Can I sand and seal my Ottawa interlock driveway myself?

You can handle the sanding (polymeric sand replacement) yourself, but sealing interlock pavers is rarely necessary or recommended in Ottawa's climate. Most interlock driveways don't need sealing, and when they do, professional application is usually worth the investment.

Polymeric sand replacement is a straightforward DIY project that most Ottawa homeowners can tackle successfully. Start by removing old sand from the joints using a pressure washer or stiff brush, working when the pavers are completely dry. Sweep the surface clean, then apply new polymeric sand, working it into joints with a push broom. Use a plate compactor with a rubber pad to settle the sand, sweep excess material, and activate with a fine mist of water according to manufacturer instructions. The key is following activation steps precisely — too much water washes out the polymers, too little prevents proper hardening. Expect to spend $300 to $800 on materials for an average Ottawa driveway, and plan for reapplication every 3 to 5 years as freeze-thaw cycles gradually displace the sand.

Sealing interlock pavers is optional and often unnecessary in Ottawa's harsh climate. Unlike asphalt that requires regular sealcoating, concrete pavers are manufactured to withstand freeze-thaw exposure without sealing. Sealing can enhance color and provide some stain resistance, but it also creates maintenance obligations — sealed pavers need resealing every 2 to 3 years, and failed sealer can peel and look worse than unsealed pavers. Ottawa's heavy snow loads, salt exposure, and snowplow traffic are particularly hard on sealer films.

If you do choose to seal, professional application is recommended because sealer failures are highly visible and difficult to correct. Proper sealing requires thorough cleaning, complete drying, precise weather timing (above 15°C with no rain for 48 hours), and even application with professional spray equipment. DIY sealing often results in streaking, pooling, or premature failure. Professional sealing costs $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot in Ottawa — expensive but ensures proper surface preparation and application technique.

Focus your DIY efforts on polymeric sand maintenance and general upkeep rather than sealing. Keep joints filled with quality polymeric sand, address settled or shifted pavers promptly, and maintain proper drainage around the driveway edges. These maintenance tasks have much greater impact on your driveway's longevity than sealing, and they're well within most homeowners' capabilities.

Consider professional help for major repairs like releveling large sections of settled pavers or addressing base failure. These issues require excavation, base material addition, and proper compaction — the same critical base work that makes or breaks any Ottawa driveway project.