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How ideal are Pavers to make an ideal pavement?

Proper installation of the pavers results in a pavement that is rigid and flexible. The joints between pavers allow the walkway, driveway, and patio to move without cracking. They can be unzipped to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, pavers are virtually maintenance-free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced. Concrete pavers have a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi (about 3 times stronger than regular poured concrete) and a maximum water absorption rate of 5%.

How do I compare patterned pavers with stamped concrete?

Patterned concrete pavements are merely slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. They are prone to the freeze/thaw cycles, namely cracking and spalling. Stamped concrete requires expansion joints about every 10 feet and can be very distracting in patterns. Patterned concrete pavements don't allow access to underground utilities or the ability to make repairs.

Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?

It is the system that makes them interlocking concrete pavers, not necessarily the shape. When installed properly, the combination of the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand causes them to interlock, allowing them to work as a unified, flexible pavement.

Does the color go all the way through the paver?

Most Pavers (other than Coventry and Bullnose) are manufactured with the DurafacingEprocess which concentrates on extra dosage of cement and pigment on the wear layer. You'll never wear through this layer over the lifetime of the installation. The non-durafaced pavers have pigment throughout.

How do I determine how much modified stone base material and sand I'll need?

As a rule of thumb, use a minimum of 3-5 of base material for walkways, 6-8 for patios, and 8-12 for driveways. The sand setting bed should be 1 thick. One ton of modified stone or sand will cover 100 square feet at 2 thick. Using a 10' x 10' (100 square feet) patio as an example, you would need 1/2 ton of sand for the setting bed (1 thick) and 3 tons of modified stone for the base (6 thick). You'll need some additional sand (about 5%) for the joints between the pavers.

What are the advantages of sealing my pavers?

Sealers offer three advantages: they help resist stains, enhance the color, and bind the sand in the joints to make it difficult for weeds to germinate. Sealers, however, are topical products and must be reapplied regularly (generally every 3-5 years). Only water-based sealers can be used in NJ and NYC.

Will weeds grow between my pavers?

Weeds and grass result from seeds or spores blowing into and lodging in the joint sand. This can be minimized by sealing the pavers or mixing a pre-emergent granular weed killer into the joint sand. If they do appear, a spot vegetation killer (such as Round-UpE can be used and will not damage the pavers).

What can you tell me about snow removal and my pavers?

Pavers can be plowed and shoveled the same as asphalt or concrete pavements. In fact, the chamfered edges and joints around the pavers promote melting of snow and ice. A plow with a rubber edge is recommended. Do not use sharp objects to chop ice as they can damage the pavers. Both sodium chloride (rock salt) and calcium chloride will remove snow and ice but can harm the pavers (and any concrete surface for that matter). Safe Thaw® ice melter is an effective and safe de-icer for your paving stone installation.