This graphic shows the operational difference between film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers. Because they coat the surface, film formers trap water vapor and are subject to breach from abrasion. Penetrants let water vapor out, but won?EUR??,,????'?????<Photo courtesy of Prosoco

Start Up Costs

Start up costs can be relatively low depending on how aggressive and big you want your company. In a time of an unstable economy, keeping overhead costs low is extremely important and can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful business. To start out in the residential market along with some smaller commercial projects, we would recommend limiting equipment to only the necessities.

Besides the normal business costs, the only additional costs required would be: 2000-2500 psi pressure washer ($550); airless sprayer cart ($500); medium bristled broom ($20); foam squeegee ($20); bucket and scrub brush ($15); 1 gallon hand held pump sprayer ($25) for a total of $1,130 (costs can vary).

A technician shows how easy it is to treat pavers with a color-enhancing, penetrating water-repellent. To start up a sealing business a landscape contractor needs a garden-variety pump-up sprayer. Brushes, rollers and micro-fiber applicators will come in handy for making sure the application is even, and there?EUR??,,????'?????<Photo courtesy of Prosoco

Show Cost Savings for Your Customers

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Whether working with a homeowner or on a commercial project, the benefits of sealing are relatively the same but the cost savings can be vary significantly. By properly using a joint stabilizing sealer on interlocking concrete pavers, there are a number of benefits that will save the customer money over time.

Becoming a Distributor

There are a number of factors that a landscape contractor should consider when choosing products they are planning to either install, distribute or recommend to their customers. Ask the following questions.

How long has the manufacturing company been in business? Are all of the products field proven? Is the manufacturing company reputable and stable? Are products readily available? Are the products eco-friendly? Are any of the products considered hazardous and/or require a permit for either handling or storage? What level of support can you expect to receive from the manufacturer?

The main benefits of sealing concrete pavers using a joint stabilizing sealer include: significantly reduces insect infestation, weed growth and sand wash-out; reduces moisture in the base by over 80 percent, which is the main cause of paver failure; allows the pavement to be pressure washed without removing the joint sand; maintains the structural integrity of the pavement system. Photo courtesy of Surebond

Safety Concerns

While it is said that many water-based products are compatible with other sealants on the market, it is important to try a small test area first to insure there won?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Best Times to Use Sealers

Protective treatments for hardscapes are always beneficial. The real question is how to choose the right treatment for the right project. For instance, a straight water-repellent might not be as good a choice for a bank drive-through or outside dining patio as a water and oil repellent.

If color is an integral part of the hardscape, then perhaps a water-repellent color-enhancer is called for. This type of treatment not only protects the pavers which helps keep the colors from fading, it deepens and enriches the color to begin with. While sand-jointed installations can benefit from water and oil repellents, treatments that also harden and protect the vulnerable sand joints might be the best choice.

Weed growth in the sand joints will not occur which eliminates the use of purchasing harsh weed killers and spraying the unwanted vegetation. Moisture and rainwater will be significantly reduced from penetrating down in the bedding sand and base material which can cause washouts underneath the pavement. Photo courtesy of Surebond

Common Mistakes

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Technical Advice

The best sealer manufacturers offer free training in how to use their products, on line, in person or both. Always look for a manufacturer who backs up the product with toll-free telephone technical assistance and free on-site training and troubleshooting by the local field representative.

The Sealant Waterproofing & Restoration Institute, a professional organization of contractors, manufacturers and distributors can also help. They publish a guide called the ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Visit their website at www.swrionline.org for more information.