Breathe Life into Your Space with concrete paver installation

A concrete paver is a block of concrete. They can be made to build patio decks, paths, driveways, planter walls, outdoor fire pits, and more. In bygone days, streets made with brick or cobblestones, ancient structures with stone foundations, and the like are all classic examples of stone pavers that have stood up to the rigors of time. Pavers can also be made from concrete which leaves some folks scratching their heads as to what the real difference between a concrete slab and a paver really is.

Stamped concrete pavements are merely large sections of poured-in-place concrete that have been embossed with a design. Therefore, they are prone to the same problem freeze/thaw cycles (ie. cracking and spalling), lower strengths and higher absorption rates as poured-in-place concrete. Interlocking concrete pavers permit a flexible, breathable surface, working with nature. In addition, stamped concrete requires expansion joints every 10 feet or so, which can be very distracting. Also, nconcrete pavements don’t allow access to underground utilities or the ability to make repairs. At practically the same price per square foot installed, concrete pavers are clearly the better choice.

Interlocking concrete pavers are made with the highest quality pigment and have color completely throughout each unit. However, the extreme effects of the sun and elements work against all building materials. Over the years, it is possible to see the colors mellow as they age.

Interlocking concrete pavers are manufactured to be durable. Therefore, the use of a protective sealant is optional and a matter of personal preference. A sealant will make stain removal easier, might minimize weed germination in the joint sand and can enhance colors. Sealers, however, are a topically applied product and must be reapplied every 3 to 5 years. Sealing pavers may make pavement slippery when wet. Before sealing, your paver contractor must be thoroughly clean and completely dry the pavers. Be sure to use sealers specifically for concrete pavers. More intense use of the pavers and extreme climates often increases the frequency for re-applying a coat of sealer.

Stains can be removed with appropriate cleaning products. However, should a severe stain or severe damage occur, a paver contractor may individually replace paver stones.

While this is not the preferred or recommended method, your paver installation can be laid over the top of existing concrete, providing there is not substantial heaving in the existing area. Several other issues need to be addressed. First, the grade will need to be raised by about 3″-5’’ (the thickness of the bricks plus bedding sand or bonding agent). This is particularly critical if any doorways are involved. Second, remember that if the existing concrete slab should raise or drop with freeze/thaw conditions, the bricks will do the same.

The white film, known as “Efflorescence”, is normal for masonry products and it may appear on the surface of the interlocking concrete pavers. Or it may not occur at all. If it does occur, it is not permanent and will disappear over time. It may appear randomly or only in certain areas. It is a natural occurrence from the cement hydration process. Calcium oxide from the cement reacts with water inside the bricks and forms calcium hydroxide. This seeps to the surface and reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, a whitish residue. When moisture on the surface evaporates, it becomes visible. It will wash off or wear off over time. If you wish to speed up the natural process, your paver contractor will tell you what cleaners are available out there.

The base is typically made of compacted, crushed stone that varies in size from one inch (25 mm) down to dust. Base materials used under asphalt street pavements are acceptable for use with interlocking concrete pavements. Some parts of the country use cement stabilized or concrete bases due to very weak or slow draining soils. However, most applications use a crushed stone base that’s compacted. Without geotextile, the soil will work its way into the base and weaken it. This is a slow process that happens when the soil is saturated with water or during periods of thawing. Geotextile stops this process and extends the life of the base by many years. Geotextile is recommended for use over silt and clay soils. It is not essential in sandy soils.

Yes, you can. Pavers are, in fact, great for paving areas around the pool as they are slip-resistant and ensure a safer environment. The sand present in the joints soak the water and prevents accidental falls. At the same time, they provide a cooler surface to walk on than concrete.

There are quite a few benefits of interlocking pavers. These materials are incredibly durable and can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. At the same time, they are extremely decorative and versatile.

Your paver contractor has to make sure that the joints are filled up with sand. Next, you have to apply a sealant on the entire paved surface.

While concrete is certainly more brittle than solid stone, all modern pavers feature a protective substructure that is subtly pliant in order to prevent the surface stone from being crushed and a retaining wall that keeps it in place.

The substructure of a modern paver is made up of bedding sand, a class 2 road base, a concrete retaining wall, and geotextile fabric. There is room for variation in this structure to suit the job. For example, concrete beams can be added into the middle portion to add strength, and the geotextile fabric and sealant are optional. These extras are usually done for large areas but can be done on any size job.