Category: paver repairs San Diego

The majority of paver problems can be avoided during installation. This is because in most cases, paver problems arise when the pavers are not resting on a solid base. That is why in this post we will be looking at the steps you should take during excavation in order to avoid expensive paver repairs San Diego in the near future. Here are the top things you should do.

Mark where the utility lines pass through

This is without a doubt the most important thing you should do. Often times, paver problems start after pavers have been removed to access utility lines and then re-installed improperly. Other problems arise because utility pipes are leaking and causing problems from under the pavers. To avoid such issues, which often lead to expensive paver repairs San Diego, you should start by contacting your utility company and ask them to send someone that will mark the location of all the utility lines. That way you will avoid damaging these lines during excavation.

Excavate to the right depth

Now that you know what lies underneath your landscape, you can go ahead and start the excavation. If you are working on an area that will be affected only by foot traffic, you need base material of between 4” and 6“. For the driveways, the base material should be no less than 12”. With this in mind, you can figure out how deep the base should be. As you excavate, make sure you add at least 1” for the sand layer and the height of the pavers. You must also excavate at least 6” to 12” beyond the boundaries of the project to allow for the installation of edge restraints. Working with a professional paver installer will help avoid working with guesswork.

Choose the right base material

The base material is what will give your pavers a solid base and keep them from sinking. Base material is usually coarse, crushed stone that has sharp irregular edges. The best material must remain strong after being compacted. It should also drain properly. This is because poor drainage and poor structural integrity can damage the entire project and lead to expensive paver repairs.

When laying the base, add at least 6 inches at a time into the excavated area. You then need to compact the material before adding more. Repeat the process until you attain the right depth. Having a well compacted base is very important. Keep in mind that laying the base outside the boundaries of the paver will make the project more stable. The final step is installing edge restraints then a layer of sand to help the materials hold the pavers in place.

While it may seem easy, always work with an expert when installing pavers. That way your dream will be brought to life and will last long without costing you a lot in repairs and restorations.

Paver Repairs San Diego

There are many reasons why you should consider installing pavers in your backyard. The main ones are pavers are attractive, durable, easy to install, require little maintenance and paver repairs San Diego don’t cost as much as concrete slab repairs. However, before you get started with the improvement project, there are a couple of things you need to know.

Order extra

While pavers are extremely durable, you must understand that at one point in time some of them will get damaged. It can be hard to find new pavers that match your existing pavers exactly. That is why to make paver repairs San Diego easy you need to order extra. Ordering extra will help you not only enjoy bulk discounts but also ensure you have a few extra pavers in the store for when you need to replace damaged ones.

Start by visualizing the dream

Pavers are available in many shapes, sizes and colors. It is easy to find the style that falls within your budget. However, to avoid changing your mind in the middle of installation, you need first to visualize your dream. There are many free tools you can use to help pick the best pavers for your backyard. These tools will help experiment with various textures, styles and colors. Your contractor may also recommend tools that help you get an idea on how the backyard will look with various paving options.

Dig deep

A common mistake most people make is assuming they don’t need to dig deep. The truth is you have to dig deep. At least 8 to 10 inches. Digging deep helps eliminate weak soil and helps create a solid base. Needless to say, a solid base is crucial for preventing the shifting of pavers. Working with an experienced contractor will help avoid installation mistakes that cause pavers to shift, crack or chip. Refrain from doing the installation work on your own.

Create an edge

Even with a solid base, if there is no edge, the pavers will end up shifting. That is why during installation you must create an edge that keeps the pavers within a perimeter. The edge can be made of aluminum, plastic or metal.

Fill the cracks

The cracks between pavers have to be filled completely using sand. Use a push broom to spread sand over the pavers. Once you have filled all the spaces, use a leaf blower to remove the excess sand. Filling the cracks will keep weeds from growing between pavers.

These are just some important things you should do when installing pavers in your backyard. The most important thing, however, is to ensure you only work with a professional. How the pavers are installed determines how long they will last and how they will look.

