Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Smartseal can supply all the necessary paving cleaning equipment, paving sealer application tools and materials required for any project.

We can also offer full technical support and guidance if required.

As a rule of thumb how the paving looks when damp, is how it will look once treated with sealer. The majority of people feel this gives the paving a 'fresh look' and are very happy that the original colour has been restored.

A standard power washer will do the job, but one with a rotary head* style accessory is recommended for driveway cleaning and patio cleaning. As a general rule, the more powerful the washer, the less time it will take.

Kiln dried sand is always recommended. This ensures the joints of the block paving are completely filled. This type of sand solidifies and bonds more effectively with the block paving sealer giving maximum protection against weed growth and the future loss of jointing sand.

We cannot guarantee that this will be the case. After the ‘cleaning’ process we suggest applying a ‘weed killer’. After re-sanding, the acrylic block paving sealer will ‘sand bind’ and protect the sanded joints, this will help reduce and make it a lot more difficult for weeds to put down their roots again. But further growth can always occur unless a small amount of general 'upkeep' is maintained*

* Please see 'application guide' supplied with block paving sealer.

If your block paving has sealer applied properly then any future deterioration will be extremely minimal. The acrylic sealer enhances the colour of the block paving, minimises colour loss from ultra violet light, protects against oil stains, weeds and algae growth. It also solidifies the sand in the joints of the block paving which gives further overall protection.

Once sealer has been applied the block paving will be far less porous so any further staining will be easily removed. In most cases undiluted washing up liquid will be sufficient. In bad cases we advise the use of Oil Stain Remover available from Smartseal to solve the problem.

Dependent on the type of block paving laid 2 coats recommended*, then "top up"coats can be applied periodically as required.

* For technical advice on your specific type of surface and the number of coats required please call Smartseal on 01268 722500.

Yes, at Smartseal we are always looking to give accurate advice, not just 'sell you some sealer'. With this in mind we recommend a coverage ratio of 2sq metres per litre 1st coat and 3.5sq metres per litre second coat. You can spread it a lot thinner than sometimes stated with other products, but long term you will be dissapointed with the results, so what is the point?

For a more detailed information or personal advice regarding technical issues please call 01268 722500.

We could also make our products cheaper, by using lower quality materials, but long term this would just lead to disappointed customers. Our products are manufactured to the highest standards and are BS/5750 ISO9000 approved to give our customers peace of mind.

The life expectancy of paving sealer is generally between 5-7 years but will vary for several reasons - the amount of paving sealer applied, vehicle traffic use, exposure to sunlight and porosity of surface will all be relevant factors. For example, a north facing driveway with limited sunlight exposure will need re-sealing more frequently than one facing south.

The Smartseal premium paving sealer generally is suitable for patios, but due to the fact that paving slabs have many different levels of porosity, it is always recommended to do a test area first

Yes, Smartseal approved driveway and patio cleaning contractors cover most parts of the country.

Yes, Smartseal approved driveway cleaning contractors cover most parts of the UK.

As a general rule the appearance of pattern imprinted concrete when damp is how it will look once is it cleaned and a clear paving sealer has been re-applied.

If additional colour is required Smartseal can supply a full range of sealer tints.