Category: Fix Pavers

The one thing a homeowner doesn’t want to do is having to fix pavers every few months. We all want a maintenance free yard. However, if you went for substandard pavers and never bothered to get them installed properly, you will have to spend more time and money on fixing them. But what are some of the things you can do to make your pavers last longer?

The durability of your installed pavers will vary depending on the type of paving stone you installed. With high quality pavers being reparable, they can last between 50 and 100 years. Brick pavers are the most common paving materials and have a lifespan of more than 25 years. Concrete pavers last between 25 to 50 years whereas travertine pavers can last for more than 100 years. Part of getting a lasting result is knowing when to fix pavers and how to care for them. Here are some of the best things you can do to make your pavers last even longer.

Ensure proper installation

One of the main reasons why homeowners have to keep fixing their pavers is because they were installed poorly. There are several steps involved in the installation of pavers. These steps include excavation, soil compaction, adding gravel and sand base and installing edge restrains. The slope has also to be consider to promote drainage. Pavers that are not installed properly are prone to breakage, shifting, weeds growing between them and a range of other problems. Leaving the installation work to an experienced installer will guarantee that your pavers last long.

Get them sealed

Have you heard about getting pavers sealed? This is where a coat is applied to your pavers to protect them from the elements. With the right seal, the appearance of your pavers will last longer and your pavers will be less prone to breakage, and weeds growing between them. Getting your pavers sealed will not only make them look more beautiful but also extend their lifespan. Hire an expert to help with the sealing.

Regular cleaning

Something as simple as sweeping your pavers will make them last longer. Pressure washing is something you must consider doing every few weeks. It helps remove dirt and chemicals that might end up damaging your pavers. When cleaning, make sure you use the right type of cleaning products.

Working closely with a professional is the key to making your pavers last. While the installation and cleaning part might seem simple enough, always consult an expert. Something as simple as hiring a team for deep cleaning professionals will do wonders to the lifespan of your pavers.

Fix Pavers

A lot goes into the installation of pavers. You have to ensure you cover all bases so as not to have to fix pavers a few days or weeks after installation. This post will focus on the top things you must do to avoid problems during and after the installation of pavers. Let’s get started.

Intended use

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is the type of pavers to use. The market is filled with all manner of paving stones ranging from natural stones to manufactured pavers. When deciding the type of paver to use, you must first know how you will use the paved area. Installing the wrong stones will only force you to fix pavers sooner than you would want.

If you are installing pavers on your driveway, you want to go with pavers that are strong enough to withstand the high traffic and the weight of your vehicles. For the area around the swimming pool, the right stone is the one that doesn’t absorb water and doesn’t get slippery when wet. So many considerations have to be made when choosing pavers. Knowing how you will be using the paved area and speaking with professionals will help you pick the right paving stones for the job.

Climate

You cannot afford to ignore the climate when installing pavers. If you are in an area that experiences frequent heavy rainfall, you must maintain site storm water management. In addition, you have to make plans for reducing soil erosion. This means you will need adequately sized gutters and downspouts. When building a walkway or driveway, you also need porous pavers or open brickwork. If you get heavy snowfall and you have extra cash to spare, installing an underground snow melting system will be a lifesaver.

Slope

Does your driveway have a negative slope? If yes, you can use many retrofit options to correct this problem. These options include installing footing drains, damp proofing, and moisture barriers. You will also need a drainage system to direct water away from your house. Again, working with an expert will help maintain a favorable gradient that guarantees water flows freely away from your home.

Permits

Last but not least, you have to think about permits. It is important to know which cases require you to obtain a permit. While most municipalities will allow you to pave your home without getting a permit, make sure you contact the planning department to avoid issues later on.

The above considerations will ensure you don’t have to fix pavers prematurely. To be on the safe side, always work with a professional installer. This is because the smallest of mistakes can lead to expensive damages.