Paver Repairs San Diego

At the first mention of pavers, the first thing most people think about is paver repairs San Diego. It is not uncommon to see damaged pavers. The pavers you have seen might have chipped, gotten broken or got dislodged. In the past, pavers had a bad reputation. This is mostly because installer paid little attention to preparation when installing. Manufacturers also did not all build high quality concrete blocks. Today, things have changed. Pavers are a common in commercial driveways, entrances, parking lots, plazas and other industrial and retail applications. But why is this so?

More benefits than concrete slabs

The main reason you will find concrete pavers in most settings is because they offer more benefits than concrete slabs. They are the go-to option when you want to update your outdoor space with an attractive and cost-effective option. When they are installed properly, these interlocking blocks add character to your outdoor space while adding functionality. They are also easy to install and you don’t have to worry about writing a big check when you need paver repairs San Diego. This is because when there is a problem, only the affected pavers will be fixed. This is unlike concrete slabs where a whole section has to be worked on.

Wide selection and are very durable

Another reason more and more homeowners have been going for concrete pavers in the last decade is because these landscaping options are not only visually attractive but they also last exceptionally long. When they are installed correctly, concrete pavers can last between 20 to 30 years. The best thing is they require minimal maintenance.

The strength of concrete enables these pavers to resist freeze-thaw cycles. They also have high abrasion and offer high skid resistance. Petroleum products will only cause little to no damage to the pavers. It is also good to note that these pavers are not easily damaged by high temperatures. You never have to worry about damaged pavers after several days of extreme summer heat. To preserve their vibrant colors and make maintenance easy, you should consider getting your pavers sealed. A sealer offers a layer of protection that will make your pavers last longer.

Improved safety

Last but not least, installing concrete pavers will increase safety on your property. This is all thanks to the fact that they increase skid resistance, enhance visibility at night and improve the flow of foot traffic.

While they offer many benefits, the only way to guarantee you enjoy these and more benefits is to ensure the pavers are installed by an expert. Resist the urge to handle paver repairs on your own. Leaving the work to the pros will be worth every penny.

Paver Repairs San Diego

Your outdoor space is the first thing visitors see. How well-maintained it is has a significant impact on the overall appeal and value of your home. The best thing is that, unlike concrete slabs, paver repairs San Diego are easier and cheaper to complete. Aside from this, why should you consider getting pavers installed in your outdoor space? Here are the main benefits.

They are durable

The best thing about interlocking pavers is that they are durable and the perfect alternative to poured concrete. Concrete slabs are prone to breaking and cracks. This requires you to repair them in patches. Needless to say, a new patch will not match the rest of the area. It is also common for weeds to grow through concrete cracks. Paver repairs San Diego, on the other hand, are quite easy. For starters, pavers are a lot sturdier and stable. They have room for contraction and expansion which helps avoid cracks.

Using pavers is a great investment. They are an affordable patio enhancement that increases the value of your home significantly. While the cost of installing a concrete patio is slightly lower per square foot, the maintenance, time and energy invested in repairs over time add up.

Variety of design options

Homeowners are drawn to the option of paver patios by the versatility of options as well as customization. Pavers come in myriad colors, shapes, patterns and textures. The most common choice is the pure rectangular paver. Squares, triangular, tapered units and longer rectangles are also available. Your choice will be influenced by what you want to achieve. The wide selection helps you go beyond creating an aesthetically pleasing patio. You can bring various hardscaping elements to your property through retaining walls, walkways or a built-in fireplace. Your yard will be transformed into a canvas with the help of pavers. Your options are only limited by your imagination.

What to expect during installation

Choosing patio pavers with the right aesthetics must be a top priority when working with pavers. There are also several things you must consider when planning the perfect paver patio. The key elements you must consider include:

• Digging to the right depth for installation
• Creating a barrier to minimize the growth of weeds and other vegetation
• Create a firm and flat base using sand or paver base
• Planning drainage
• Creating a solid edge around the patio using cement, stones or vinyl edging to keep the pavers intact
• Filling the spaces between pavers with sand
• Store extra pavers for use during paver repairs San Diego in the future.

Choosing the right pavers and getting them installed the right way will help create a beautiful landscape and bring life to your outdoor space. It is important that you always work with professionals. Additionally, to help your paver patio last longer, get it sealed.

Paver Repairs San Diego

Installing pavers on your driveway is one of the best investments you will ever make. They not only look amazing but will boost the value of your home and make cleaning easy. All in all, you must not install just any paver. To avoid frequent paver repairs San Diego, you must pick the material of pavers with care. The most recommended materials are brick, concrete and natural stone. Select a material that can withstand the traffic in the area you want to install the pavers. The next thing is learning how to care for your pavers. There are two important things you should consider doing.

Get the pavers sealed

Have you been dealing with too many paver repairs San Diego? If yes, now is the time to think about getting them sealed. If you chose the right paver materials, had them installed properly but they still have issues, getting them sealed might be all that you need. Getting pavers sealed helps protect them from wear and tear, staining, grime and discoloration that is caused by the sun. Keep in mind that most pavers are porous. They need to be sealed after installation or after a restoration.

There are many types of sealants you can use. The best one will depend on the material of the pavers and the look you want to achieve. It is recommended to at least wait a week before going ahead with the application of a non-film-forming sealant and at least a month if you will be using a film-forming sealant. The objective here is to ensure moisture from installation dries completely. You don’t want any moisture to be trapped under the sealant. It is good to adhere to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.

Cleaning the pavers

Whether your pavers are sealed or not, it is crucial that you get them cleaned regularly. This can be done by sweeping to remove debris and dust. Regular cleaning will keep your pavers looking amazing and prevent the chances of debris scratching them. Some stains may require to be cleaned with a special solution. That is why every now and then you should arrange for deep-cleaning services.

Getting pavers sealed makes cleaning a lot easier. This is because the protective coat will first keep the pavers from getting stained when something spills on them. Second, a sealant will make it hard for weeds to grow between the pavers. Cleaning will also be bliss since dirt will not be trapped between pavers.

These two solutions will not only help you avoid expensive paver repairs San Diego but also simplify maintenance. Always make sure the installation, repair and deep cleaning are done by a professional with a great track record.

Paver Repairs San Diego

When you need paver repairs San Diego, it is easy to be tempted to take care of the problem on your own. After all the project involves the removal of damaged blocks and replacing them with good ones. How hard can that be? The truth is paver repairs involve more than that. You have to make sure that the new blocks have a solid base and they are properly sealed. You may have to get your pavers sealed to extend their life. All these are reasons why you should work with a professional. Experienced paver contractors offer the following services.

Paver installation

At times the damages to pavers are so bad that the only way forward is not paver repairs San Diego but to reinstall the pavers afresh. If this is what is needed, a professional will prepare the installation area so that the new pavers will not only look good but have a solid base that makes them last long. Poor installation and the wrong choice of paver materials is the main reason pavers get damaged. An experienced contractor will ensure this never happens.

Paver sealing

Once pavers have been restored or installed, adding a sealer can help maintain their pristine look for up to 18 months. It is highly recommended to get your pavers sealed so as to protect them from the elements and enhance their beauty. A professional can help you pick the best sealer and help with installation. To avoid frustrations down the road, choose an installer that is an authorized distributor of a sealer from a reputable manufacturer. Being authorized dealers means they meet all the manufacturer recommendations when sealing pavers.

Paver repair

Replacing damaged pavers is something that will have to be done every few years. This is more so if your pavers experience a lot of traffic and they are not sealed. The good news is only damaged pavers are replaced. A professional will not only repair or replace missing blocks but also get to the root cause of the problem which may be a weak base sand, tree roots growing under the pavers or poor drainage.

