Should I refresh sealer every 2 or 3 years in Vancouver?

In Metro Vancouver's wet climate, refreshing paver sealer every 2-3 years is typically recommended, with most installations benefiting from resealing every 2-2.5 years due to the region's heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Metro Vancouver receives over 1,200mm of annual rainfall with 70% falling between October and March, creating year-round moisture levels of 60-80% humidity. This persistent moisture breaks down paver sealers faster than in drier climates. Quality penetrating sealers typically last 2-3 years in Vancouver conditions, while film-forming sealers may need refreshing every 18-24 months because they're more susceptible to moisture penetration and UV degradation.

Signs your sealer needs refreshing include: water no longer beading on the surface (it soaks in immediately), increased moss or algae growth, staining that won't clean off easily, or a dull, faded appearance. North-facing installations and areas shaded by trees or buildings typically need resealing more frequently because they stay moist longer and support more organic growth.

The resealing timeline also depends on traffic levels. High-traffic areas like driveways and main walkways wear through sealer faster than low-traffic patios. Pool decks exposed to chlorinated water and constant foot traffic may need annual resealing, while a back patio used primarily for entertaining might stretch to 3 years between applications.

Before resealing, always clean the pavers thoroughly with a pressure washer (1,500-2,500 PSI maximum) and allow 48 hours of dry weather. Check that polymeric sand joints are in good condition - if they're eroded or missing, replenish the joint sand before sealing. Never seal over wet pavers or during Vancouver's rainy season (October-March) unless you can guarantee 24-48 hours of dry weather after application.

For Metro Vancouver installations, stick closer to the 2-year interval rather than stretching to 3 years. The cost of resealing ($3-6 per square foot) is minimal compared to the expense of replacing stained, moss-covered pavers or dealing with accelerated joint sand erosion that occurs when sealer protection fails.