Fix Pavers

Whether your goal is to add aesthetic appeal to your home or create more room to park your car, there are many reasons why homeowners choose to pave their yard or garden. However, paving is not as easy as laying down tiles and being done with them. There are many things you have to consider and rules you have to adhere to; otherwise, you will find yourself spending a lot of money as you fix pavers. However, if you want your pavers to last long and avoid fines and problems when selling your home in future, you should get permission to get your yard paved.

Why are there rules for paving?

The question homeowners ask is why they can’t simply lay down paving stones and be done with it. Besides, it is your home, why can’t you do whatever you want? The answer is there are rules that have been set to help with the maintenance of your property and the environment. Failing to follow these rules may cause you to be forced to fix pavers, which doesn’t come cheap.

The main reason there are rules for paving is because of water management. Paving is mostly done using non-porous materials. This means water flows freely across the pavers without being absorbed. Surfaces that have been paved without the proper grading to allow the free flow of water away from the house cause many issues. Consequences of poor water management include the following:

• Structural integrity problems
• Potential water intrusion into the house
• Mold growth in the house
• Musty indoor air quality
• Increased pest problems
• Safety and health issues

As you plan to get your garden or yard paved, you must think about water management. Before laying down the new pavers, you need proper grading and site preparation. Water should flow naturally away from your home. The pavers must also have a solid base so they don’t shift or break under pressure.

Considerations for climate

Before you install pavers, you must always consider the climate in your area. For example, some areas experience heavy rainfall. As a result, local codes must be followed to adhere to the region’s stormwater management strategies. Some of the considerations you must make include:

• Installing adequately sized gutters, downspouts and kick-out diverters which send water to a dry well, swale or an appropriate location.
• Installing rain barrels which collect and store rainwater for use on the garden.
• Installing porous pavers

As you can see, there are many considerations you have to make before you start installing pavers. In addition to slope planning for water management, you must adhere to the regulations. Working with a professional installer will keep you from making costly mistakes.

Fix Pavers

To avoid having to fix pavers every few weeks, you need two things: excellent pavers and excellent technique. The most beautiful driveways, yards and patios use high-quality pavers and use experienced contractors to install them. In this post, we will be looking at the steps you must take when installing porcelain pavers.

As you may already know, porcelain pavers are made from natural raw materials such as feldspars, quartz, sand, inorganic pigments and clays. They are sturdy because they are fused together and fired at high temperatures of 2,240 degrees Fahrenheit. This results in a beautiful and hard paver that is about 20mm thick. In recent years, these pavers have become quite popular. This can be attributed to the numerous benefits the material offers, including high frost resistance, easy to clean, long-lasting colors, and skid resistance. In addition, their high breakage loads of up to 2,200 lbs mean you never have to fix pavers as often. But how do you install them correctly?

Handle them with care

Once they are installed, porcelain pavers are remarkably durable. However, you still need to handle them with great care. When the boxes of pavers arrive, don’t remove the protective boxes until it is time to install them. That way you will prevent accidental damages.

You still need to be careful when installing the pavers. Don’t use a plate compactor. It will put unnecessary pressure on your pavers. Additionally, you need to cut the pavers with a wet cut blade and ensure you leave at least 4mm of space between pavers.

Joint infilling

The 4mm space you have to leave between porcelain pavers has to be filled. You have many options here. The traditional option is sand. Here you use dry sand to fill the open joints. Keep in mind that dry sand can be eroded by rain and wind. So you will have to re-sand every now and then.

Cement blended sand is the second option. With this, you need to combine three parts of sand with one part of cement to form a thick paste. The blend can be swept into the joints and misted using water to cure. Always remove residuals from the pavers to prevent stains.

Polymeric sand is yet another option for joint infilling. Polymeric sand is used. It is used in the same way as cement blended sand. You must, however, ensure the polymeric sand you choose is ideal for porcelain pavers.

The best way to install porcelain pavers is to work with an experienced contractor. While the installation process is similar to installing other pavers, working with an expert will guarantee better results at the end of the day.

