Pros and Cons of Sealing Flagstone

Sealing flagstone is a typical practice, but it’s vital to look at the pros and cons prior to deciding.

Pros of Sealing Flagstone

Protection from Weathering: Sealing produces a barrier against water, hindering moisture from permeating the stone and causing damage. This considerably extends the life expectancy of your flagstone.

Resistance to Staining: Sealed flagstone is more stain resistant from oils, wine, grease, and other spills. Making cleaning and maintenance a lot easier, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Improved Appearance: Sealing can improve the natural texture and color of your flagstone, providing it with a richer, more dynamic look. It also can help to even out the color differences between stones.

Easier Cleaning: Cleaning sealed flagstone is considerably easier. Debris and spills can be wiped away faster, reducing the requirement for stringent cleaning agents.

Weed Prevention: Sealing helps in the prevention of weeds from growing in the spaces between flagstones, decreasing maintenance requirements.

Cons of Sealing Flagstone

Cost: Sealing flagstone requires buying a sealer and might involve hiring a professional for its application, adding to the general cost of your project.

Time Commitment: Sealing necessitates preparation and application time, and subject to the size of the space, it can be a somewhat lengthy process.

Possibility of Damages: Incorrect sealing can be detrimental to the flagstone, resulting in discoloration or other problems. It’s vital to use the appropriate type of sealer and have it applied correctly.

Regular Re-Sealing: A lot of sealers are going to require re-sealing every couple of years, subject to the type of sealer, foot traffic, and weather conditions. This adds to long-term maintenance costs and time devotion.

Changed Appearance: Whereas sealing can improve appearance, many sealers can change the appearance of the flagstone, making it look less natural or possibly shiny, which might not be aesthetically pleasing to everybody.

Possibility of Staining (with some sealers): Some sealers could darken the flagstone, whereas others can produce a different color subject to the surface.

Choosing the Appropriate Sealer

The type of sealer you choose is going to significantly influence the results. There are several different kinds available, each with their own pros and cons:

Penetrating Sealers: These sealers permeate into the stone, safeguarding it from the inside. They overall provide good safeguarding and don’t alter the appearance too much.

Topical Sealers: These create a film on the surface of the flagstone, offering more safeguarding but possibly changing the look of the flagstone.

In Conclusion

Whether or not to seal your flagstone is subject to several aspects including your budget, the degree of protection required, and what you want aesthetically. Weighing the pros and cons carefully is going to help you make a sensible decision that suits your wants. If you are not sure, speaking with a professional stone installer or landscaping company is always suggested.