Paver cleaning

Sweeping your pavers every day is simply not enough. When there are spills on the pavers, you need special cleaning products and techniques to remove stains without damaging the pavers. Most paver installation companies offer deep cleaning services. They use light power washer and cleaning detergents to clean pavers. The cleaning service may include removing hard water sediment, weeds, grease and mildew. Paver stripping process can be applied to bring your dull pavers back to life.

There are many reasons why you should hire a professional for paver repairs San Diego. Find someone with a good track record in paver installation, repairs and maintenance. That way you will not have to switch to a different company whenever your paver needs change.

Paver Repairs San Diego

If you have ever worked with a contractor, you know that it is never a walk in the park to find the right person for the job. The case is the same when hiring an expert for paver repairs San Diego. There are so many contractors to choose from. Most of them promise big things but barely deliver on any of them. That is why to be on the safe side, you have to learn how to pick the right person for the job. In this post, we shall be looking at the steps you should take.

Identify your project needs

The first step is obviously to understand what you want. Do you need new pavers installed or you are only interested in paver repairs San Diego? What is your budget for the project? When you know precisely what you want, you will be able to narrow down your search to the contractor that offers the service that you want.

Create a list of qualified contractors

Now that you know what you are looking for, the next step is to create a list of qualified contractors. There are many avenues you can use to find qualified contractors in your area. An online search is, without a doubt, one of the best avenue you can use. Getting recommendations from people who have had pavers installed or repaired recently will also help. The idea is to stick with contractors who focus on paver installation and repairs.

Check up on the contractor

With your list in hand, the next step is to narrow it down to the most qualified contractor. You do this by check the qualifications and industry recognition of the contractor. Start by making sure the contractor is experienced in paver installation and repairs. The contractor you hire must also be licensed, insured and have no unresolved issues or complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Next you have to ensure they are recognized by the manufacturers who check their work according to manufacturer’s specific standards. Don’t settle for the authentic badges on the contractor’s brochure or website, go ahead and call the manufacturer to confirm.

Get written estimates

If the list is still long, you can narrow it down by comparing estimates from the contractors still on your list. The objective here is not to get the most affordable contractor but to find the one offering the most comprehensive services. Make sure you get the estimates in writing.

These steps will keep you from hiring the wrong person for the job. Always remember that you can always change your mind or say no to a contractor. The key, however, is to make sure you read their contract carefully to ensure they will not lock you in for the wrong reasons.

Paver Repairs San Diego

Pavers offer versatility and style. They can be adjusted and replaced easily and offer better drainage. However, as you think about the best option for your patio, driveway or walkway, you also have to think about maintenance needs. You don’t want to waste a lot of time and money in paver repairs San Diego, do you?

The drive or walkway that leads to your house should be both a personal statement and a reflection of good taste. In addition to that, to avoid high expenses in paver repairs San Diego, you must ensure the materials you select are able to stand up to harsh weather and continue looking great for many years. In the past, concrete used to be the favored material for walkways and drives. Paving stone has, however, proven to be the perfect choice and here are the key reasons why.

Pavers effectively hide stains and imperfections

At one point in time, no matter how careful you are, you will end up staining your drive. The stain may be caused by leaking oil from your car or any other spill that is hard to clean. Stains are usually ugly and at times leave a permanent blemish. The good thing about pavers is that you can flip the stained pieces or replace them to get rid of the ugly tarnish. This is unlike concrete where replacing a section is a lot of work.

Available in a wide range of designs and colors

Unless you engrave patterns before it dries, with concrete you will have a very limited choice when it comes to designs and colors. Pavers, on the other hand, come in many combinations. They will help create a unique patio or drive without putting in too much work. As a matter of fact, how you install paving stones will be limited only by your imagination.

Pavers are ready to go immediately after they are installed

With concrete, you have to wait 3 to 5 days for the surface to cure. Pavers only require a solid base. Once they are slipped into place, you can start using your drive or walkway right away.

Better drainage

The spaces between pavers make it easy for water to drain away. This is the feature that also makes pavers more slip resistant than concrete.

