Paver Maintenance in Arizona — Sand, Sealer, and the 5-Year Refresh
Most paver problems aren't paver problems — they're joint, base, or sealer problems. Here's what to do, and when, to make pavers last 30+ years.
Routine — twice a year
Blow off debris, check joints for missing sand, spot-treat oil stains within 48 hours (kitty litter pulls fresh oil; pH-neutral degreaser for the rest). Power-washing is fine — angle the wand ≥ 45°, never straight down, or you blast the sand out of the joints.
The 3–5 year joint sand refresh
Polymeric sand breaks down from UV and freeze-thaw. When you see ants, moss, or sand washing out after monsoon storms, it's time. Blow joints clean, sweep new polymeric sand in dry, mist activate per manufacturer, and let cure 24 hours rain-free. This single step prevents 80% of paver failures.
Sealing — usually optional in AZ
Concrete pavers don't need sealer for durability — but a breathable penetrating sealer (Techniseal, Seal'n Lock) deepens color and resists oil. Reseal every 3–5 years. Never use a film-forming 'wet-look' sealer near a pool — it gets slippery and looks plastic. Travertine: see our travertine sealing guide.
When to call us
- A paver has sunk more than 1/2" — base failure, needs lift-and-reset.
- Cracks running through multiple stones — likely a base or substrate issue.
- Efflorescence (white haze) that won't scrub off — needs efflorescence cleaner + reseal.
- Standing water after monsoon — drainage or grading retrofit.
