Paver Installation

The most important step in a new paver installation is the base preparation. When starting the installation process walkways and patios should be dug out at least 7 inches and filled with 21AA compacted every 2 to 3 inches. Slag sand is then used to level the project 1 to 2 inches maximum, 2 NS sand can be used as a substitute. This will insure the life of your project for years to come. However driveways should be dug out at least 12 inches for vehicle traffic. Once the base is leveled pavers are now layered and the soldier course, which are the end units, are held together with a cement restraint and sand is put on top for the final compaction to lock the pavers in place.

Repairs

Pavers are unique to other pavement options in that they can be taken up and re-laid without noticeable patches or repairs at a minimal cost. The areas of your paver system that have settled due to many reasons cab be restored to their original surface. Depending on the cause and the severity of the repair, we can use several different methods to restore the original surface. The first is to take up the pavers and add base sand to level the pavers. In more severe situations we take up the pavers, including the sand and add compacted 21AA. In the most severe situations we would do the above plus remove the gravel, excavate deeper and install more compacted 21 AA.

In the past the adhesive materials used to secure pavers, stairs, or wall caps to retaining walls was substandard. Within the past couple of years, there have been improvements expanding the life expectancy in these adhesives and the conditions in which they can be used. If you have loose steps or wall caps we can reinstall them to last longer using these adhesives.

The black plastic and metal edging around your pavers almost always has a tendency to work its way up through the grass and above around the soldier course of your pavers presenting an unsightly appearance. This is usually sue to the usage and settling of your paver system and with the time shoves the spikes out of the ground a little each year. As an option we can take this out and install mortar around the soldier course with minimum damage to the lawn or surrounding areas.

Stripping

Pavers are usually sealed upon installation. When the coating deteriorates and begins to crack, chip and build up, it loses its ability to repel stains, oils, dirt, and other contaminates. Soon thereafter the pavers become a candidate for refinishing. Stripping pavers is a process that is probably the most complicated. This process is only necessary when the pavers have turned a cloudy, white color or when build occurs from existing sealant. We use a specially concentrated product along with an extreme amount of pressure to remove the existing sealant. This will restore the original color of your pavers and will ensure that the fresh coat of sealer applied to your pavers will not cloud and turn white or build up.

Pressure Cleaning

The pressure cleaning removes moss, dirt, and stains from brick pavers, and stamped concrete surfaces. Our company is equipped with more than 20 units using over 3500 psi. Paver Maintenance Specialists strongly encourages our customers to have the cleaning process done before any sanding, or sealing takes place to insure that the surface is clean.

Joint Re-Sanding

Brick paver joints may need to be re-sanded for a few reasons. The sand may have washed out from heavy rains or wind, the sand may be dirty, infested with insects or have weeds growing in them.

To install sand in your paver joints we first blow everything out of the joints with a pressure washer outfitted with a special tip. Sand, dirt, weeds, and moss are removed. The following day or when the paver system is dry we return and sweep in the sand with either your choice of a fine grade sand or polymeric sand. Before the sand is moistened, we blow any sand dust off the surface of the pavers. Polymeric sand is mostly used when sealer is not a chosen option by the customer. The process behind the polymeric sand is slightly different. Polymeric sand has a hardening agent this is activated by water. This eliminates sand washout from heavy rains and washing, resists weed growth and insect infestation.

To install polymeric sand in your paver joints we fist blow everything out of the joints with a pressure washer outfitted with a special tip. The following day or when the paver system is dry we return and sweep in the polymeric sand. Before the sand is moistened, we blow any polymeric dust off the surface of the paver sand then mist the entire surface with water. As the sand dries, it then hardens. This ensures a flexible, paver polymeric sand system and remains bonded together when wet. Polymeric sand does not allow as much water through the joints as standard sand. This prevents moisture buildup in the base gravel and sand which will reduce the freeze/thaw heaving effects a lot of pavers endure during winter.

Sealing

Once your paver system has been cleaned or stripped and your choice of either fine grade sand or polymeric sand has been installed we then apply sealer. We use 2 different types of sealers. The first being a solvent based acrylic sealer. Paver Protective Acrylic Sealer. This sealer gives your pavers a wet look that restores and enhances paver colors. This is the sealer we most often use and recommend. The second is a water based acrylic sealer that has a natural look sealer that will slightly enhance and darken the color of your pavers. There are many benefits to sealing pavers. Most of our customers decide to have their pavers sealed to either enhance the color of their pavers or to restore the color that has already been lost due to fading. our solvent based sealer can bring color of their pavers or to restore the color that has already been lost due to fading. Our solvent based sealer can bring color out of the most faded pavers. The sun fads pavers, Exposing the aggregate or stone that show through as white, gray, and sometime even a slight black color. With time you will see more of this and less of the original color. Sealed pavers are also much easier to clean. Pavers have a porous surface and will easily soak up whatever is placed on the. Sealer acts like a waterproofing barrier and leaves most stains in the surface. General dirt and sand washes off easily with use of a host. By sealer not allowing water to penetrate the pavers, you run less of a chance of having pavers shift and sealer also prevents moisture buildup in the base gravel and sand from the freezing and thawing effects that pavers endure during the winter. We recommend cleaning & sealing pavers every 2-4 years as needed.