealer applied over dirty, damp, or unstable pavers can trap problems instead of solving them. A proper sequence usually includes evaluating stains, cleaning, allowing the area to dry, replacing joint sand when needed, and applying the right sealer for the surface.
What to include in the request
Share photos of the entire area and close-ups of stains or joint sand. Mention whether the pavers are on a driveway, patio, walkway, pool deck, or lanai and whether they were sealed before.
When to call a professional
Request paver surface care before the area gets heavily overgrown, before selling or renting the property, or when cleaning alone is no longer enough to restore the look.