Con: Paver Patios Grow Weeds Over Time
Over time the sand can wash out and needs to be replenished and maintained. If the joints are not topped off with sand, other debris and weed seeds will work their way in instead. Over time the weeds can take over the pavers.
The truth is that pavers can add value to your home. The amount of value that is added will depend on several different factors. For instance, the first factor to consider is your property's current size and the area in which it is located. Aside from this, how the pavers are used will also make a difference.
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
Paver patios that are constructed properly need very little care. Once a year, we recommend cleaning the patio with a mild, plant-safe detergent to remove dirt, debris, and build-up. Although not required, this keeps your patio looking like new.
The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
One disadvantage of concrete is that it is porous and therefore can be susceptible to stains if not resealed regularly. In order to guarantee the long-lasting color and stain-resistance of your concrete paving slabs, look after them regularly and have them re-sealed as advised by the installer.
Whilst it is technically possible to lay pavers on bare, unprepared ground, this practice is not recommended as the ground will shift over time, causing the pavers to develop a sunken look, or even crack.
Pavers are durable, affordable, and easy to maintain
Weeds also often grow through concrete cracks. Brick pavers are sturdy, stable, and allow for expansion and contraction. Brick pavers are easy to maintain, making them a prime choice above stamped concrete patio slabs.
On average, the cost of building a patio can be as high as $5,300, depending on size and materials used. That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
Strength and Durability
Concrete will begin to crack with increased foot or car traffic while pavers can handle much more pressure before they would crack. Due to the fact that water does not settle on the paver, it does not crack as often as concrete which makes it much more durable over time.
Ants are a very old and very well-known enemy of many paver patio owners. They love to make their nest on the dark and humid joint sand between pavers. Let's discuss all the things you can do to get rid of ants on brick patio and prevent them from ever coming back. Pavement ants have that name for a reason.
After you lay gravel, you'll need to spread a smooth layer of concrete sand for your pavers to settle in and stay. If you try to replace either of these aggregates with dirt, it won't be long before you have to tear it all up and start from scratch.
A GRAVEL BASE LAYER BEFORE SAND IS A MUST! Using sand alone to set pavers is not enough. The best and recommended paver base is 3/8-inch crushed gravel. The gravel provides a flexible base that absorbs ground tension to prevent frost heaves.
Just like all other construction installations, you also need a base for pavers if you want them to not move from their place. Sand is ideal for this purpose as it forms the perfect base. You need to make sure that you only use high-quality sand for creating a base under the pavers.
Without sand, the pavers are likely to shift and sink over time, resulting in an uneven and messy surface. The sand keeps the pavers in place, preventing unnecessary replacements and repairs, as well as keeping your patio free from tripping hazards.
Joint stabilization – If you don't have sand in the joints, rain water or pool water will run between the brick paver joints, and wash out the base aggregate sand material your brick pavers float on, (usually a 1.5” – 2” sand base) making your brick pavers loose, wobbly, uneven, sunken in or even raised up in some ...
Porcelain pavers can be laid directly over existing grass or lawn as 'stepping stones' or to create a pathway, but for better stability of the pavers, the grass beneath the pavers should first be removed, together with a shallow layer of the topsoil.
Pressure washers: Power washer machines can eliminate stains quickly, but pressure washing can also annihilate the seal and finish of your concrete pavers if you're not careful. Acidic cleaners: Harsh, acid-based cleaning products and stain removers can damage the seal and finish of your concrete pavers.
First launched by Techniseal in the early 2000s, polymeric sand is today considered as the ultimate paver jointing material out there!
Often, homeowners want to put pavers over top of existing concrete because it's much better than the alternative: tearing up the underlying concrete first, which is a messy and potentially expensive job. Fortunately, you can put pavers directly over existing concrete.