Many things must be considered when you’re working on a paver project. One of the essential parts of building a pavement in the outdoor area of your home is to estimate the materials needed.

But the paver base remains the most crucial part of the entire project. The most frequently asked question about the base is how much of it is needed. If you have a similar query, read on to find out.

Why is Paver Base Important?

Whether you plan to create a patio, driveway, or walkway with pavers, the paver base plays a vital role in all projects. Generally, gravel is used as the base material because it easily absorbs the tension from the ground. Moreover, it quickens the drainage process when exposed to moisture, which is perfect for outdoor spaces.

The base is the most essential part of the pavement as it provides compactness and slope. Since it is the base, your entire project is built on it, giving the pavement stability. An uneven base will cause the pavers to come off or sink into the ground. Moreover, it allows moisture to pass through easily so that the water can drain. It is more convenient when you have a gravel base.

When the pavement is constructed, you need a sufficient amount of gravel material to create an even and compact base to ensure your pavement stays put for many years to come. Plus, it enhances the appearance of your home’s outdoor area, thus boosting the curb appeal.

How Much of the Base Material is Needed?

Exactly how much material you need for the base depends on the size of your project. The length and width of the walkway or patio will determine the final amount. However, it is important to note that you will need the base to be at least 6 inches deep after compaction.

If you have an insufficient base material, it will create an uneven surface which can break the stones. You can also opt for paver panels that interlock as an alternative to a gravel base. They are more lightweight and offer more stability. Plus, they require fewer materials and work. You don’t need as much sand or and excessive digging isn’t required.

Work with West Coast Pavers

Are you planning a paver project? Leave the job up to professionals instead of putting yourself through the hassle with a  DIY project.

West Coast Pavers is the best paver contracting company in Fort Myers, Florida. Get in touch today to start your project. Call us at (239) 590-9834 or email info@wcpavers.com for more details.

Brick pavers quickly accumulate stains, and within no time, weed, moss, and algae can make a home between the pavers. While there are many ways to clean them, the most effective method is to power wash brick pavers.

But that brings us to the question…

Is Power Washing Brick Pavers Safe?

Simply put, you can power wash brick pavers, but there is a potential risk of damaging the pavement because of the high pressure. This is especially risky when you’re an amateur who has never worked with a power washer.

If you’re new to pressure washing, here are a few steps you can follow for power washing brick pavers without damage:

1. Find the Right Equipment

Power washers have different specifications. Get a power washer that produces 3000 psi (pounds per square inch) for 3-4 GPM (gallons per minute) for effective cleaning. Make sure your equipment has a wide-angled nozzle instead of a nozzle that creates a narrow stream. Narrow streams are great for removing stains, but they also risk damaging brick pavers.

2. Practice before Starting

You don’t want to start cleaning your brick pavers with a pressure washer right away, especially if you have never worked with one. Instead, consider practicing on dirt or any surface that won’t get damaged. Hold the pressure washer at an angle and a distance of at least one foot from the surface.

It will give you an idea of how intense the pressure will be when you clean the pavement.

3. Clean Your Brick Pavers

Hold the pressure washer at least 12 inches above the surface at an angle. Swipe the pressure washer across the pavers, and don’t stick to one spot for too long as it can cause damage. If there are any grease or oil stains on your pavement, make sure to add a little bit of detergent for effective cleaning.

Final Thoughts

If your brick pavement is extremely dirty and you don’t feel confident in your cleaning skills, it is better to hire a professional to do the job. Professionals know how to power wash brick pavers and how to get rid of even the most stubborn stains. Plus, that way, you don’t have to purchase or rent out a power washer that is risky to use. Since it generates such high pressures, it can cause serious accidents, so it is best to leave the job to professionals. We hope you’ve enjoyed these articles and thanks for visiting West Coast Pavers of SWFL.

Brick walkways and driveways are extremely popular among homeowners. Many people consider installing a brick paver in a DIY project. One query that’s most frequently pondered is whether brick paver should be laid on top of dirty.

While you can lay brick pavers over dirt for your driveway or walkway, it is not an ideal solution as it can cause the pavers to fall out and even create an uneven surface.

