Does sealing brick pavers make them slippery? Many homeowners are faced with this question when they consider sealing their brick pavers. It is important to address this question since a slippery surface is hazardous and can lead to slippages, falls and accidents.
The Choice of Paver Sealers
It all depends on the type of sealer and application technique used. The right sealers and application techniques will not leave any noticeable difference on the traction of your brick pavers. Your brick covered hardscape will have around the same level of traction as a seal-coated driveway or parking lot. If you walk on your brick pavers under dry conditions, you will not find any difference in traction.
When the sealed brick pavers are wet, they will feel much like the gym floor does. Your shoes may make squeaking sounds when you walk across them. How is this sound made? The water content between the acrylic sealer and your shoes is responsible for this squeaking sound. This does not make the sealed pavers any more slippery than other surfaces. There are enough pores and texture on brick pavers so that the sealer does not develop a continuous surface over them.
The Type of Brick Paver
Having understood this, you should know that certain types of sealers can make your brick pavers more slippery. As a result, certain brick surfaces can become quite slippery due to their texture and condition. Wet cast brick pavers, for instance, have a smooth surface and are quite dense due to which they become rather slippery when wet. Such brick pavers require special care and treatment to prevent them from becoming slippery under wet conditions.
These pavers require the use of non-film forming penetrating sealers. In other words, the right choice of sealer material can make all the difference to prevent brick pavers from becoming slippery when wet.
The Right Sealer and Technique
However, this does not mean that you can use any sealer on brick pavers with rough, porous surfaces. Some sealers have high solid content, which can fill up the pores on brick pavers. Brick pavers will then develop a solid layer that can become slippery under wet conditions. Inferior quality sealers have this flaw and they often have a very shiny surface. Another important point to consider is the application technique. If you apply too much sealer, even if it is of good quality, the upper layer will become continuous and, therefore, slippery when wet.
Therefore, homeowners must choose an experienced professional who knows all about the best sealers and the right application technique that can prevent brick pavers from becoming slippery. Experts specializing in brick pavers can take a look at your hardscape and recommend the right sealer that will have little to no effect on the traction level of your brick pavers. Even if your brick pavers have the wrong kind of sealer, we can reseal your hardscape using the right sealers and techniques to make them safer.
