With interlocking concrete pavers, you can finally achieve beautifully crafted hardscapes that resist cracks, inhibit the growth of existing vegetation and ensure longevity, naturally and for substantially longer than ordinary cement.
Before you can get started, however, you'll need to remove your existing hardscape and replace it with something exponentially better: concrete paver stones.
Out with the Old
There are a number of disadvantages to using ordinary cement to lay a driveway, patio, walkway, pool deck or other hardscape. Low tensile strength (e.g., more likely to crack and expand under pressure), higher weight as compared to paving stones, and decreased level of ductility, which means it's more difficult to hammer and thin out (limiting design and installation options), are most commonly noted among homeowners and industry professionals alike.
Ordinary cement lacks the curb appeal of "newer," more cost-effective hardscape options currently on the market today, such as paving stones. Not only are pavers more cost effective due to low maintenance, but they are also highly customizable, allowing for a wide variety of design and styling options.
In with the New
Before laying new paving stones, your existing hardscape will need to be removed, using professional heavy duty machinery, such as a Bob-cat. Prior to removal, a complete home inspection is done to ensure there are no surprises at any point during the installation process. The process starts with a complete check of the property, as the project manager meticulously marks all of the pipes beneath the ground. Working with Dig Alert, the project manager and all other workers can ensure utilities are protected during the installation process.
- Demolition
- Excavation
- Grading
- Sub-base and base compacting
- Sand installation
- Paver installation, including both the application and activation of high-tech polymeric sand for binding purposes
- Sealer application (optional)
- Setting a "New" Standard
Once your new paving stones are professionally installed using the correct tools, you can further enhance outdoor residential spaces by adding natural seating, steps, planters, borders and walls, depending on the project.
For a backyard patio, BBQs and fireplaces can also be added, as well as an outdoor kitchen area. Scalability and design options will depend upon yoyou need.
Bring a Sense of "Newness" to Existing Pavers
If your outdoor living space requires only a few minor paving projects-for example, the installation of a new walkway or garden pathway that interlocks your existing patio with a nearby pool deck of other outdoor hardscape-it's recommended that you have all existing, surrounding pavers professionally cleaned. Doing so will eliminate the presence of any oil stains and/or skid marks from your current outdoor living space for a new, more refreshed look.
For hard-to-see blemishes, it is fine to give your pavers a light scrubbing using a wet cleaning brush; a couple of passes should suffice. (Avoid using specially formulated chemical stain removers on pavers that contain a sealer, unless otherwise instructed by a professional.)
Using the above tips, you can bring life to your home with a new pavers project. Just remember to speak to your dedicated project manager before getting started about all of your wants and needs for your project. For a free design consultation call us today at 1 (888) 330-8818