How to Lay Brick Pavers Over Dirt

If you’re still interested in laying brick pavers over dirt, here are some steps you can follow:

Space Prep

It’s important to prep the area where you want your brick pavers to be installed. If the site has grass growing, make sure you get rid of it from the root. You can use a spade for removing grass. Once all the grass has been removed, the next step is to compact the exposed soil. Pound a hand tamper over the soil till a stable and compact surface is created.

Set the Foundation

You can’t start placing brick pavers directly onto the compacted soil. First, you need to set a firm foundation by installing a geotextile fabric. This will help improve the drainage and prevent weeds from growing in between the pavers.

Brick Installation

Once the fabric is set and secured in place, you can start installing brick pavers. Gently hammer in each section with the help of a wooden board so that all the bricks are embedded into the dirt. This will also help you install all the bricks on the same level.

Pour Dust

Once all the pavers have been installed, pour dust over the pavers till all the small spaces in between are filled. Moisten the pavers and brush. This acts as a weed prevention barrier. Repeat as many times as needed.

Professional Installation

Even if you succeed in installing brick pavers over dirt, it will only last for a certain time. It won’t be long before the brick pavers start coming off, and getting it fixed will end up costing you a lot more than it saved.

That’s why it is best to get your brick pavers installed by professionals. They can create a firm foundation with proper drainage so that your pavers can last for many years to come.

The Bottom Line

Rather than wasting time, money, and effort installing brick pavers over dirt, it’s best to get them properly installed by professionals. West Coast Pavers Inc will take care of all your installation needs. Whether it’s a patio, driveway, or walkway, you can have everything done under a budget. Visit our website for more details.

Brick Paver With Polymeric Sand Base

Polymeric sand is the most popular and useful filler used under brick pavers. It is a mixture of fine sand, adhesive and is most widely used in paver joints. Typically, polymeric sand lasts for up to 10 years. But if you use high-quality polymeric sand, it can last for approximately 15 years.

With proper care, you can easily increase the life of polymeric sand without the need for replacement.

How Does Polymeric Sand Work?

Polymeric sand is mixed with water, activating the adhesives and forming a strong bond that tightens upon hardening. It also bonds the pavers in the surrounding, making polymeric sound ideal for brick pavers.

The dried and hardened sand keeps all the pavers in place without twisting or skidding away. The bonding lasts for years to come, but if applied incorrectly, you might need reapplication frequently.

Proper application of polymeric sand is important for making it last longer.

How to Increase Life of Polymeric Sand

Besides the improper application, many different factors affect the life of polymeric sand. Here are some ways to increase the life of polymeric sand under brick pavers:

Check Weather Conditions

Always check the weather forecast before you apply polymeric sand. Rain can affect the curing process of polymeric sand; it must dry completely without any moisture. If it rains during the drying process, the life of your polymeric sand can be reduced significantly.

Install Under Direct Sunlight

Many homeowners tend to have shades on their patios and walkways. If you install polymeric sand under shade, it will take longer to dry, and some moisture may be left behind. For best results, you should install polymeric sand under direct sunlight.

Install on Even Surfaces

To make your polymeric sand last longer under brick pavers, ensure that your pavers are aligned and installed on an even surface. An uneven surface allows water to come between the spaces, resulting in improper drying and reduced lifespan.

Hire Help

It’s important that you hire a professional contractor for polymeric sand installation under brick pavers. A DIY project can easily go wrong and end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

Get in touch with West Coast Pavers and let them install polymeric sand under your brick pavers. They excel in brick projects and have years of experience to back them up. Visit their website for more details.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, polymeric sand is a useful adhesive used under brick pavers to hold them in place. It’s a long-lasting material that can last for up to 15 years if proper care is taken during the installation process.

Broken or Cracking Pavers

Whether on your driveway, pool deck, or walkway, brick pavers are great for providing aesthetics. Not only that, but they also increase the resale value of your house. But there is a major drawback of pavers; they keep cracking or getting damaged. Although it is relatively easy to repair damaged brick pavers by replacing the damaged pieces, it can get annoying when it occurs repeatedly. To keep your brick pavers in top condition, you need to find the root cause that’s making your pavers crack.

