Patio sealing in Exeter
Professional patio sealing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
Half to full day
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional patio sealing that protects your paving from stains, weathering, and moss growth. I clean the surface thoroughly first, then apply quality sealer that enhances colour and makes future maintenance easier.
Protect Your Patio Investment
You've spent money on a nice patio - why let it get ruined by stains, moss, and weathering when a good sealer can protect it for years?
Sealing creates an invisible barrier that repels water, prevents stains soaking in, and makes cleaning a doddle. Plus it brings out the natural colour of stone beautifully - that 'wet look' finish people love.
Think of it as waterproofing for your paving. Makes sense, right?
💡 Pro tip: Sealing is most effective on Indian sandstone and natural stone which are porous and stain easily. Less critical on concrete slabs, but still helps with moss prevention and easier cleaning.
Sealed vs Unsealed Paving
| ✅ With Sealer | ❌ Without Sealer |
|---|---|
| Water beads on surface, runs off | Water soaks in, carrying stains |
| Oil and grease wipe off easily | Stains penetrate permanently |
| Slower moss and algae growth | Green growth appears quickly |
| Enhanced, richer colour | Colour fades over time |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Needs aggressive scrubbing |
The Sealing Process
🔧 How It's Done Properly
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Check patio condition, identify issues |
| Deep clean | Pressure wash, treat any stains/moss |
| Dry time | Wait for patio to dry completely (crucial) |
| First coat | Apply sealer evenly with roller/sprayer |
| Dry | Let first coat cure (weather dependent) |
| Second coat | Apply final coat for full protection |
| Cure | Leave 24-48hrs before walking on |
Important: Patio MUST be bone dry before sealing. In Devon's climate, that means watching the weather forecast carefully!
Types of Sealer
What goes on your patio:
| Sealer Type | Finish | Best For | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour enhancing | Wet look, darkens stone | Indian sandstone, natural stone | 3-4 years |
| Matt/natural | No sheen, subtle protection | Concrete slabs, prefer natural look | 3-5 years |
| High-gloss | Shiny wet look | Block paving, contemporary patios | 2-3 years |
| Impregnating | Invisible, breathable | Heritage stone, older properties | 4-5 years |
I'll recommend what suits your paving type and preference when I visit.
What Affects Your Quote
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Patio size | More square metres = more sealer, more time |
| Slab type | Porous stone needs more coats than concrete |
| Current condition | Needs cleaning first? Extra time/materials |
| Sealer type | Premium breathable sealers cost more |
| Access | Easy access = quicker application |
I'll assess your patio and recommend the right sealer for your needs.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ New patio - seal it from day one for best protection
✅ Indian sandstone - these stain easily, sealing is essential
✅ Heavy use area - BBQ, dining, kids playing - prone to spills
✅ Moss problems - sealing slows regrowth after cleaning
✅ Selling house - sealed patio looks cared-for and premium
Why Choose Us for Patio sealing in Exeter?
Protects against stains and spills
Reduces moss and algae growth
Enhances colour and appearance
Makes cleaning easier long-term
What to Expect
Step 1: Clean & Prep
If your patio isn't already clean, I pressure wash it thoroughly, treat any stains or moss, and make sure it's spotless. Then we wait for it to dry completely - this can't be rushed.
Step 2: Test & Apply
I'll test the sealer on a small area to confirm you like the finish. Then apply the first coat evenly across the whole patio using roller or sprayer depending on slab type.
Step 3: Second Coat & Cure
Once first coat is touch-dry, I apply the second coat. Then it needs 24-48 hours to cure properly before you can walk on it. Worth the wait for years of protection.
