Choice of Sealants

The examples which follow show typical applications of the sealants we have used to satisfy customers requirements.

Acrylic sealants

The acrylic sealant shown in the picture to the right is the low cost option and
is a two-coat process using a solution of an acrylic polymer in xylene. The
polymer solution soaks into the jointing sand and the blocks, then after
solvent evaporation it is left firmly bonded and coated. This has a stabilising
effect on the driveway, preventing loss of the actual jointing sand and
inhibiting the growth of weeds and grass in the joints. This sealing process
also helps to prevent the colonisation of ant nests. The matt-look finish given
to the surface enhances the appearance of the of the driveway considerably
and has a life expectancy of 1 to 3 years dependent on local conditions.

Pre-polymer urethane sealants

The more expensive pre-polymer urethane sealants perform a similar
function to the acrylic option, but they are more durable and last typically
twice as long between full treatments. As with the acrylic coating process the
pre-polymer urethane soaks into the jointing sand, to bind the particles and
sides of the blocks, or paving stones together. Then after this penetration
actual polymerisation of the urethane takes place in-situ as a result of solvent
evaporation, atmospheric and residual moisture. The urethane plastic is
therefore effectively cured in place producing a very strong stable bond,
which retains the normal flexural properties of the pavement. Once sealed
with the urethane treatment, the coated driveway will withstand washing with
a normal jet washer.

Pre-polymer urethane sealant characteristics:

1. The Resiblock 22 product is a single coat application sealant and an
example is shown in the picture above. This sealant bonds the jointing sand
strongly and seals the overall surface. After some time the surface coating is
lost returning the paving blocks to their original colour. The block paving is
nevertheless sealed, because the blocks have been impregnated and the
sand is bonded.

2. The gloss version of the urethane polymer known as Resiblock Superior
Gloss is a two-coat process and is therefore more expensive since it uses
more material. The properties are similar, except that the surface of the
blocks remains coated and are normally somewhat darker than the original
colour. The two-coat process means that it can only be applied in a period of
good weather to ensure a consistent finish. The picture shown on the right is
a patio that has been sealed with the gloss pre-polymer urethane sealant.
This shows how effectively the sealant enhances the surface of the patio. In
addition to the Gloss version of Resiblock Superior, there is also a Resiblock
Superior Matt option, which is also a two-coat process. The surface coating
remains on the surface of the blocks unlike the Resiblock 22 sealant. The
price for the matt gloss resiblock superior is the same as the gloss version
and is chosen by those customers who like the blocks coated, but with a matt
appearance.