Paver Patio FAQ

 

Q. How Long Do Pavers Last?

A. You will find that many of the larger paver manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. However, pavers can be easily repaired and replaced, making them very durable!

 

Q. Will My Pavers Move or Shift?

A. Pavers installed correctly, will not mover or shift.  Using a good edge retraint and proper installation will ensure that the pavers will not move.

 

Q. What Does Interlocking Mean?

A. Interlock is the frictional forces between paving units that prevent them from rotating, or moving horizontally or vertically in relation to each other; also defined as the inability of a concrete paver to move independently of its neighbors. The friction forces enable load transfer among the paving units. Basically, interlock does exactly what you think.  It locks the pavers together to make a strong, durable surface.

 

Q. What Are the Benefits of Using Interlocking Pavers?

A. An interlocking paver surface is a rigid yet flexible one!  The locking together of the pavers is what allows heavy loads to be spread over a wider area; it is the key to stronger pavements. They allow the dispersement of heavy loads.  Pavers also have a higher breaking strength than concrete.  ICPI approved pavers have an 8000 lb minimum breaking strength and often go much higher whereas a 5 bag concrete mix will have a breaking strength of approximately 2500 psi.  To be fair, concrete strength can be more when using fibre and rebar.

 

Q. What happens if an Interlocking Paver does Crack?

A. If a paver cracks, it can easily be removed and replaced.  This is a big advantage of pavers over concrete.  Concrete can be repaired however it will be quite visible.

 

Q. Should I Seal My Pavers?

A. Sealing your pavers is not necessary, it is however recommended!   Sealing the pavers will bring out the color and prevent the pavers from staining and prevents water from entering the paver.  Although pavers are more dense than concrete, sealing is just preventative maintenance.  Sealing will also help prevent weeds and ants from entering the pavement system.

 

Q. What is Efflorescence?

A. A white deposit of calcium carbonate on concrete surfaces. It results from the reaction of calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide from the air. The calcium hydroxide is a byproduct when cement hydrates. It is slightly soluble in water and migrates to the surface through capillary action. The calcium hydroxide remains on the surface, reacts with carbon dioxide, which forms calcium carbonate and water. This conversion, depending on weather conditions, will dissipate over time. Calcium carbonate is the most common type of efflorescence. The presence of efflorescence does not compromise the structural integrity and is not indicative of a flawed product.

 

Q. Can I Remove Efflorescence?

A. Efflorescence can be cleaned using a cleaning solution, which is specially designed for the removal of efflorescence.  Talk to the manufacturer of your pavers before using any cleaners.  Usually, there is a time period needed before applying a cleaner as not to prematurely damage/discolor the pavers.

 

Q. Will Weeds Grow Between the Joints of My Pavers and what about pesky ants?

A. By ensuring that your joints are completely filled up with sand, this will help prevent the amount of weed seeds that fall between the joints.  Also, polymeric sand is recommended which turns hard when water is applied and makes it difficult for weeds and ants to penetrate it.

 

Q. What Do I Do If My Pavers Are Stained?

A. There are a number of different cleaning solutions available on the market. Whether it is an oil stain, grease and grime, rust, moss and algae, or rubber marks, there is a product suitable for all stains.  If the stain cannot be removed, the paver itself can be removed and replaced.

 

Q. What Happens If My Pavers Are Chipped or Damaged?

A. The great thing about pavers is that they are so easy to repair!  They can be pried out with the use of two screwdrivers or special tools, and replaced with new ones.  This makes pavers a very cost efficient product, as there are no real high costs involved in repairing.

 

Q. Can I Use Pavers on a Driveway?

A. Yes you can!   The most important part of installing pavers on your driveway is your base material preparation. Ensure that your base material is compacted and you use a good edge restraint, and you should have a sturdy enough paved surface for vehicle use.  In this situation, you would typically add to the thickness of the base.  Sometimes, a soil test is recommended prior to putting in a driveway using pavers.

 

Q. Can I Install Pavers Myself?

A. Yes you can install pavers yourself!  All you need to do is to prepare your base material, your sand bedding, lay your pavers, and then sweep sand over the joints filling them up. Always remember, the base is the most important step in laying pavers.  When putting in a paver system, it is good to talk to someone certified in installing pavers to get the best advice.

 

Q. What is the Base Material made of?

A. The base material, typically Class 5 is a mix of small rocks 3/4" and less down to fine dust. The crushed stones should have varying sized particles and Sharpe edges, this makes for better compaction. The better your base compacts together, the flatter your paved surface will be.

 

Q. What is Geotextile?

A. Geotextile is also referred to as filter fabric. It is made of plastic threads, which allow water to pass through while protecting your base and soil. It stops soil from being mixed into your base material and potentially loosening it, which will weaken the base and hence create movement in your paver surface.

Geotextile is recommended for use, particularly if you have moist soft soil beneath your base, like silt or clay.  Landscape fabric is not the same as a Geotextile.

 

Q. Can I Use Pavers around the Pool?

A. Yes. Pavers can be used around a pool, however additional steps are used to help prevent settling.  They provide a slip resistant surface, making it a safer environment. . Pavers also provide a cooler surface to walk on than concrete or asphalt!

 

Q. Can I Use Pavers Over Existing Concrete?

A. Yes, this is possible.  There is a different process for this install.  Again, talking to a certified installer is recommended.

 

Q. What About Snow Removal?

A. It is recommended that you use rubber edged plows, rather than sharp edged objects, which may damage your pavers. You can also try some of the ice-melting products available on the market; they are safe and effective for use on pavers!

 

Q. How do concrete paving stones compare to laying brick?

A. Interlocking concrete paving stones represent a system wherein each paver is set in sand. This makes the system somewhat flexible so will not crack when the earth shifts nor with the changes in temperature. Bricks usually are set in mortar and so are not flexible.

 

Q. What costs more…brick or concrete pavers?

A. Brick is almost always more expensive than concrete paving stones and sometimes twice the cost.  Brick pavers are also not as consistent in shape making them a little more difficult to lay.

 

Q. How long do I have to wait after my paving stone driveway is installed before I can drive my car on it?

A. You do not have to wait at all. You can use your paving stone driveway right away.