🔧 DIY Tips
Sealing a patio yourself is actually quite straightforward - less skilled than most paving jobs. Here's how:
🔧 Tools & materials you'll need
- Pressure washer (hire if needed)
- Long-handled paint roller and tray
- OR garden sprayer for large areas
- Patio sealer (calculate coverage needed)
- Stirring stick
- Masking tape for edges
- Clean cloths for spills
📐 Preparation is everything
- Clean patio THOROUGHLY - pressure wash, treat stains
- Let it dry completely (2-3 days minimum in our climate)
- Test dryness: tape plastic sheet down overnight, check for condensation
- Only seal when 2-3 days dry weather forecast
- Work in dry conditions, temp above 10°C
🪨 Applying the sealer
- Read tin instructions - different brands vary
- Stir thoroughly, don't shake (creates bubbles)
- Apply in thin even coats - more is NOT better
- Work in sections, maintain wet edge
- Avoid puddles and thick patches
- Usually need 2 coats for full protection
- Let first coat dry before second (check tin for timing)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Sealing dirty or damp patio - disaster, ruins everything
- Applying too thick - stays tacky, collects dirt
- Working in wrong weather - rain, cold, or too hot
- Not stirring properly - inconsistent finish
- Overlapping sections when wet - visible lines
- Walking on it too soon - footprints permanently sealed in
- Cheap sealer that lasts 6 months - false economy
💡 Pro trick: Do a test patch first! Apply sealer to small inconspicuous area and let it cure fully. This shows you the final colour/sheen and proves your patio is dry enough. Much better to discover issues on 1m² than the whole patio.
⚠️ Can't undo it: Once sealed, you can't easily remove it. If you hate the finish, you're stuck with it until it wears off. Hence the test patch!
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌧️ Weather critical: Sealing needs 2-3 days of dry weather before AND after application. In Devon that means watching forecasts obsessively and being prepared to postpone. One rain shower at wrong time ruins the job.
Clean first, seal second: Never seal a dirty patio. You're literally sealing in the stains, moss, and grime. If your patio needs both cleaning and sealing, the cleaning comes first. Then wait for it to dry. Then seal.
Breathable matters: On older stone or heritage properties, use breathable/impregnating sealer that lets moisture escape from below. Standard acrylic sealers can trap moisture and cause stone to flake (spalling). I'll advise what's right for your specific paving.
Slippery when wet? Some sealers (especially high-gloss) make paving slipperier. If you have steps or slopes, mention this - there are anti-slip additives and textured sealers available.
Maintenance after sealing: Sealed patios are easier to clean but still need occasional washing. The sealer isn't magic - it just gives you time to wipe up spills before they stain permanently. Still pressure wash annually.
Resealing later: When sealer wears off (water stops beading), you can reseal. Patio doesn't need stripping - just clean it and apply fresh sealer. Much quicker than first time as surface is already prepped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does patio sealing actually do?
It puts a protective layer on your paving that repels water, oil, and stains. This stops stuff soaking in (red wine, BBQ grease, leaf stains), makes the surface easier to clean, and slows down moss growth. It also enhances the colour - particularly noticeable on Indian sandstone and natural stone.
Do all patios need sealing?
No - it's optional maintenance that extends life and makes upkeep easier. Most worthwhile on Indian sandstone, natural stone, and block paving. Less critical on concrete slabs which are already fairly dense. If your patio gets heavy use, stains easily, or you want that 'wet look' finish, sealing makes sense.
How much does patio sealing cost?
Quoted per job based on patio size and slab type. Very rough guide: £10-15 per square metre including materials. Small patio (15m²) might be £150-200. Larger areas work out cheaper per metre. I'll measure up and give you an exact quote.
How long does sealer last?
Good quality sealer lasts 3-5 years depending on foot traffic and weather exposure. You'll know it's wearing off when water stops beading and stains start soaking in again. Some people reseal every few years, others wait until it's obviously needed.
Does the patio need to be clean before sealing?
Absolutely yes - this is crucial. Sealing traps whatever's on the surface, so if it's dirty, mossy, or stained, you're sealing that in. Patio must be pressure washed, cleaned properly, and completely dry before I apply any sealer. I can do the cleaning first if needed.
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