Fix Pavers

Porcelain pavers date back to ancient Chinese culture, over a thousand years ago. While most people only associate porcelain with decorative figurines and delicate kitchenware, it is good to note that they too can make a great paving material. This is thanks to the fact that they come in many styles and types. As a result, the material is both versatile and durable. However, if not installed properly and if you choose the wrong type of porcelain, you might have to fix pavers more often than you would want.

While the availability and durability of porcelain became overshadowed by other manufactured and natural paving stones, porcelain is slowly making a comeback thanks to its favorable characteristics. These materials are very popular for outdoor use. The demand is soaring because porcelain pavers are available in virtually any appearance you want. They can be made to look like natural surfaces that are comprised of bluestone, travertine, slate, limestone or sandstone. To avoid having to fix pavers every now and then, make sure you get porcelain pavers from reputable manufacturers.

Porcelain pavers are manufactured according to higher standards than common ceramic products. It is made of highly refined clay which undergoes longer firing processes at higher temperatures than ceramic products. This leads to a highly durable and customizable material that can be used on floors, walls and outdoor spaces.

The best thing about porcelain pavers is they are made from high grade porcelain. This makes them a worthy alternative to concrete and natural stone. The materials achieve superior density and unparalleled performance thanks to the exemplary combination of quality engineering and visual appeal. These materials are also eco-friendly since they are made using recycled materials and kiln-fired clay. They have been around for centuries and have been used in the most challenging and climatically extreme environments worldwide.

Myths surrounding porcelain pavers

Despite their remarkable versatility and durability, porcelain pavers still experience a slow acceptance rate for outdoor spaces. This is the widespread myth that this material is fragile and delicate. This myth came about because porcelain was primarily used on dishware and dolls. Porcelain is also thought to be very expensive.

The two are both myths that have been debunked. While porcelain pavers have caught on in the US, it took some education for homeowners to accept them. Today, the popularity of porcelain pavers is soaring.

Like all other paving options, to get the most from porcelain pavers, you must ensure that they are installed and cared for properly. Therefore, working with an expert installer is highly recommended.

Fix Pavers

Choosing the wrong natural stone pavers will force you to redo the work simply to fix pavers. While natural stone is one of the best materials you can use when paving your outdoor space, it is good to note that not every stone will get the work done. Therefore, you have to make vital considerations when choosing a suitable stone. Here are the key things you must do.

Think about the space

Choosing the right stone for a surface area will help avoid the cost of being forced to fix pavers. That is why you have to consider the area you want to install pavers before choosing a paving stone. To help narrow your options on the natural stone pavers to use, here are a few important rules to follow:

• The best natural stones are travertine, granite, and slate for pool decks, driveways, walkways, and other high-traffic areas.
• Your best option will be limestone, bluestone, and sandstone for architectural elements such as posts, trims, stone-based furniture, and stacked walls.
• Marble looks very beautiful for the exterior wall cladding, window sills, and headers.
• For paving the patio, you can use any natural stone paver.

Selecting the hue

The best thing about natural stones is that they are available in a wide range of colors and hues. To find the one that works best for you, here are a few style ideas:

• Dark shades

If installing pavers in an area prone to staining, choose a darker shade. Darker shades are ideal for tabletops, countertops, and flooring where kids play.

• Dark colors

If you don’t want streaks, dark colors are ideal. These colors are perfect for hiding watermarks, dust, and fingerprints. Go with dark colors in areas where you will be hosting outdoor parties such as the barbeque area.

• Bright and light colors

Brighter and light colors create the illusion of a larger space. They further radiate calmness and elegance. They are ideal for areas with natural greenery. For example, the swimming pool area and patios benefit significantly from light and bright colors.

Choosing a pattern and texture

Natural stones have unique distinct patterns and textures. First, you have to decide whether you need a stone with veins or grains or one that is foliated or non-foliated. For grainy patterns, granite is a good choice. Marble is veiny. Foliated rocks come with straight striped patterns, while the non-foliated ones look colored with shades that blend.

