Ask Construction Advice.com No charge construction advice for all remodeling advice ... free remodeling advice on any project you may have. Installing Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers come in a variety of sizes, textures, shapes and colors that will blend in or make a statement. The cost of installation is minimal if one does it as a do-it-your-self project and repair is simple. If at some time one needs to install pipes for plumbing or electric and need to cross the path of a paver sidewalk re-installing the same pavers is simple and incurs no extra expense. Your pavers come ready to install and there is no need for concrete mortar or setting time. The paving surface has numerous joints that prevent cracking by making small adjustments during free and defrost cycles as well as unusually heavy surface loads. With traditional paving such flexibility does not occur. Pavers are environmentally friendly since it uses a natural made aggregate and can be installed in almost any kind of weather. Replacement of a damaged paver is simply a case of removing the surrounding sand and using flathead screwdriver and then using the reverse side. Most pavers have the same finish on both sides. It’s also a good idea to keep a few extras around in case a special need arises. Excavate and prepare the infrastructure base by removing the topsoil. A depth of 4" is adequate for patios and sidewalks. Driveways require extra attention because of heavy traffic. A minimum of 8-12" of compacted road gravel (22-A or crushed mine rock) is required for driveways. For any paved surface be sure to allow a slight grade for drainage. Compact the area, especially a driveway. Conditions vary and a low-stress or low-traffic application would be treated differently than a high traffic and high stress area. Also, some categories of very unstable ground need a deeper base. Also loose ground severely affected by freeze-thaw cycles may require deeper excavation and a thicker base course. Lay a geotextile membrane (optional) over the surface to be paved. For a normal installation, add the gravel below finished grade of pavers to a depth within 3". Level and compact the gravel. Then add 2-inchs of sharp sand and grade and compact again. Screed and level the compacted sand to a uniform surface. With the granular material sub foundation and foundation (according to site specifications) finished, construct the boarders. Your boarder edge restraint can be of either concrete, a heavy gauge vinyl paver edge or treated lumber. A string line helps to keep the boarder straight when making a long section. Keep material smooth during installation. When installing large, wide patios or driveways begin laying your pavers at the center line and work toward each edge in order to keep the pavers in better alignment. Use a 2 x 4 and hammer to make necessary adjustments. Place all full pavers and patterned multi-size pavers into place before edge cuts. If pattern and various size pavers are used, break up long crack lines by varying the patter if it occurs. With all the pavers laid, cut the remaining edge pieces with a wet saw. Most rental tool locations supply compactors and wet saws at a reasonable rental rate. Sprinkle sand over the entire surface and sweep into the cracks. The surface can be compacted again. Sweep off excess sand and apply a sealer if you’re so inclined. Sealers enhance the color but give the surface a wet look. |
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