For professional landscapers and contractors, winter prep is as important as the installation itself. Clients expect their interlocking stone and natural stone features to hold up against snow, ice, and salt damage. The right paving stone sealer is the key to protecting these surfaces from harsh conditions and ensuring they look their best year after year. Here’s a professional guide to getting the job done right before the first freeze hits.

Why Sealing Is Essential Before Winter

Interlocking stone patios, walkways, and driveways are highly durable, but winter takes a toll. Moisture penetrates the pores of the stone and underlying sand joints. When temperatures drop, that moisture freezes, expands, and causes cracks or joint instability. Add salt and de-icing products to the mix, and surfaces can stain, spall, or lose color.

Applying a high-quality paving stone sealer creates a protective barrier. It reduces water penetration, resists salt damage, enhances color, and helps prevent weeds and moss from taking root in the joints. A properly sealed surface is also easier to clean come spring.

Step 1: Assess and Clean the Surface

Start by inspecting the interlocking stone or natural stone for damage. Repair sunken pavers, loose joints, or broken stones before sealing. The surface must be stable and level for the sealer to perform correctly.

Next, perform a deep clean. Use a pressure washer to clean away dirt, moss, efflorescence, and any joint debris. For stains such as oil or rust, apply specialized cleaners to ensure the stone is completely free of contaminants. The cleaner the surface, the better the paving stone sealer will bond.

Step 2: Re-Sand the Joints

Once the surface is dry, re-sand the joints with polymeric or jointing sand. Sweep it into the gaps, ensuring they’re filled evenly. Compact the surface lightly to settle the sand. Proper joint sanding strengthens the interlocking system and prevents shifting under freeze-thaw cycles.

Allow the sand to set for at least 24 hours before applying any sealer. Moisture in the joints can trap air and cause clouding in the finish.

Step 3: Choose the Right Paving Stone Sealer

Not all sealers are created equal. For interlocking stone and natural stone, look for a professional-grade, breathable sealer that offers:

• Penetrating Protection – Prevents water infiltration while allowing trapped moisture to escape.
• UV Resistance – Maintains the stone’s natural color and prevents fading.
• Salt and Freeze-Thaw Protection – Essential for regions with heavy snow and de-icing salt use.

Decide whether a natural finish or enhanced (wet look) finish best suits the client’s preference. Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications on coverage and number of coats.

Step 4: Apply in Optimal Conditions

Sealing should be performed in dry weather, ideally when daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. Avoid sealing if rain is forecast within 24 hours.

Apply the paving stone sealer evenly with a sprayer or roller. Work in sections to avoid overlaps or streaks. For high-traffic areas, two thin coats are better than one heavy application. Allow each coat to dry as per the product instructions—usually 1–2 hours between coats.

Step 5: Cure and Protect

Once sealed, keep foot traffic off the area for at least 24 hours and vehicle traffic for 48–72 hours. Advise clients to avoid de-icing salt for at least a week to allow the sealer to fully cure.

A well-applied paving stone sealer can last 2–3 years, but exposure levels vary. Offer clients a maintenance plan for periodic cleaning and re-sealing to extend the life of their interlocking stone or natural stone surfaces.

Professional Tips for Best Results

• Always use commercial-grade sealers—DIY products won’t hold up to heavy winters.
• Never apply sealer over damp stones or joints; moisture causes hazing and poor adhesion.
• Use a leaf blower to clear dust or debris right before sealing.
• Test a small, inconspicuous area first to confirm the finish meets client expectations.

Build Client Trust with Proactive Winter Prep

Sealing interlocking stone and natural stone surfaces before winter isn’t just a seasonal service—it’s a long-term value add for your clients. By offering proper sealing and maintenance, you’re protecting their investment and strengthening your reputation as a detail-oriented professional.

Make sealing part of your annual fall checklist. A well-timed application of paving stone sealer saves clients costly repairs and keeps their hardscapes looking sharp year-round.

Protect Your Clients’ Hardscapes Before Winter Hits – Order Your Paving Stone Sealer Today!

FSI Landscape Supply carries professional-grade sealers, jointing sand, and all the products you need to prepare interlocking stone and natural stone surfaces for the season.