How to Tell If your Brick Pavers Need Sealing (Chicago Suburbs Edition)

Beautiful brick paver driveway in Wheaton, IL, professionally cleaned and sealed by Chicagoland Paver Sealing.

Introduction

Brick pavers add timeless beauty and value to your home’s outdoor spaces — but they need proper care to stay looking their best. If you’re a homeowner in the Chicago suburbs, harsh winters, rain, and heavy foot traffic can cause your pavers to wear down faster. One of the best ways to protect your investment is with professional paver sealing. But how can you tell when it’s time to reseal? Let’s walk through the signs.

1. Faded or Dull Appearance

Over time, exposure to sun, rain, and snow can cause your brick pavers to lose their rich color. If your once-vibrant pavers are now looking faded, washed out, or dull, it’s a clear sign that the original sealer has worn off. Sealing restores color and provides a fresh, glossy finish that enhances curb appeal.

✅ Quick Tip: If spraying your pavers with water temporarily makes them look richer — sealing will permanently restore that beauty!

2. Stains Are Soaking In

One major benefit of sealing pavers is stain resistance. If you notice that oil, grease, dirt, or even rust stains are soaking into your pavers instead of wiping off easily, your sealant has likely broken down. Without a strong protective layer, stains can become permanent and difficult to remove.

✅ Look for:

• Oil spots from cars

• Rust stains from patio furniture

• Dirt sinking deep into the paver pores

3. Weeds or Moss Growing Between Pavers

Sealing doesn’t just protect the surface — it also locks the joints between your pavers. If you’re seeing weeds, moss, or even tiny grasses sprouting between bricks, it’s a sign your joints are vulnerable. Fresh sealing with joint stabilization prevents plant growth and keeps your patio, driveway, or walkway looking clean and polished.

4. Water Absorbs Instead of Beading

Here’s a simple test: Pour a little water onto your brick pavers.

• If the water beads up on the surface, your sealant is still doing its job.

• If the water soaks in quickly, it’s time to reseal.

✅ Bonus Tip: Water absorption also accelerates cracking during Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles — another reason to keep your pavers sealed!

5. Shifting, Cracks, or Loose Pavers

While sealing alone won’t prevent all shifting, properly sealed joints and surfaces help stabilize your pavers. If you’re seeing small cracks, dips, or loose bricks, it’s a signal that maintenance — including resealing — is overdue. Sealing after minor repairs can prevent bigger, more expensive restoration projects down the line.

Why Timing Matters in Chicago’s Suburbs

Living in areas like Naperville, Wheaton, Hinsdale, and Downers Grove means dealing with tough seasonal extremes — heavy snow, spring rains, summer heat. These conditions wear down paver surfaces faster than in milder climates. Experts recommend sealing brick pavers every 2–3 years in Chicago’s suburbs to maintain maximum protection and beauty.

Ready to Restore Your Brick Pavers?

At Chicagoland Paver Sealing, we specialize in bringing tired, worn pavers back to life with professional cleaning, joint stabilization, and premium sealing. Whether you’re in Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glenview, or surrounding areas — we can help you protect your investment for years to come.

👉 Call us today for a free paver evaluation and sealing quote!

🌟 Bonus: Quick Checklist

Sign	Action Needed
Fading color	Time to reseal
Water soaks in	Resealing needed
Weed growth	Resealing and stabilization
Stains setting in	Clean + reseal ASAP
Small cracks/shifting	Repair + reseal