Brick Paver Cleaning & Sealing (Clean & Seal) in Chicagoland

Your brick pavers take a beating from weather, traffic, weeds, and stains. Our Clean & Seal service restores the look of your pavers and adds a protective finish that helps your surface stay cleaner, longer—without the costly mistakes that happen when sealing is done incorrectly.

Old World Brick Paving is a family-owned hardscape contractor serving the Greater Chicago Area, installing hardscapes since 1993.

Call (708) 453-2243 to talk with a hardscape professional or request a quote.

Why Clean & Seal Your Pavers?

A professional clean and seal can help you:

Restore curb appeal (remove grime, organic growth, and surface staining)
Enhance color and finish (natural look or “wet look,” depending on product choice)
Stabilize joint sand to help reduce washout and shifting
Reduce weeds and ant activity by improving joint stability
Add protection from moisture intrusion and many common stains (results vary by surface/conditions)

Reach out! We are here to answer your questions.

What’s Included in Our Clean & Seal Service

Every property is different, but a typical Clean & Seal includes:

Site review of your pavers and joints (and any problem areas)
Professional cleaning designed for paver surfaces
Joint assessment and preparation
Joint sanding plan based on your goals (standard joint sand stabilization vs. polymeric-sand approach)
Sealer selection guidance (water-based vs. solvent-based)
Application by technicians trained and certified by SEK Surebond using professional-grade products
Final walkthrough and maintenance guidance

Our Process (What to Expect)

Day 1: Deep Clean

We clean your pavers the right way—because sealing over dirt, haze, or poorly prepared joints can lock in problems and create expensive, lasting defects.

Day 2: Joint Work + Sealing (after the surface is fully dry)

Once the pavers are dry, we address joints as needed and apply the sealer you choose. Proper drying matters—especially in Chicagoland conditions.

Optional Day 3 (When Polymeric Sand Is Requested)

If you specifically want polymeric sand and the project requires additional steps, it may require an extra trip/day (details below).

Sealer Options: Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based

Choosing the right sealer is one of the biggest “make-or-break” decisions.

Solvent-Based (Oil) Sealer

Typically lasts about 5–7 years
Strong performance, but more difficult to apply correctly
More expensive and very difficult to remove if applied incorrectly
Some products can be highly flammable, so professional handling matters

Water-Based Sealer

Typically lasts about 3–5 years
Often easier to remove without harsh stripping compared to solvent options
Weather and timing matter—mistakes (including rain risk) can be challenging to correct

Our technicians are trained and certified by SEK Surebond, and we use professional products manufactured by SEK Surebond.

Joint Sand + Polymeric Sand: What Homeowners Need to Know

This is where many contractors get it wrong—and where homeowners get stuck paying twice.

The truth about polymeric sand

Many companies claim they use polymeric sand when they don’t—or they use it incorrectly. When polymeric sand and sealing are combined without proper prep, it can create haze, messy residue, and poor-looking joints.

Water-based sealers + polymeric sand

Polymeric sand is activated by water, so it’s compatible with water-based approaches—but if installation steps aren’t followed carefully, sand and residue can end up across the paver surface.

Solvent-based sealers + polymeric sand

If you want polymeric sand with a solvent-based sealer, it typically requires extra steps (including properly preparing joints—often removing old joint sand and rebuilding from scratch). This can add time, labor, and cost.

Do you need polymeric sand?

In many cases, a quality stabilizing sealer can help stabilize joint sand, making hard/poly sand unnecessary depending on the surface and goals.

[Pro Tips] Before You Hire a Clean & Seal Contractor

Cleaning and sealing is a skilled hardscape service—not just “pressure washing.” Before you hire, consider:

How long have they been in business under the same name?
Do they have a real business address (not just a P.O. box)?
Do they actually install pavers (hardscape experience matters)?
Will they provide proof of proper insurance/workers’ comp as needed?
Do they have a legitimate website with real project photos (watch out for scammy ads and stock-only galleries)?

If cleaning and sealing is done wrong, the fix can be costly—sometimes even requiring major repair or replacement.

Old World Brick Paving Services The Greater Chicago Area

Old World Brick Paving proudly serves the Greater Chicago Area, providing top-quality brick paving, hardscaping, and outdoor living solutions to homeowners and businesses alike. With years of expertise, our team specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of durable, aesthetically pleasing brick driveways, patios, walkways, and more. We are committed to enhancing properties across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs with superior craftsmanship and long-lasting materials. Whether you need a complete brick paving installation, repairs, or restoration, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that withstand the test of time. Serving communities throughout the Chicagoland area, Old World Brick Paving is your trusted partner for professional and reliable paving services.

FAQs

Cleaning and sealing is a skilled hardscape service—not just “pressure washing.” Before you hire, consider:

Do you serve my area?admin112026-02-27T10:58:30-06:00