Broken brick pavers could be a result of one or more of the following reasons:

1. Improper Installation

Installing brick pavers might seem like an easy task; however, it’s a bit tricky. The foundation for brick pavers needs to be in top condition before laying the pavers on top. If the foundation is uneven or has faults, it can lead to broken brick pavers.

Many people opt for a DIY project when it comes to installing brick pavers. But we suggest you leave this job to a professional contractor.

2. Lack of Maintenance

If you don’t make an effort to maintain your brick pavers, they will eventually crack. Make sure you’re cleaning them regularly and get rid of weeds. Weed growth is another major cause of broken brick pavers. Make sure you get rid of weeds as soon as you see them growing.

3. Unsealed Pavers

Many people don’t get their brick pavers sealed to cut back on costs when they get them installed. But unsealed pavers can cost you a lot more than sealed pavers. A sealer protects your pavers from mold, mildew, weed growth, and cracking. Also, it would help if you got your pavers resealed regularly to keep them in good condition.

4. Installation without Polymeric Sand

As the weather conditions change, it’s common for brick pavers to expand and contract. But if polymeric sand is used when they’re installed, it keeps your brick pavers in a stable condition and prevents breakage. On the contrary, if polymeric sand is not used when installed, it can result in erosion. When your brick pavers erode, it eventually leads to them breaking.

Final Verdict

Now that you know the major causes of cracking pavers, it will be a lot easier for you to take care of them. Make sure you hire professional help to install or seal your brick pavers. A job done by professionals will last longer and provide better results. If you don’t know any good contractors for installing or sealing your brick pavers, we recommend trying out West Coast Pavers, Inc. They specialize in projects involving brick pavers and have years of experience to back them up. You can visit their website to get more details.

Are your interlocking pavers blackened, attacked by moss or by weed regrowth? Are you looking for the right cleaning solution for them? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. There are several cleaning ways to use on pavers. But, what to clean pavers with? Let’s discuss!

What to Clean Pavers With?

There are many professional products dedicated to the maintenance and cleaning of pavers. Depending on your needs and the condition of pavers, you will need to opt for a specific protective product. Indeed, interlocking paving stones have the particularity of being an extremely porous and friable coating, thus notwithstanding aggressive treatments. It is, therefore, necessary to favor the purchase of products specially designed for outdoor paving stones so as not to alter their appearance:

• Pressure washer
• Cleaner, special degreaser for paving stones
• Anti-foam cleaner.
• Weedkiller
• Anti-stain protector: oil and water repellents

Let’s discuss in detail how you can use these products on your interlocking pavers!

Pressure Washer Cleaning

The ultimate weapon to clean your interlocking paving driveway is a Karcher, also known as a pressure washer. If you don’t have a Karcher, you can decide to get one, as it will come in handy for many other outdoor cleaning jobs. You can also hire it for a day at a reasonable price. That said, before you get down to cleaning your interlocking pavers, it is best to remove all existing foams first.

Use of Weedkillers for Cleaning

One of the main problems is the growth of weeds between interlocking pavers. The best solution for removing weeds is to spray a suitable weedkiller. Applying a weed killer once a year is enough to eliminate the weeds present and limit its regrowth drastically. We recommend choosing a systemic weedkiller that attacks the plants in depth until reaching the root: quackgrass, dandelion, bindweed. Use a ready-to-use weedkiller with an integrated sprayer, so you won’t have to worry about the dosage.

Anti-foam Cleaner

To remove the foam grafted to your pavers, use an anti-foam liquid that eliminates mosses and lichens on paving stones while protecting and preventing them from reappearing. An anti-foam is a colorless product that does not stain your pavers. So-called “concentrated” anti-foaming agents are intended for large surfaces and must be diluted beforehand with water. The ready-to-use defoamers are already diluted; all you have to do is spray the product on pavers.

Anti-stain Protectors

 Once you’ve cleaned your pavers, it’s best to protect them with a floor waterproofer to prevent stains, also known as stain removers.

• The water-repellent treatment acts as water protection, prevents water from penetrating between the pavers and thus limits the formation of weeds.
• The oil-repellent treatment acts against the absorption of grease and stains. It is recommended if you park your car on your driveway or if you have a barbecue.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact West Coast Pavers, Inc., experts providing professional consultation and installation service for concrete interlocking brick paver design for over 20 years. You are also offered a wide range of high-quality pavers and tiles at West Coast Pavers.

