FAQ
Should I seal my brick pavers?
Sealing pavers and stone enhances its natural color and provides a durable, protective layer that inhibits mold, algae, insects, weeds and prevents staining by making spills and stains easier to remove. Liquid sealers are applied after the pavers are installed and are cleaned. Once applied, the sealers soak into the concrete and into the joints. The sealers in the joints help keep the joint sand in place and prevent weeds and ants, and sealers are essential for areas around swimming pools. Basically sealing your new brick pavers will help to protect your investment, and cleaning and sealing your old pavers will restore your investment and enhance the beauty of your pavers.
Are there disadvantages to sealing?
Since they are a transparent paint-like coating, sealers generally need to be reapplied every two to four years. More intense use of the pavers and extreme climates often increase the need for re-applying a coat of sealer. Left unprotected, pavers wear and lose their finish and allow the aggregate to show through. Mold and algae grow deeper into the surface, requiring a harder cleaning. Prevent these problems with a quality cleaning and sealer job.
Can I use pavers over my old concrete patio?
Yes, you can as long as the existing patio is in good condition. There can be cracks in the old patio as long as it is still level. Concrete makes a great base for our products and is perfect to overlay thin paver (13⁄16” thick).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any time you are overlaying an existing patio it is important to recognize how much room you have between the existing patio and the threshold of your door. There has to be enough room for you to overlay the patio without raising the new level above your door’s threshold.
Are pavers strong enough to drive a car on?
Yes, our pavers are commonly used for streets, parking lots, developments and roadways. Our pavers exceed the industry standards for strength and low moisture absorption. However, just like any pavement, proper sub-grade and sub-base preparations are required.
Can you make curves with pavers for round designs?
Yes, we can create beautiful curves with interlocking brick pavers, and the best way to outline the curve is with a different color of border brick stone.
What about water drainage off my patio?
Water actually runs off the surface of the pavers as if it were a solid slab; very little water drains into the sand. It is important though to consider slope when planning your patio. A 2 in. drop for every 10 ft. of slope should be sufficient.
Can I use concrete pavers near a tree? Will it hurt the tree?
We do not recommend paving around a tree that covers the drip line.
How hot are concrete pavers if I use them around a pool as a pool deck?
Radiant heat is a primary function of light reflectivity when selecting pavers for a pool deck, be sure and use light not dark colors to minimize heat gain.
Do pavers need to be mortared into place?
Never mortar the joints of brick pavers. Interlock brick pavers traditionally uses sand expansion joints. Sand joints allow a small amount of movement without cracking like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete. It is also easier to repair. Remove and replace or reinstate the same pavers with no ugly patches after. Concrete slabs cannot make this claim!
What is the white residue on the pavers?
The white residue on top of the pavers is a condition called efflorescence. Efflorescence will wear off in about 2 to 3 months naturally but it can be removed with efflorescence cleaner and a brush.