FAQ

1. What are the benefits of having a paver driveway/patio?

   1. The benefits of having a paver driveway/patio go far beyond the fact that it’s more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Pavers can easily transform your homes previous driveway/patio into an eye-catching piece of art in a timely manner. Benefits of transitioning from concrete/asphalt to pavers include:
      
      1. More durable/long-lasting.
      2. Much better for varying climates and seasonal changes.
      3. Relatively low maintenance.
      4. Great aesthetic compared to the other options.
      5. Many creative options for the consumer (size, shape, texture, color, pattern).
      6. Can easily be removed/replaced if need be.
      
      

2. Choosing the right pavers for you and your home.

   1. When beginning to choose your new pavers for your home there are a few things to consider, such as: the kind of material, the color, and the pattern of the natural stones you choose.
      
      1. First decision - Choosing the type of material you would like to use.
         
         1. Brick pavers tend to be the most popular choice.
         2. Other common choices include travertine, other natural stones, materials like rubber, and concrete pavers (though concrete pavers are generally associated with a much higher amount of maintenance).
         3. Travertine and other natural types of stone are associated with handling high weight loads and heavy amounts of traffic.
         4. Factors like slippery surfaces/pool decks should be one of the main concerns for an individual.
         
         
      2. Second decision - Choosing the color you would like to use.
         
         1. Typically, color choice is a decision that is highly dependant on the individuals personal preference, but there are many factors to consider.
         2. Darker colors tend to be associated with a more enclosed appearance, while lighter colors are usually associated with making your paved area look much brighter and larger/open. Lighter colors are also known to absorb less heat and are cooler on one's feet.
         3. Many individuals tend to match the color of their pavers to the current color of their roof, but this is not required.
         4. While many others tend to choose the more creative route, opting to mix and match colors/types of natural stones to create very different and unique designs.
         
         
      3. Third decision - Choosing the pattern you would like to use.
         
         1. Pattern options for a paved area are really only limited by an individual's budget and their imagination.
         2. Typically, many individuals choose to repeat certain patterns and colors in order to emphasize certain areas/tie the home together.
         
         

3. Why it’s a good idea to include a paver walkway on the side of your house.

   1. There are many benefits to adding a paver walkway on the side of your house, including:
      
      1. A very sleek and aesthetic look for your home
      2. No more slipping or tracking mud/debris into your home.
      3. Avoids foot traffic on your lawn that can affect grass growth or your gardens.
      4. Creates a storage space for garbage bins as well as a walkway for trash cans (no more wheel marks).
   
   

4. Why do I need to seal my pavers? How often should the pavers be sealed? Am I able to seal them myself?

   1. Although there are many benefits that come with sealing your pavers, no one will force you to do so.
      
   2. Much like picking the design of your pavers, the overall choice to seal your pavers really boils down to the preferences of the individual, though it is highly suggested.
      
   3. Individuals that choose to not seal their pavers are more likely to: see their pavers fade and lose color over time, experience shifting pavers due to joint sand loss, and are more likely to see weeds growing throughout their paver joints.
      
   4. Individuals that chose to not seal their pavers will have to clean and maintain their pavers much more often. It will also be much more difficult to remove stains (oil, spills, etc.) if you run into them.
      
   5. Sealing your pavers creates a protective layer over the pavers that repels unwanted substances and makes them look great for long periods of time.
      
   6. You are able to seal your own pavers, but it’s not highly recommended if you’re not absolutely sure of what you’re doing. Doing the process yourself will not save you that much money and doing it wrong will result in you having to strip the driveway of all the sealer and start again, which is very difficult and costly.
   
   

5. What are the steps to cleaning and maintaining my pavers?

   1. Just because pavers are a beautiful, thick, natural stone, it does not mean that they will stay that way forever. Once you decide to become an owner of a paver patio/driveway it is vital that you take the proper steps to cleaning and maintaining them.
      
   2. Generally, if your pavers are already sealed regular maintenance is pretty simple and only involves a nice bristle push broom and some non-toxic cleaner/degreaser.
      
   3. Once the paved area has been cleared of all items and debris, begin by spraying your pavers with a high pressure hose, try to avoid using a pressure washer as you might accidentally remove a large amount of the joint-lock sand if you aren’t experienced.
      
   4. Once you have wet the paved area, take your mixed solution of cleaner and apply it to the pavers, then take the push broom and lightly scrub/clean the area depending on how dirty the area is. Lastly, spray the scrubbed area and let your pavers dry.
   
   

6. The benefits of including a fire pit.

   1. Choosing to include a fire pit when constructing your patio can bring many benefits to your home, including:
      
      1. An attractive eye catching outdoor feature.
      2. Integrates seating options for guests and transforms your backyard into a focal point for entertainment.
      3. Brings warmth to your living space during the cold months.
      4. Creates another cooking space (smores, hotdogs, etc.).
      5. Even the simplest options can add value to the home and create a more inviting outdoor living space.
      6. Especially if the fire pit is integrated in with your patio, it could become a main selling point for a potential buyer.
   
   

7. Concrete vs paver driveways.

   1. The entrance to your home and backyard/patio are generally two of the main areas of your home that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. With that being said, pavers are definitely the more visually appealing choice, but there may be other factors that influence your decision. Here is a short comparison of the two:
      
      1. Pavers:
         
         1. Generally more visually appealing.
         2. May increase the resale value of your home.
         3. Rarely crack or break.
         4. Repairs are generally easier than that of concrete slabs.
         5. Less frequent maintenance.
         6. Plethora of design options.
         7. Tend to be the more expensive option (you generally get what you pay for).
         8. More difficult to clean.
         9. May loosen over time.
         
         
      2. Concrete:
         
         1. Tend to be more affordable.
         2. Easy to install and maintain.
         3. Decently durable.
         4. Can crack or split over time.
         5. Repairs tend to be difficult and costly.
         6. Limited creative options.
         7. Gets dirty easily/stains over time.
   
   

8. Permeable paver vs non permeable pavers.

   1. Simply put, permeable pavers allow stormwater to pass through the paved surface/system and run back into the ground.
      
   2. Larger joints are used between pavers and filled with small stone as opposed to sand, which allows the water to drain properly.
      
   3. More stone and excavation are required when going with the permeable route, but the payoff is worth it.
      
   4. The choice of which type of pavers to use for your project depends on the layout of the property you wish to transform.
      
   5. Permeable pavers are perfect for individuals who would like walls built around the perimeter of their space, or if their driveway tends to slope more towards the garage doors/entryway.
      
   6. With out permeable pavers the slope of the project must be perfect to avoid flooding, as well as proper drainage installed in the necessary locations.
   
   

9. What to do when experiencing drainage problems with your patio or driveway/broken pavers.

   1. When experiencing drainage problems with your patio/driveway it may be best to call the professionals and have them handle it, rather than attempting to fix the problem yourself. The reason being that if you do not know exactly what you’re doing, you may end up making the problem worse, and end up having to pay more for it.
      
   2. If you’re experiencing a problem with just a single paver or two, you may be able to take some of your extras that you have on hand, and watch a simple video to replace the broken pieces. If done correctly you’ll never be able to know the area was affected in the first place. Though, if you’re not confident I would definitely contact us or the paver company that completed your job.