Seal Brick Pavers

Brick or stone pavers can change the appearance of your patios, driveways, hallways, and even pool decks, giving them a homely appearance. It gives an outdoor ambiance to any home or place. But that’s not all, everything needs to be maintained to stay in their original condition, and brick pavers are no different to it. Hence it is important to seal brick pavers.

So is what used to make them look better?

Paver sealants are probably the reason you are here looking for what is used to seal brick pavers? Paver sealing is considered an important measure in the maintenance of brick pavers. Sealing makes the surface looking as new as the day that they were installed.

So what are the different types of paver sealants that are used?

Film Forming Sealers (Gloss and Semi-Gloss Finish)

Film-forming sealers are one of the pave sealants that are used to seal brick pavers. With the option of getting a gloss or semi-gloss finish, film-forming sealers prevent the darkening of the concrete and increase the chemical resistance. Within film-forming sealers, there are two varieties present; water-based sealers and solvent-based sealers.

Water-based sealers have a low gloss finish, and hence, they cause minimal darkening of the concrete. Consequently, it is highly resistant to chemicals. At the same time, solvent-based sealers have got a high gloss finish and darken the concrete tiles. Hence, it improves color development as well.

Film-forming sealers are like the ultimate protection because they create a physical barrier on the paver surface. Not to mention that since pave sealants need to be reapplied after a maximum of 5 years, with film-forming sealers, it is easier to see signs of wear and tear that indicate that reapplication is needed. Film-forming sealers are only recommended if you have stamped concrete or broom-finished concrete.

Matt Finish Pave Sealants

Matte finish paver sealants will not alter the look of your brick pavers as film-forming sealers would. It still preserves the paver surface and keeps it protected from any unwanted moisture. They are also known as penetrating water-repellants that protect the surface by having brick wavers from water, chemicals, and any freeze or thaw damage. However, the drawback of using this is that it does not protect against grease spills or stains.

Since they do not change the appearance of brick pavers, they are recommended for smooth troweled concrete or broom finished concrete. It can also be used for natural and manmade stone pavers.

Wrapping Up

We understand that maintaining brick pavers and knowing what to use to seal them is not one of the first thoughts that may cross your mind. But, that doesn’t mean that they don’t need maintenance. Your brick pavers provide a visual experience and ambiance to you and your visitors. That is why it is so important to maintain it properly by sealing it. Sealing brick pavers using paver sealants according to the concrete used in your pavers is an important maintenance measure.

So if you are looking to get your brick pavers sealed with film-forming sealers or matter finish sealers, please reach out to our team at West Coast Pavers.

What Are Pavers?

Pavers, also known as paving stones, are used for flooring and landscaping outdoor surfaces like walkways, gardens, driveways, patios, pool decks, etc. Paving stones work just like tiles and are available in different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Unlike tiles, pavers do not use grout or cement between gaps for their installation. They are usually lined over soil or sand-based surfaces and are left partially permeable areas around the joints to allow water or liquids to pass through.

Different Types of Pavers

Typically, there are three broad categories of pavers that we will be discussing in detail below:

Brick Pavers 

Brick pavers are the best option for outdoor landscaping if you are looking for something sturdy and durable in nature. Brick pavers have the longest lifespan and can last up to several decades, so they are ideal for places with high traffic or heavy weight load. Brick pavers also help increase your property’s value, owing to their strength and longevity. When it comes to aesthetics, brick pavers are classic in style.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are the most commonly found pavers in the market, and they are typically made up of cement. Ideally used in driveways, concrete pavers are tough and durable in nature. They are also cost-effective and ideal for areas that need a mass-level flooring installation.

Stone Pavers

Stone pavers are not usually identical in size and cut from different quarries. Stone pavers vary in size and textures, which adds uniqueness to the aesthetics of your place. Various types of rocks can be cut and made into a stone paver. The most commonly used types of pavers are:

• Bluestone
• Cobblestone
• Travertine
• Limestone

Stone pavers are also considered an excellent choice for your outdoor surfaces for various reasons. First of all, they are made up of natural materials, which are preferred by many as opposed to using faux material. The beauty and natural color of stone pavers are unlike any other material. 