The advantages of pavers are innumerable. The best you can do, however, is to leave the installation work to the experts. Poor installation can lead to such problems as pavers moving, breaking and so on. The case is the same when it comes to paver repairs San Diego. Leaving the work to the pros will lead to more lasting results.

Paver Repairs San Diego

Damages to your pavers are inevitable. That is why you will require paver repairs San Diego at least once a year. The purpose of the repairs is to restore the beauty of your driveway, patio or walkway. However, it is important to note that not every contractor you call will have your best interests at heart. That is why you should learn how to avoid scams when it comes to paver repairs. Here are a couple of things you should do.

Get multiple quotes

It is recommended to get at least three estimates from various contractors. Don’t forget to check the references of each contractor and look at their most recent work. The idea is to be certain that you are not paying more than you should in paver repairs San Diego. You must also not hire a contractor based on price alone. That is why you must check out their references and looks at their work.

To get a good quote, you need to do the following:

• Call the service provider and ask about when they can come to inspect the area that needs to be repaired. Quotes that are given without seeing the site first are usually inaccurate.
• During the first appointment, ask what the quote covers, how the contractor will work and who will be repairing your pavers. Now is also a great time to ask about their insurance and license. If a contractor is not able to answer your questions or offers to get back to you with the answers, chances are they are not good at their work. Think about contacting another contractor.
• Get everything in writing. The worst mistake you can make when requesting a quote is taking the contractor at his word. No matter how reputable a contractor is, if you don’t get everything in writing it will all be his word against yours. Make sure everything you discussed is put in writing before you sign.

Know common paver repair scams

There is no better teacher than experience. When it comes to learning about scams, you need to listen to what people who have been scammed have to say. When you know how scammers act, you will be able to protect yourself whenever a fake contractor tries to exploit you. Common signs you are being scammed include:

• Contractor dropping their name and contacts at your door and claiming they have done work for your neighbor and will offer a great price if you hire them right away.
• Contractor says they have extra materials from a project they just finished and if you hire them now they will give you a great discount.
• Contractor only wants to be paid in cash.

While there are many great contractors out there doing an amazing job in paver repairs San Diego, there are also some with ill intent. It is your job to keep yourself safe. The above tips will be a great start.

Paver Repairs San Diego

Laying pavers often seems like a simple task. What could be harder than fitting uniformly shaped blocks next to each other, right? Wrong. There is a lot that goes into the installation of pavers. For starters, you need to create a solid base on which these blocks will sit on. Next you have to ensure that the blocks are uniformly spaced and that they sit firmly on the solid base. The spaces between the blocks have to be filled too. The main reason why some homeowners end up spending a lot of time and money in paver repairs San Diego is because their pavers were not installed properly.

To avoid issues such as weeds growing between pavers and pavers becoming uneven you need to work with a professional. In this post, we will be looking at some of the most important things you must do when hiring a contractor for paver repairs San Diego.

Contact several contractors

More often than not, we love using the same contractor that the people we know used. But what happens if they used the wrong contractor, do you also want to get the same bad services? The answer is definitely no.

Prior to committing to a highly recommended contractor, it is always good to speak with at least two other contractors. You need to ask for estimates, references as well as images of their most recent project. It is only by looking at what other contractors have to offer that you will be able to know if you are committing to the best contractor or not.

The contractor must come to the site

Never accept an estimate if a contractor has not yet seen your project. This is because square footage is not the only factor that affects the cost of a project. Be wary of contractors who rush to give you an estimate without visiting your site. In most cases, the quote they give will be inaccurate because they don’t understand the scope of your project.

When they come to your site, you need to ask question on what the quote will cover, how the work will be done and who will do the work. You should also take the time to ask for proof of insurance and license. If the contractor doesn’t seem to know what he is talking about, it is probably wise to look for another contractor.

Everything must be in writing

Last but not least, to avoid misunderstandings, everything you discuss and agree on must be put in writing. Ensure the contract includes everything you discussed before signing.

Paver Repairs San Diego