Think about the stone’s effects

Last but not least, you need to consider the effect you want to achieve. For example, natural stone pavers with earthy colors are ideal for creating a rustic effect, whereas combining natural stones creates a warm effect. An experienced installer will help pick the stones that create the best effect.

Fix Pavers

Whether you want to build a gazebo, pave an entire driveway or fix pavers, the natural stone pavers offer both versatility and aesthetic appeal. There are so many natural stone options available. As a result, it can be hard deciding on the stone to go with for your project. While aesthetics, vision and budget play a vital role when choosing the type of stone to buy, there are other factors you have to consider. Consulting an expert will help pick the right stone and color for your project.

Before you pick natural stone to fix pavers, it is important that you learn a few things about them. For one, you need to understand that there are many types of natural stones that can be used for patio paving. The most popular ones are:

• Bluestone
• Granite
• Travertine
• Slate
• Sandstone
• Marble
• Limestone
• Flagstone

Natural stone is preferred because it offers character and remarkable visual interest to an outdoor space. The stone has many features which make it very appealing. Moreover, natural stone is eco-friendly since it is extracted from a natural source. It is also processed using low-energy machinery. With natural stone, you can expect a timeless look with an elegant finish. The stone is more durable than processed materials such as concrete. The installation of natural stone will boost the value of your home as well as make it more marketable if you ever plan on selling.

The most distinguishing feature of natural stone is that it has character. Occurring naturally, these stones have a unique texture, color and patterns. While most manmade stones can be customized to mimic natural stone, they always lack the unparalleled character. Moreover, natural stones tend to look better as they age. This is unlike manmade stone that tends to fade.

An area where manmade stones excel is in installation. These pavers require less preparation. This leads to a lower installation cost. Natural stone needs more work done during installation. All the same, they are adored for their unique qualities and characteristics. Natural stone is also more durable since it has been formed for thousands of years, holding up against harsh elements.

There are many reasons why you should choose natural stone. The main reasons are the long lifespan, wide selection of styles, eco-friendliness and the fact that they are a worthwhile investment. You must, however, be careful where you buy the stones. How the stones have been cut and where they have been sourced from will impact their strength and durability. Buy the stones from a reputable supplier.

Fix Pavers

When planning a new patio, driveway or walkway, one of the hardest decisions you will have to make is on the materials to use. There are two options. You can go with the old school materials or the new school materials. Old school materials are those that have been in use since time immemorial. They include concrete, natural stone and brick pavers. New school materials are new in the market. They are engineered to withstand modern-day elements. But which route should you take? If you don’t want to spend a fortune as you fix pavers, it is a great idea to go for new school paving materials. In this post, we will be looking at the two most popular new school paving materials.

Porcelain pavers

Porcelain pavers are gaining more popularity across the globe and for good reason. These newer materials are durable, non-porous, weather-resistant, eco-friendly, easy to clean and easy to install. The best thing is that they are beautiful. Being readily available further means you will not end up struggling to find matching blocks when you want to fix pavers. These pavers are available in a wide range of colors, sizes and can be combined to achieve a custom finish.

Porcelain is a natural material that is kiln fired so that it retains its natural qualities after being formed into a specific shape and size. These pavers have all the natural look of granite and slate without the unevenness, permeability, and difficulty of installation that comes with natural stone. The surface properties also mean you don’t have to seal your pavers or engage in special upkeep. They are furthermore scratch and skid resistant.

Going for porcelain pavers offers a great way to incorporate light colors without worrying about stains and damages. These pavers are also UV resistant which means they don’t fade over time as is the case with brick. Moss or mold will not grow on them either. These pavers are also lighter and thinner.

Concrete pavers

You are probably wondering why we are mentioning this as a new school paving material while we already said it is old school material. For the new school, these are specially treated concretes that come in a wide range of textures, colors and shapes. They are available in interlocking designs which makes installation bliss. New school concrete is also treated to hold up against the elements which means you don’t have to worry about cracking which is common in freezing environments.