Stone pavers are timeless. Some stone pavers like travertine go back in time to the Roman era and are still used to add to the beauty of several outdoors and walkways. You can also install them in various patterns giving you more room to experiment with the décor and aesthetics of the place.

Installation of Pavers from Professionals

The installation of pavers is a really difficult and extensive process that only professionals can do. If the installation is not done properly, it can shorten the life span of the pavers. To make sure that you get the installation of pavers done by experts in the field only, someone like West Coast Pavers. West Coast Pavers are experts in creating an exceptional look for your paver installation. Get in touch with our experienced professionals for a free consultation for your project. We will recommend you the best possible solution that fits your needs as well as your bank balance. Call us for a free consultation at 239-590-9834, and we will be glad to assist you.

What are the do’s and don’ts for paver installation. During any paver installation project, you have to show due regard for the do’s and don’ts if you want to get it right the first time around. It is much better to give scrupulous attention to these factors than to take on the real risks of paver defects that will only disappoint later on. 

Here are the do’s and don’t’s of paver installation that you should always be careful about for the best paver job.

Don’t Rush The Installation of the Pavers

Installing brick pavers correctly is not a job to be rushed. You cant rush art. Haste makes waste and it holds true for brick paver installation as well. 

Showing love and care for brick pavers, their foundation and material used will lead to a job well done. For perfectly level brick pavers, you have to patiently lay down the foundation for a good start and solid base. 

There are many factors that you will have to pay attention to both for aesthetics and utility. For example, you will also have to create a mild slope so that water can drain off easily after you are done cleaning brick pavers. Such subtle details obviously require painstaking care and patience. 

Don’t Use Excessive Base Materials

While you want a solid and resilient base, you don’t want to overdo it. For many cases, 4 to 6 inches depth of base material is sufficient for pedestrian use and 8 to 12 inch depth will suffice for driveways. 

Make sure that you compact the base every time you put down 3 inch of material. This will ensure proper compression. Small details like these can make all the difference for your foundation and brick paver strength.

Don’t Use Plastic

There is a widely prevalent myth that plastic will hinder the growth of weed. Not only will it fail to prevent weed growth, it will also create other problems like trapping water. A much better and more pragmatic solution is to use high quality polymeric sand to inhibit weed growth.

Do Study and Prepare the Area Before Working

A key facet of any professionally done job is to avoid damage to surrounding property. Thus, you should take care to study the area meticulously. Note down where telephone lines, cables and pipes are located to avoid harming them. 

Do Use the Best Quality Material

For your brick pavers, foundation and joints, you will need the very best in materials. High grade material will save you a lot of frustration and costs later on. 

Thus, you should partner with a contractor who has your best interests at heart. Your brick paver contractor should be as passionate as you are for enhancing your property with a well-curated brick paver hardscape that has been installed with a lot of TLC.

Do you want the very best brick paver hardscape to bring your property to its very best?

Contact us today.

Pressure washing is considered as one of the best ways to clean walkways and patios. However, as a homeowner, you are probably wondering if pressure washing brick pavers is a good idea.

Well, the most popular opinion is that pressure washing brick pavers yourself can cause permanent damage.

Here is why pressure washing brick pavers yourself isn’t a good option:

Pressure Washing Wands Take Time to Clean

If you are a homeowner, you have probably thought about investing in a pressure washing wand. The problem is that the nozzle of the wand is often too small. This process naturally demands more time and effort on your part to get the job done.

Pressure Washing Wands Don’t Clean Surfaces Evenly

Another main problem with pressure washing brick pavers is that it usually results in zebra-striping. Zebra striping occurs when certain areas of the brick paver are cleaned with a lot of pressure, while other areas are cleaned with lesser pressure.

This often damages the mortar between bricks and ends up dispersing the joint sand between paving stones. It degrades recently installed brick pavers more than old concrete slabs. The main reason behind this is the incorrect choice of the nozzle.

Pressure washing your brick pavers is only recommended when you plan on hiring a professional  for pressure washing. This is perhaps, the best way to avoid any damage or costly repairs to your brick pavers.

However, if your brick pavers experience any damage or require replacement due to pressure washing, you can contact us!

If your pavers are no longer held in place tightly, you must think about what you can do to stop your pavers from shifting. While a well-designed paver system can prove to be a beautiful addition to your property, you might face problems if it is not installed correctly. Here are the most common problems that homeowners often run into with improperly installed pavers.

Pavers Are at Different Levels

While certain pavers appear to have sunk deep into the ground, others may seem to be sticking out higher than the rest. When installation is not done correctly, you may end up with uneven pavers.

You should first consider what kind of soil is underneath the pavers. It the soil has a large water retention capability, then there may be problems during the winter months since the water held in the soil will expand on freezing. This expansion may raise some of your pavers higher than the others.

Stone dust is another material that can hold a lot of water and cause such problems. Therefore, when you start constructing your paver system, you should use processed gravel since it serves as a stable base for your pavers.

Pavers Are Shifting from Their Positions

You may notice that the pavers are drifting away slowly from their positions. Such a problem often arises because of the lack of edge restraint. The edge restraint is an installation around the paver periphery to keep them packed tightly together. When this edge is damaged or missing, the pavers will have no restraining force to hold them securely in place. Hence, they will start moving.

Therefore, you should inspect the perimeter of your pavers to find out where the edging restraint is either damaged or missing.

Another problem with damaged or missing perimeters is that the pavers may start protruding outwards. This obviously is a dangerous condition since people can trip and fall over such pavers.

You can build edging from metal, plastic or cement. Plastic has the advantage that it is resistant to adverse weather and the elements.

Once you have laid out the base, pavers and edging restraints, you should fill up the cracks between pavers by sweeping polymeric or concrete sand into them. At the end, you should drive a compactor over your pavers to keep everything smooth and level.

The Best Solution

Fixing such problems requires proficiency and expertise. You can get in touch with our experts to accomplish all tasks related to pavers like installation, repair, sealing and maintenance. You can count on us to save your time and money. If you are interested in pavers that are built to last then look no further.

Contact us today.  

Edging is imperative for keeping all of your pavers tightly interlocked. If edging is not taken care of, the pavers may spread apart from each other owing to the force exerted by people and vehicles.

To keep all of your pavers tightly packed together, you need to install edging around the full perimeter of your pavers, except where your pavers come in contact with a solid obstruction like a wall or a concrete curb.

Paver System

The pavers that you see on your driveway, walkway, or patio are just one visible component of a system that extends deeper underground. The system that holds your pavers together comprises of joint sand, bedding sand, and the stone base. While this system provides support from bottom, you also need support around the paver periphery to keep them packed tightly. The edge restraint serves this key purpose.

Problems with Defective Edging

If your edge restraint goes missing or gets damaged, all sorts of problems can arise with your pavers. Several defects transpire when the edging is missing. The pavers will move relative to one another and the pattern in which they were set will be ruined. The joints will also open up and get damaged.

Without edging to pack the pavers tightly, the pavers may shift apart and may even sink or lift. The pavers may not be level and people in the area may trip and stumble over the pavers that stick out. Since the gaps between the pavers will increase as they shift apart from each other, this will provide room for moss, weed, and grass to thrive.

The damage to the edge restraints often begins at a small section. If taken care of early, the problem can be resolved with relatively less effort and lower cost. However, if the issue is not taken care of from the outset, then the damage may become more extensive with the passage of time. As the damage grows and affects a larger section of your pavers, repair work will become more expensive and arduous.

Installation Problems

Edging defects are often the result of incorrect installation. One common installation problem that leads to such problems occurs when the stone base does not extend the minimum required distance beyond the paver perimeter.  Also, when the edge restraint is not properly held in place, then it can become weak and fail to achieve its purpose.

Another installation problem transpires when there are not enough spikes in place to secure the edge restraints.

Harsh winters are also another common source of edging problems since the freeze-thaw cycle can eventually weaken the edge restraint.

Edging can be made from different materials like concrete, wood, steel, aluminum, and plastic. Plastic has an advantage that it does not rot or rust with time. It is also easier to install.

What Should You Do When Paver Edging Is Damaged?

To prevent such problems from happening in the first place, you should get the job done by proficient and experienced professionals.

