Q. What is the white film on my pavers and will it go away?
White film, known as "Efflorescence", is normal for masonry products and it may appear on the surface of the Concrete Pavers. It may not occur at all. If it does occur, it is not permanent and will disappear over time. It may appear randomly or only in certain areas. It is natural occurrence from the cement hydration process. Calcium oxide from the cement reacts with water inside the pavers and forms calcium hydroxide. This seeps to the surface and reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, a whitish residue. When moisture on the surface evaporates, it becomes visible. It will wash off or wear off over time. If you wish to speed up the natural process, there are cleaners available that are designed to remove efflorescence.
Q. How can I remove snow without damaging the installation?
For most residential applications, conventional methods of snow removal are acceptable (ie. shoveling or snowblowing). Care should be taken to make sure the skid plates are set to maintain a clearence betweeen the snowblower and the pavers so as not to scratch the pavers. Please note, the use of heavy snow removal equipment may damage your pavers or the installation. Ice melting chemical products which do not contain calcium chloride are recommended for use.
Q. Can I Install Concrete Pavers over an existing concrete walkway or patio?
While this is not the preferred method, your installation can be laid over top of existing concrete walkways, providing there is not substantial heaving in the existing area. Several other issues need to be addressed. First, the grade will need to be reaised by about 3" (the thickness of the pavers plus bedding sand or bonding agent). This is particularly critical if any doorways are involved. Second, remember that if the existing concrete slab should be reaised or drop with freeze/thaw conditions, the paver will do the talking.
Q. What about stains on my installation or any areas that may become damaged.
Stains can be removed with appropriate cleaning products. However, should a severe stain occur or some pieces become damaged, Concrete Pavers have distinct advantage. Individual Pavers can be removed and replaced in these situations. Remove the sand around the unit and use a "Paver Extractor" is also desiged for removing simple pieces.
Q. Should I seal my project?
Concrete Pavers are manufactured to be durable. Therefore, the use of a protective sealant is optional and a matter of personal preference. A sealant will make stain removal easier, might minimize weed germination in the joint sand and can enhance colors. Sealers, however, are a topically applied product and must be reapplied every 2 to 3 years. Sealing pavers may make pavement slippery when wet. Before sealing, the installation must be thorougly cleaned and completely dry. Check your local builiding codes to determine if a water-based sealant is required in your area.
Q. Can I add on to my project at a later time?
One great reason for using Concrete Pavers is because you can easily add to any type of project that you are doing. All you need to do is to take up an existing edge restraint and a few rows of Pavers. Prepare the base and setting bed for the new section. This will help reduce any variance of the existing colors.
Q. Will the colors fade from the Concrete Pavers?
Concrete Pavers are made with the highest quality pigment and have color completely throughout each unit. However, the extreme effects of the sun and elements work against all building materials. Over the years, it is possible to see the colors mellow as they age.
Q. How long will it take for my project to be installed?
Less time than you might think. The average home patio can be installed in one weekend. Concrete Pavers make the job simple and easy. Being a mortarless system, a lot of extra work and mess are eliminated. After installation, will weeds grow underneath my patio or driveway? Once complete, the installation will not permit seeds to germinate from beneath the Concrete Pavers. However, weeds and grass could result from seeds or spores blowing into and lodging in the joint sand. If weeds do appear, a spot vegetation killer can be used seasonally and will not damage the Pavers.
Q. How long will my installation last?
Installed properly, Concrete Pavers will out perform poured-in-place concrete, stamped concrete and patterned asphalt by many years.
Q. How do Concrete Pavers compare with "Patterned" or "Stamped" concrete?
Patterned concrete pavements are merely large sections of poured-in-place concrete that have been embossed with a design. Therefore, they are prone to the same problem freeze/thaw cycles (ie. cracking and spalling), lower strengths and a higher absorption rates as poured-in-place concrete. Concrete Pavers permit a flexible, breathable surface, working with nature. In addition, stamped concrete requires expansion joints every 10 feet or so, which can be very distracting. Also, patterned concrete pavements don't allow access to underground utilities or the ability to make repairs. Therefore Concrete Pavers are clearly the best choice.
Q. How does the "Interlocking" system works?
Concrete Pavers are placed over a leveling course which is over a compacted aggregate base. The thickness of the base will vary depending on the purpose of the application. The Pavers are retained at the outside perimeter of the project using edge restraints. Edge restraints such as reinforced concrete are recommended. Once the Pavers are placed and restrained, the interlocking process may begin. Joint sand is swept into the joints and over the Pavers. The Pavers are compacted and may take 1 or 2 passes before the full interlock can be achieved. After compaction, the project is ready for use. Sweeping and cleaning of the area will be necessary.
Q. Why are they called "Interlocking" Concrete Pavers?
It is the combination of the installation system, together with the ratio between the thickness and the length and width of the Concrete Paver which makes them "Interlocking" - not the shape. When installed correctly over a base designed and properly prepared for the type of application and load bearing which the installation is intended to carry, the combination of the Pavers coarse bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand causes them to interlock, allowing the individual pieces to work as a unified, flexible pavement.
Q. Why use interlocking concrete pavers?
Concrete pavers are produced on specially designed machinery which ensures an exact quality controlled process that produces concrete pavers of higher strength and durability than poured in-place concrete. Interlocking concrete pavers are manufactured as a single homogeneous mix throughout; or a two mix system which has a top coat. For example E-P Henry pavers have a minimum average compressive strength of 10,000 psi, compared to poured in-place concrete with an average of 3,000 psi ( almost 4 times stronger), and have a lower absorption rate as well.
Concrete pavers are the ideal product for freeze/thaw environments. With proper installations, this product provides a hard wearing and flexible surface. The joints between the pavement allow the walkway, driveway, or patio to move without cracking. In addition, they can be "unzipped" to allow for repairs or easy access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, or stamped concrete, Pavers are virtually maintenance free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced.