Paver FAQs
Why should I choose interlocking paving stones?
There are so many reasons to choose interlocking paving stones.
Pavers can be used in any climate and can be walked on immediately upon installation.
The interlocking paver system allows for easy access to underground utilities such as sprinkler or electrical lines. Once the pavers are re-installed there is no sign that they were ever removed in the first place.
Cracking, which is common with traditional asphalt and concrete pavements, is not an issue with these interlocking concrete pavers due to the joints between the pavers.
Interlocking concrete pavers are a flexible system and allow for movement.
They are almost indestructible because the pavement system moves in unison with the earth's tendency to swell and contract over time, thus avoiding any serious damage.
Can the edges of the interlocking paving stones be curved?
Yes! Thanks to our highly trained installation crews, your interlocking paving stones are easily shaped to fit any design, including steps and walls…and curves!
What holds it stable around the edges?
A concrete or plastic edge beam is installed around the edges of your patio, deck or driveway to protect the interlocking pavers from lateral movement.
Can you drive heavy vehicles over driveway paving stones? (RV's, Motor homes etc.)
Absolutely! Our driveway pavers are designed to withstand the heavy wear and tear of RVs, motor homes, buses and more. Please let us know about heavy traffic so that he can advise our installers accordingly.
Are there gaps between the stones or will it be level enough to play/ride/skate/walk on with high heels?
Our interlocking pavers are always installed to be as level as possible. However, feel free to tell us of any specific concerns you may have. Because there are so many great paving stones to choose from, the more information you give us, the easier it will be for us to make the appropriate recommendation.
How long do I have to wait to drive/walk on my interlocking paving stones after they're installed?
That's the best part, there's no down time required! You can walk & drive on your interlocking pavers right away.
How do pavers “interlock” between one another?
Pavers are designed with patterns and shapes so they will interlock. Joint sand also adds to the friction between the pavers, thus enhancing their stability. The pavement as a whole is kept together by edge restraints, these restraints keep the edge pavers from moving.
How long do concrete pavers last?
In Europe, they have seen pavers last over 50 years. This is much longer than other pavements under normal residential use. The longevity of your interlocking pavement starts with using high quality pavers and a competent contractor to execute a proper installation. If pavers are not installed properly they may not last as long as they should.
Will the pavers mildew?
Mildew grows on surfaces that are kept cool and moist over an extended period of time. Pavers are more resistant to mildew as the surface retains water less that other pavement surfaces. Using a water proof sealer and power washing are other tips on how to reduce mildew. On the other hand some customers find this to add a rustic appeal to their pavers and actually encourage its growth.
How do I control weeds and grass from coming up in my paver patio or walkway?
For the most part, if the pavers are installed properly and a compactor was used on the pavers to lock them into place, you have cut off much of the growing environment. There will still be times when seeds can blow in and start growing in the sand between the cracks. When this happens, you can usually pull them out very easily or spray them with a weed killer and remove them. Sealing the pavers also helps prevent vegetation growth.
Can I replace a paver if broken or stained?
Yes, you can be assured of replacement pavers by keeping extras from the job. When replacing a paver, scrape out the sand in the joints from those surrounding the paver to be removed. Use two screwdrivers to wiggle the paver out. Others can be removed by hand. Insert the new paver, replace the joint sand, and compact the paver into place with a rubber mallet.
What is the smallest job your company will handle?
Our company will bid on any size job.
How Interlocking Pavers Interlock
When one thinks of interlocking paving stones one often gets the idea of dog bone shape stones that fit together like a jig saw puzzle. That is not the case at all. The interlocking comes from the fact that each stone can NOT move independently from its neighbor. In fact there are two important aspects of an interlocking paving stone job that keeps the pavers interlocked.
The first is the sand. As simple as this might seem the sand creates the interlock. Not any sand though, it must be a sharp angular sand that will lock together. If you filled the joints between the pavers with silica sand, each particle is perfectly round, it's like putting ball bearing between the pavers and they WILL then be able to move independent of the stone next to them. Pavers are made with a small ridge on the side of each one so there is space for the sand.
The second important aspect is the edge restraints (the border that is holding the pavers together). Since they are sitting in sand not mortar if the edge is not held firmly in place they could start to spread apart. This would create larger and larger opening between the pavers that would eventually be so wide that there would no longer be friction between the stones.
With the second condition in place you have now created interlock.
Added Value
Pavers add to the value of your property. The difference in cost versus conventional surfaces can be added directly to your property value, plus some! You will benefit for years to come through the extended life of the material and you will eliminate the need for extensive maintenance after the install. Architects and commercial builders have also experienced more efficient and productive use of available land through reduction of runoff mitigation requirements.
Choosing pavers over concrete or asphalt for your projects is always a wise and cost efficient move!
We Provide Services to the Following Cities and Towns in FL: