Interlocking Pavers FAQ's

• Which type of paver is better?

There is very little difference between pavers in general.
The important difference is the maker of the pavers. Paving materials can vary
from one manufacturer to next. The qualities that make a paver perfect are its
compressive strength, water absorption rate and abrasion index.

• Interlocking Pavers vs Concrete?

Interlocking paving is a misleading term. What actually
constitutes interlocking is really a dynamic 
function containing three different components. They are
"rotational interlock" (resistance to tipping) "horizontal
interlock" (resistance to spreading) "vertical interlock (resistance
to sinking)". If you have an underground repair to do,
simply remove the pavers in the area, complete the repair and replace them. Not
so simple with permanent concrete. Because pavers are a flexible pavement, you
will not have surface cracks that usually occur with the use of regular
concrete. Also, Interlocking pavers add
resale value to your home. They are aesthetically pleasing and create curb
appeal. Use thicker pavers for driveways
thinner pavers for patios.

• What is the difference between "Clay Pavers & Concrete Pavers"?

Clay pavers are made with real clay that is mixed, extruded
and baked in a kiln at very high temperatures and concrete pavers are made with
a special blend of concrete and coloring that is compacted at very high
pressures in a special machine.

• What can be done to restore ugly faded old concrete?

In most situations faded concrete can be renewed by recoloring it using various Tints & Stains.

• To seal or not to seal?

It is not necessary to seal pavers. Sealing does however
retard fading of paver color and provides a measure of protection from some
stains. . It protects it from leaky cars that might leave oil stains and it
stays cleaner for much longer if you seal it right away before it has a chance
to get stained. Before sealing, pavers must be clean and dry. It is recommended
that you wait at least 30 days after installation before sealing. Once sealed, you will need to re-seal
approximately every two to three years.

• How do I keep my pavers clean?

Remember when it's sealed it only takes a hose to clean it off.  However, for a deep cleaning there are
products available that are specifically made for cleaning pavers. You can use a pressure cleaner on pavers but do not use more than 1,000 to 1,200 psi of pressure or you could cause damage to the paver surface. If you have serious stains such as tire marks, you should consider hiring a professional.

• How can I control the ants and weeds?

The easiest way to control ants and grass is to either seal your pavers or use a Belgard Polymeric Sand or Techniseal Joint Sand Stabilizer. You can use a weed killer such as Round-Up, or an insecticide such as Andro. These will not stain your pavers.

• My pavers are spreading, what's wrong?

Paver installation should start with the proper base material for the job. Crushed rock with approximately 1 ½" of concrete or gunite sand is recommended. Installation of proper edge restraints is key to preventing spreading of pavers.

• What happens if I have to do a repair job below the paving?

Does it leave an unsightly patch mark? No, that is one of the long term benefits to installing
Flexible paving. Because all interlocking paving is flexible it can also resist cracking. This is especially beneficial in California which has very expansive soils.

• Can you do any other types of specialty masonry?

Yes, our tradesmen are fully trained masonry professionals.  We specialize in matching almost any material and seamlessly installing it so that the repair is undetectable in most cases.