Paver Sealing, Repair & Restoration
JI Masonry Solutions LLC cleans, repairs, re-levels, and seals pavers for homeowners around Tampa Bay. This is different from a new installation, so we start by looking at what you actually have.
Paver Problems We See Around Tampa Bay
- Sunken or uneven pavers. Low spots, puddles, and edges you can trip on usually mean the base underneath has settled, or that roots are pushing up from below. We lift the pavers, correct the base, and set them back level.
- Cracked, chipped, or stained pavers. Individual pavers can be taken out and replaced without disturbing the ones around them.
- Empty or washed-out joints. Joint sand is what holds pavers in place. When it washes out, pavers start to shift and weeds move in, so we refill and compact the joints.
- Green, black, or dingy surfaces. Algae and mildew build up in shade and around sprinklers. Cleaning brings back the color underneath.
- Rust spots and oil stains. These are common near irrigation heads and on driveways. Not every stain comes out, but many can be improved.
- Faded or dull pavers. Years of sun wear the color down. Cleaning and sealing can bring a lot of it back.
How We Restore a Paver Surface
Every surface is different, but most restorations follow the same order:- Look it over. We check for settling, loose pavers, and joint problems before anything else.
- Fix the structure. Sunken sections are lifted and re-leveled, and damaged pavers are replaced.
- Clean the surface. Dirt, algae, and stains come off so the surface is ready for sand and sealer.
- Refill the joints. Fresh joint sand goes in and is compacted to lock everything together.
- Seal, if it makes sense. We apply sealer only where it will help, and let it cure before the area goes back into use.
What Sealing Does, and What It Doesn’t
A good paver sealer helps protect against stains, keeps the joint sand in place, and can bring out the color of the stone or concrete. Sealers come in different finishes, from a natural matte look to a glossy “wet look,” and the finish matters. Around a pool, for example, you want a surface that doesn’t get slick when it’s wet.Sealer has limits, though. It won’t make pavers stain-proof or maintenance-free, and it doesn’t fix a settled base. Not every paver needs one, either. Dense porcelain pavers generally don’t, while concrete and travertine are the ones that usually benefit.
Algae, Well-Water Stains, and Salt Air
Tampa Bay is tough on pavers in specific ways. Humidity and shade grow algae in yards under oak canopies in Lutz and Odessa, irrigation from private wells can leave orange rust stains that spread across patios and driveways, and salt air on the Pinellas Gulf side, around Clearwater and Palm Harbor, dulls surfaces faster. Knowing which of these is behind the problem changes how we clean and whether we recommend a sealer.Pool Decks, Driveways, Patios, and Walkways Age Differently
Different problems tend to show up in different places:- Pool decks: traction, algae near the water, and choosing a sealer finish that stays safe when wet.
- Driveways: oil, tire marks, and settling where vehicles turn or park.
- Patios: furniture marks, growth in shaded spots, and sunken areas near the house.
- Walkways: tree roots lifting pavers and edges that have drifted apart.
How Often Should Pavers Be Sealed?
There is no single schedule. It depends on how much sun and shade the area gets, how much traffic it sees, and which sealer was used the last time. We will look at your surface and tell you what it needs now, and we can set up a maintenance plan if you want one.If you are trying to judge it yourself, sprinkle a little water on the pavers. If it beads up, the sealer is still doing its job. If it soaks in and darkens the surface quickly, the protection has probably worn off.