When ordering pavers, it is always good to order them from a reputable manufacturer and distributor. The last thing you want is to get substandard pavers that end up getting damaged prematurely due to poor manufacturing practices. You should also leave the installation work to an expert.

Fix Pavers

A common reason most people find themselves having to fix pavers is that they selected the wrong paving stones. It is easy to select a weak paving stone that keeps on breaking and requiring repairs or replacements. In other cases, homeowners select pavers that don’t match their lifestyle. As a result, they end up having to replace them. Needless to say, fixing pavers can be very expensive. That is why you need to do everything in your power to ensure you get everything right the first time.

Whether you are looking for a pool space or need to spruce up the driveway, you will be spoilt for choice when shopping for paving materials. The key to avoiding the pain of having to fix pavers every now and then is choosing the paving stones that fit your lifestyle and the landscape you have in mind. Working with contractors will help make the best choice and ensure the pavers are installed properly. Here are some tips you can use when choosing paving stones.

Get some samples

The worst mistake you can probably make when shopping for paving stones is ordering without first seeing the stones in person. Most companies are happy to send a few samples. Get as many samples as possible. That is the only way you will be able to find the paving stone that is perfect for your yard. Don’t forget to examine the stones when wet. The color of some stones changes drastically when wet.

Textured or smooth

Whether to go with a textured or smooth paving stone will depend on where you plan on installing the pavers. The last thing you want is to have to fix your pavers because you installed smooth pavers in a slopped area. Textures also determine the look. Do you need a slick contemporary or an antique look? Compare all your options before settling for either textured or smooth stones.

Thin or thick

Again, the right choice will depend on where you will be installing the pavers. If what you need is a garden setting, the 25mm depth will be okay for walking. However, if you need the stones for your driveway, they will have to be thicker. The ideal thickness for a driveway stone should be at least 40mm.

Natural stone or concrete

This is another important question you have to answer. While they both might function the same, natural stone tends to have better visual and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, concrete products offer better value for money.

Fix Pavers

Do you want to install pavers and never worry about repairs every few weeks? If that is your goal, there are two very important things you must do. The first is to work with the best installer in your area. In most cases, people are forced to fix pavers more times than necessary because the pavers were installed poorly. The second thing you must do is choose the right paving stone. In this post, the focus will be on selecting the right stone for paving.

As you may already know, natural stone is the best stone you can use in paving. However, there are many options available. If you don’t pick the stone that boosts aesthetics and one that is durable, you will have to call in a professional to fix pavers more times than you want. As you shop for the right paving stone, consider these key points.

• Style

The first thing you must do is ensure your selected stone matches the style of your garden or house. You also have to think about the final look. Do you want a rustic, traditional or contemporary touch? If you make the wrong choice when it comes to style, you will find yourself having to redo the paving work.

• Color

The best color for paving stone is one that either complements or contrasts with the walls of your house or other installations in your outdoor space. You can go for a combination of colors or a single color.

• Functionality

Where will you be installing the pavers? This is a very important question to ask before you start shopping for paving stones. If you wish to install pavers in an area with high traffic, you will need a stone that is strong enough to bear the weight. Talk to an expert about the ideal stone you should purchase for a driveway.

• Cost

While you may be tempted to cut costs to the maximum when purchasing paving stones, you must keep in mind that the cost of the stones only makes up 20% of the total cost of the paving project. Most of the money is used up buying other materials as well as labor. What this means is opting for the most affordable stone will not make a huge difference in the final budget. As a matter of fact, a cheap stone will only cost you more in future as you fix pavers.

It is important that you buy paving stones that are at least 2 inches thick. These are able to support heavy footfalls and cope better with adverse weather. Additionally, you should go for stones with natural clefts and flat surfaces as they offer better grip. Don’t forget to test the color of your selected stone when wet.

Fix Pavers