Q. Why do Pavers make the ideal pavement?
A. Our pavers are the ideal product for freeze/thaw environments. Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is rigid, yet flexible. The joints between pavers allow the walkway, driveway, patio, etc. to move without cracking. Unlike asphalt, pavers are virtually maintenance-free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced.
 Q. Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?
A. It is the system that makes them interlocking 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.
Q. Does the color go all the way through the paver?
A. Most pavers (other than Coventry® and Bull Nose) are manufactured with the Durafacing™ process, which concentrates an extra dosage of cement and pigment on the wear layer. You'll never wear through this layer over the lifetime of the installation. Our non-Durafaced pavers have pigment throughout.
Q. How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?
A. Patterned concrete pavements are merely slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. Therefore, they are prone to the same problems with freeze/thaw cycles, namely cracking and spalling. Our pavers are guaranteed not to crack or spall, you cannot obtain a similar guarantee for stamped concrete. Stamped concrete requires an expansion joint every ten feet or so, which are very distracting for some patterns. Also, unlike pavers, patterned concrete pavements don't allow access to underground utilities or the ability to easily make repairs. At virtually the same price per square foot installed, pavers are clearly the superior choice.
Q. What are the advantages of sealing my pavers?
A. 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 re-applied regularly (generally every 3-5 years). Only water based sealers can be used in NJ and NYC.
Q. Will weeds grow between my pavers?
A. 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 weeds do appear, a spot vegetation killer can be used and will not damage the pavers.
Q. What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
A. One of the advantages of pavers is that individual units can be removed and replaced in these situations. Remove the sand around the paver and then use two flat head screwdrivers to lift the paver out. Rocking the paver gently in a back-and-forth motion will facilitate removal.
Q. What can you tell me about snow removal and my pavers?
A. Pavers can be plowed and shoveled just like other pavements. in fact the chamfered edges and joints promote melting of snow and ice. A plow with a rubber edge is recommended. Do not use sharp object 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.
Q. How about using paver stones for my pool deck?
A. Not only do pavers make an attractive pool deck, but they also provide a slip-resistant walking surface. Pavers are actually better than poured concrete because the joints take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler under foot. Like all products that are used outdoors, lighter colors will tend to stay cooler as they reflect the sunlight. Furthermore, our Bull Nose Pavers make a nice pool coping. make sure that the soil around the pool is well compacted before installing pavers.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING EFFLORESCENCE: Efflorescence is a whitish powder-like deposit, common on concrete and masonry products, that normally will disappear over time with weathering. Although it may present an aesthetic concern, efflorescence will not affect the structural performance of pavers or wall systems. Efflorescence is a natural occurrence for which Think Pavers accepts no responsibility or liability. Contact ThinkPavers Hardscaping canter for additional information and a copy of the International Concrete pavement Institute (ICPI) publication "Managing Efflorescence." |
