Weeds in pavers

[Cindy Joseph]

We purchased a duplex last year. The previous owner did backyard  pavers without a weed barrier underneath in the backyard. There are significant amount of weeds growing between them. Would a  sealant work to stop the weeds? Or do we need to remove and repave the entire area? Any other suggestions for the most cost effective and long term solution?

[Alan F.]

Quote from @Cindy Joseph:

We purchased a duplex last year. The previous owner did backyard  pavers without a weed barrier underneath in the backyard. There are significant amount of weeds growing between them. Would a  sealant work to stop the weeds? Or do we need to remove and repave the entire area? Any other suggestions for the most cost effective and long term solution?

 FWIW weed barriers are not the end all. They can cause drainage and run off issues. Plus dirt and weed seeds can settle on top thus more weeds. I would simply find some environmentally friendly weed killer and (most importantly) deterrent. I've had great success with various products. They can be state specific though. I'd seek out a local nursery (not box store) that are knowledgeable in the local flora. 

I like pavers, in many ways they are better than concrete. There's always pros and cons to every form of item we use in construction.