Contact us today at 239.590.9834

Pavers are a versatile material used to construct driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces. Sturdiness and durability depend on how they are installed and what material is used as a paver base. If you want your pavers to last, then you need to ensure that they have a strong foundation. You might have seen cracked or uneven pavers. They are a result of a poorly installed paver base. So in short, installing a paver base is crucial to get an even, flat surface that is easy to walk on and will last for years.

There are several ways to install a paver. Depending on the soil conditions and terrain, you can choose the base.

Concrete

Paving over concrete is a simple process that requires only slight remodeling of your plain concrete slab so that you do not waste your energy on completely removing it. You need to ensure that the concrete is flat and there are no patches or pits and cracks before laying your pavers.

Dirt

Setting pavers directly over dirt is a straightforward task and is a good option if your surface has a proper drainage structure and your ground does not freeze over in winters. Before setting the pavers on dirt, you have to get rid of weeds, debris, and roots from the path. To be extra cautious, you could lay down weed barriers to discourage them from growing between the pavers.

Gravel

If you live in an area where it rains a lot and the ground is damp most of the time, the best option for you would be a gravel base. Gravel is an adaptable base that allows moisture to seep through and formulates powerful support that stops the pavers from sinking into the ground.

A thicker foundation is required if you are constructing the pavers for a driveway or the soil quality is poor. The utilization of bedding sand will hold the base together without ruining the alignment of the pavers. The ground beneath the pavers must be stable; otherwise, it will lead to the pavers cracking, moving or detaching from the ground.

Whether you are repurposing your concrete base or installing a paver base for your patio or driveway, contact professional service providers, who are experts in the field and possess comprehensive knowledge about their craft. One small mishap and you will have to start from scratch. So what are you waiting for? Contact us now. With our assistance, you will be able to achieve beautifully patterned pavers with a strong foundation that will be long-lasting. Visit wcpavers.com for more information.

Interlocking Brick Pavers Explained

To interlock means to interconnect two different parts together. This is often done to constrain motion. Interlocking brick pavers are often made from concrete or cement. They can be made to resemble cobblestone pathways. Thanks to the interlocking feature, installation of these pavers is relatively straightforward since it does not require mortar. Thanks to ease of installation, the job can be done more quickly.

As with other pavers, interlocking brick pavers also need sand in the joints. These pavers are a feasible option for covering walkways, driveways, deckings and patios.
Interlocking pavers can function as an alternative to almost all flooring applications that require concrete or bricks.
Interlocking pavers come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Owing to their modular nature, they can be made in a number of fascination geometric shapes.

Why Interlocking Brick Pavers Are so Strong

With proper installation techniques, interlocking pavers, joint sand, edge restraint and bedding sand can be integrated into one sturdy and durable unit.
Due to their distinctive interlocking design, these pavers can transmit forces laterally. The load on interlocking pavers is spread over a larger area owing to arching of bridging between them. This reduces stress on the pavers thereby making them suitable for traffic and heavy loads. Interlocking pavers therefore serve reliably in heavy applications where other outdoor flooring solutions falter and fail.

It is not just the interlocking pattern that is responsible for the phenomenal strength of interlocking pavers. These pavers have strength that is multiple times greater than poured concrete.

Thanks to their ruggedness and wear resistance, interlocking brick pavers look fresh even after years of heavy use. They also have powerful resistance to adverse weather conditions. The wear resistance of interlocking brick pavers can be attributed in part to the sand that fills in the gaps between them. Mortar is not used since it would nullify the benefits that paving sand has to offer.

Although sand is the most widely used material for interlocking brick pavers, there are other good options as well. Concrete paver companies make special joint material which can be rather costly. Another well known material is bluestone screening. The major disadvantage of this material is that it can be problematic if compacted. The tiny stones can dent the surface of the pavers. Therefore, sand is the most popular choice since it is neither expensive nor is it damaging to the interlocking pavers in any way.
The sand bolsters the strength and integrity of interlocking concrete pavers in two main ways. First, it increases the force of friction between the pavers so that they adhere more strongly. Second, when compacted, the sand becomes very tight bringing together its grains even closer. The sand particles therefore hold together very well and require a much larger force of friction if they are to more past each other.

For interlocking paver installation, maintenance and restoration you can avail the services of the fully licensed West coast pavers. We are fully equipped to extend the whole gamut of paving contracting services.

Contact West Coast Pavers Today!