Hi Everyone.   Wanted to see what recommendations anyone would have with a problematic bluestone project.  About 9 months ago a landscaping contractor sealed a bluestone patio with Hanover Intensifying sealer.   In the places where the pavers have been exposed (no under cover) I can clearly see that some or all of the sealer in spots have flaked off.  The places with the sealer intact look ok and are still color enhancing with some gloss.  The other areas show a fair amount of efflouresence, and no longer shed water.  They tried wiping the stones down with xylene but it doesn’t appear that that did much.  It appears to me that we would have to remove all of it and use another sealer.  I doubt they applied the sealer properly.  Probably just brushed it on as opposed to letting it dwell properly.  I told them we would test an area or two to see what happens.  But this seems like it could be an ordeal to get it off, and I’m not sure what sealer to use as a replacement, although we typically use Aldon SBS or Pourous Stone Sealer or Paver Sealer.  I’m wondering if some product would mix with what is there so that it does not need to be removed.  Maybe just adding more Hamilton sealer would work, but I’m concerned that the old sealer will act as a barrier to new sealer.  After we got there it started to rain in a bit and the stones looked pretty even after they had absorbed a fair amount of rain water.  I have provided some photos. Thanks for your input.
Baird

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From the desk of
Baird Standish
Managing Partner
Facility Specialists, LLC
12 West Willow Grove Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: 215-732-7505
Fax: 215-546-9160
www.facspecs.com