After the Storm: Why Nassau County Properties Need Enhanced Paver Sealing Strategies Following Hurricane Sandy’s Legacy
More than a decade has passed since Hurricane Sandy devastated Nassau County in October 2012, but the lessons learned from that catastrophic storm continue to shape how property owners approach paver maintenance and protection. Nassau County sustained over $150 million in damage from Sandy, with Long Beach alone suffering total destruction of its iconic boardwalk. For homeowners with paver driveways, patios, and walkways, the storm revealed critical vulnerabilities that enhanced sealing strategies can address.
Understanding Post-Storm Paver Damage
Saltwater flooding causes significantly more damage than freshwater because it is more corrosive, increasing the risk of damage and breaking down materials much faster than freshwater. When Hurricane Sandy brought unprecedented storm surge to Nassau County’s coastal communities, the track resulted in a worst-case scenario for storm surge along coastal regions, with the surge occurring near high tide contributing to record tide levels.
Pavers face unique challenges during and after storm events. During major weather events like hurricanes, stormwater can create localized flooding on hardscapes in driveways, patios, and decks, and if water is left to sit, it can cause pavers to recede and become uneven. The salt content in storm surge compounds these problems, as salt continues to damage surfaces even after water is gone, forming a coating on walls and surfaces that will continue to corrode materials long after the area is dry unless properly cleaned.
The Critical Role of Enhanced Sealing
Professional paver sealing has evolved significantly since Sandy, with enhanced strategies specifically designed for storm-prone areas. Paver sealer is an important maintenance tool to keep patios, walkways, driveways and pool decks looking brand new, as concrete is porous and will absorb stains if not sealed, while sealants can also protect paver color from fading.
For Nassau County properties, enhanced sealing provides multiple layers of protection:
- Salt Defense Technology: Modern sealers with salt defense technology provide 5-year protection and prevent salts and deicers from penetrating while allowing the seal material to breathe with no moisture entrapment
- Joint Stabilization: Joint stabilizing sealers help prevent sand loss which also helps to prevent pavers from shifting
- Enhanced Water Repellency: Chemical bonds formed during sealing allow the sealer to become an integral part of the substrate and provide long-term water repellent protection
Post-Sandy Sealing Best Practices
Properties that experienced flooding require special attention before sealing. Older pavers benefit from cleaning with specialized products that remove efflorescence (whitish salt buildup) that has accumulated. All surfaces must be cleaned to remove all traces of dirt, dust, efflorescence, mold, salt, grease, oil, and other contaminants before sealing can be effective.
The timing of sealing is crucial for storm-affected properties. The best time for using sealants on pavers is when they are dry and free of any dirt or debris, with new pavers requiring at least 15 days to settle and guarantee they’re completely dry before being sealed. For properties affected by saltwater flooding, additional drying time may be necessary since salt water takes longer to dry than fresh water, with salt helping surfaces hold onto water longer, meaning longer drying time and more damage.
Enhanced Maintenance for Storm-Prone Areas
Nassau County’s coastal location demands more frequent maintenance than inland properties. Homes in flood-prone zones should reseal pavers every 2 years, or sooner if the property has recently been exposed to flooding events. This accelerated schedule helps ensure continuous protection against the harsh coastal environment.
The most important thing property owners can do to protect pavers is to have them sealed, as paver sealer forms a powerful barrier between the surface and the outside world. This protection becomes even more critical for properties that experienced Sandy’s impact, as without proper protection, pavers can shift, stain, and deteriorate rapidly in wet, salt-rich conditions, which is why professional paver sealing plays a critical role in preserving surfaces and preventing long-term water damage.
Professional Expertise Makes the Difference
For Nassau County property owners seeking reliable paver protection, working with experienced professionals is essential. Companies like Paver Savers understand the unique challenges facing Long Island properties. Paver Savers was started to answer the needs of Nassau and Suffolk County property owners and preserve the aesthetics and durability of their hardscapes, establishing themselves as one of the most trusted paver cleaning, sealing, and restoration contractors on Long Island and serving as a leading specialist in the industry.
When selecting Paver Sealing Nassau County, NY services, property owners should look for contractors who understand both the technical aspects of sealing and the specific environmental challenges posed by coastal storms. Professional companies are passionate about providing clients with the highest quality results at fair and affordable prices, with professionally trained and highly experienced technicians ready to serve all hardscape cleaning, maintenance, and renovation needs.
Looking Forward: Storm-Ready Paver Protection
As climate patterns continue to evolve and coastal storms potentially become more intense, Nassau County property owners must adopt proactive approaches to paver protection. Enhanced sealing strategies developed in response to Sandy’s lessons provide the foundation for long-term hardscape preservation.
Hurricane season can have a major impact on every part of your house, but there are very effective precautions you can take for pavers against storm damage, keeping pavers looking beautiful during hurricane season and beyond. The investment in professional sealing and regular maintenance pays dividends in both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, ensuring that Nassau County’s beautiful outdoor spaces can withstand whatever nature brings.
By implementing enhanced sealing strategies informed by post-Sandy experiences, property owners can protect their investments while maintaining the beauty and functionality of their outdoor living spaces for years to come.