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Q: What makes pavers the best choice for patios, driveways and walkways?
A: Pavers are ideal for freeze/thaw environments. Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is rigid yet flexible. Joints between pavers allow your hardscape to move without cracking. Specific pavers can be easily removed to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, our pavers are virtually maintenance-free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced. Pavers are about 3 times stronger than regular poured concrete and have a maximum water absorption rate of 5%. You can use a patio, walkway or driveway immediately after compaction and the sweeping in of the jointing sand.
Q: Will de-icing salts damage my pavers?
A: No. Our high-density concrete pavers resist deterioration from de-icing salts that are applied at the proper application rates.
Q: Will snow plows damage or dislodge my pavers?
A: No. Properly installed paving stones fit tightly together and form a uniform surface that presents no problem for plows, snowblowers, and shovels.
Q: Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?
A: It is the system that makes them interlocking, not some special shape or design. When installed properly, the combination of pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand creates the interlocking that provides a unified, flexible pavement.
Q: If a paver gets chipped or damaged, can it be replaced?
A: Yes, very easily. We recommend that you save a few pavers from your initial installation, just in case you need to replace one or two. Pavers normally can be pried out with two flathead screw drivers.
Q: What is the white deposit that sometimes appears on pavers and wall blocks?
A: The white deposit is probably efflorescence which appears naturally on any concrete or masonry product. Surface moisture acts as a wick drawing out these naturally occurring salts. Efflorescence is not indicative of a flawed product and will dissipate over time. The best course of action is to allow weathering to remove the efflorescence. It can also be removed with specifically designed chemicals that treat the surface salts. However, these do not stop the process and the efflorescence can reappear. If using chemicals, please carefully follow the instructions because they are caustic and can ruin the stones.
Q: Should I seal my pavers?
A: A sealer offers some advantages. It helps resist stains. It can enhance the colors. And it can bind the sand to the joints making it difficult for weeds to germinate. Sealers are not permanent and must be reapplied every three to five years. Only water-based sealers can be used in New Jersey and New York.
Q: Can I use paving stones on my pool deck?
A: Yes. Pavers make extremely attractive pool decks and pool coping while providing a slip resistant surface to walk on. Pavers actually are better than poured concrete because the joints will take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler to walk on. Naturally, the lighter a stone color the cooler it will be because of sun reflection. For the best results, make sure the soil around the pool is well compacted before installing pavers.
Stevens Stone & Brick wishes to acknowledge Grinnell for their contribution to our FAQ pages.
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