We've heard a lot of misconceptions regarding paver Patios New Braunfels throughout the years. The internet is a useful tool that provides access to vast information. However, we've discovered that not all data is correct or presents a whole picture. When it comes to paver patios, data is slanted against them. We've seen personally how they're a great alternative for many folks who want to improve their landscaping or outdoor living space. We'd want to compile a lot of information so you can make an informed decision.
Continue reading to discover the true benefits and drawbacks of paver patios.
Pro: Pavers are long-lasting and durable.
The term “pavers” is most usually used to describe concrete stones. Pavers made of clay brick or natural stone are also available. They're usually little bits of varying sizes installed in various colors, textures, and patterns. When correctly fitted, the parts connect to provide a flexible and strong paving structure. Because an interlocking concrete pavement has so many joints, the pavers are extremely sturdy and resistant to cracking and breaking. Most pavers are 3 to 4 times stronger than the home's concrete foundation. Many paving stone manufacturers give a lifetime warranty on their products.
Most pavers are also made with colors and particles that run the length of the paver, so if a little chip occurs, it will be less obvious. Color can be added to poured concrete, but the color fades quickly and will likely need to be repainted every year or two. A protective sealer can be placed on both pavements to help them last longer.
Paver patios are more time-consuming to install than concrete patios.
An average-sized paver patio takes an experienced crew 3-5 days to install from start to finish due to the process. Concrete patios can be poured in hours, but the cure time is one to three days. You may walk on a paver patio right away after being installed.
Pavers require a more involved installation process than other patio materials. Small equipment will, in most situations, make the job easier and less taxing on the back. Here's how to go about doing it:
Clean the installation area of dirt and grass: It's critical to put the patio on a level area, so either you or a professional landscaper should dig down to the required depth (in Connecticut, this ranges from 12 to 18 inches, depending on the soil type).
In the area, level the subsoil: The newly exposed dirt should be leveled. To avoid later settling, compacting the subsoil is always a good idea. A geotextile stabilizing cloth can line the dugout area for added strength.
Place the gravel and level the area as follows: After adding the gravel to the entire patio area (in four-inch lifts), level the area with a steel hand tamper or vibrating compactor. Depending on the soil type and pavement use, some regions may require a deeper basis. In Connecticut, for example, we need roughly 8″ of crushed gravel (that's 12″ compressed down to 8″) for a patio base in normal soils.
Install bedding sand as follows: Pour an even 1″ of sand to place the pavers on. This sand interacts with the pavers, allowing them to interlock when compacted into the setting bed.
Install the pavers as follows: Begin laying out the pavers according to the plan you've drawn out, using the click and drop method to arrange them.
Lay out the edging and secure it in place: PVC or metal edging should be used throughout the patio's perimeter, and spikes should be used every 12″ or so to keep the edging in place.
Fill in the spaces between the joints: Push sand into the crevices between the pavers with a broom across the entire patio surface. Polymer Sand is excellent sand to use in paver joints; read the installation instructions beforehand. It should be vibrated into the joints to ensure that the sand reaches the paver's bottom.
Clean and seal the patio: After installing the patio, make it weather resistant by spraying it with a paver sealer.
Paver patios might be more expensive than other patio options.
Although paver installation costs more up front than other options, you'll save money in the long term, thanks to easier and less expensive maintenance techniques. For example, a basic paver patio is initially 30% higher than the cost of a stamped concrete patio of the same size. On the other hand, Stamped concrete will eventually cost more to maintain than a paver patio (recoloring and sealing every 2-4 years).
Another cost consideration is the construction materials and equipment required to install a paver patio versus another concrete product that may or may not require them. These materials are gravel base, stabilizing fabric, bedding sand, edging and spikes, compactors, and excavators. These costs are in addition to the cost of the paving stones, making a paver patio's initial investment costlier.
Pro: Paver Patios are More Adaptable to Changing Climates and Seasons
It's vital to keep in mind that the winter weather can impact your patio. The ground expands and contracts during the winter months as the moisture in the ground freezes and thaws. This can happen 90 to 100 times every year in Connecticut. In warmer climates, the number of cycles per year may be less than ten. Regardless, the patio moves as the ground grows and contracts. This can readily lead to cracks in solid surfaces such as concrete's weakest places. There are more seams throughout the pavement surface with a paver patio because it is placed (piece by piece and put together), allowing the pavers to individually stretch each cycle but then settle back into their original position when the expansion subsides. A properly placed paver patio can have very little movement if suitable building techniques are followed.
Paver patios are prone to weed growth over time.
Paver patios are made up of several little pieces. Many of the joints are filled with sand when they are originally placed. The sand can wash away over time and must be supplied and maintained. Other trash and weed seeds will work their way into the joints if they are not topped up with sand. Weeds might take over the pavers over time.
Polymer sand, which became accessible about ten years ago, transformed the paver industry. When laid correctly, poly sand hardens in the paver joints, preventing weeds from taking root. It isn't foolproof, but it prevents roughly 95-98 percent of them.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to whether or not a paver patio is ideal for you. However, as you can see from the numerous benefits listed above, it is a wonderful choice for many homeowners. Before making any decisions, consult an expert, and research to determine what sort of patio will best suit your design and durability requirements.
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