Process for the wet sealing of concrete pavers and the stabilization of inter-paver sand filled joints using non-solvent based water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant

Abstract

An application process for an environmentally friendly water soluble acrylic emulsion paver sealant. The process described herein supports environmentally friendly application, a cost effective application that can be completed in 1 day without the normal “drying time” of other sealants and other application processes. The process stated herein is not sensitive to moisture as with other sealants. The sealant can be applied under wet or dry conditions and provides deep sealing with the application of a flood coat. The ability to apply a flood coat of sealant under wet or dry conditions speeds the application of the sealant and results in the elimination of the normally necessary “drying time” required in the application of other sealants. Furthermore, the application of a flood coat under wet conditions minimizes the formation of effervescence. The described process herein further supports a host of sealant additives to improve the environmental characteristics of the sealant. Anti-algaecide and anti-fungicide additives retard the growth of mold, mildew and moss on the pavers. Another sealant additive retards the propensity for tire marking when pavers are used in areas of vehicular traffic. The process further supports a surface enhancement that results in improved surface luster, making the pavers more visually appealing. The unique and novel process has been developed in conjunction with a specially formulated water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant compatible with this wet application process that provides paver sealing, sand joint stabilization, and visual surface enhancement.

1 . A method for sealing pavers with a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant where said method comprises:
 a. cleaning the surface of the pavers with a high pressure hydraulic process using a liquid selected from the group of liquids comprising water, and water soluble cleaning soap;   b. filling paver joints with a material selected from the group of sand, gravel dust, powered rock;   c. rinsing the pavers with a low pressure water wash;   d. applying while the pavers are still wet a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant to the surface of the pavers and sand joints in a flood coat and   e. allowing the sealant to dry on the pavers and filled joints thus sealing the pavers and stabilizing the sand joints between pavers.   
   
   
       2 . A method for enhancing the surface finish of pavers with a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant according to claim ( 1 ) where said method further comprises:
 a. applying a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant containing at least one additive selected from the group of algaecide, fungicide, and non-tire marking additives to the surface of the pavers and joints in at least one flood coat.   
   
   
       3 . A method for sealing pavers with a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant where said method comprises:
 a. filling paver joints by sweeping into the joint a material selected from the group of sand, gravel dust, powered rock;   b. rinsing the pavers with a low pressure water wash to remove excess sand used in paver joint filling;   c. applying while the pavers are still wet a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant to the surface of the pavers and joints in a flood coat and   e. allowing the sealant to dry on the pavers thus providing visual surface enhancement of the paver surface.   
   
   
       4 . A method for enhancing the surface finish of pavers with a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant according to claim ( 3 ) where said method further comprises:
 a. applying a water soluble acrylic emulsion sealant containing at least one additive selected from the group of algaecide, fungicide, and non-tire marking additives to the surface of the pavers and joints in at least one flood coat.