Con: Paver Patios Grow Weeds Over Time
Paver patios are built from individual small pieces. They have a lot of joints that are filled with sand when first installed. Over time the sand can wash out and needs to be replenished and maintained.
Paver stones are very durable, meaning that they stand up well to extreme weather and can last up to 50 years. They are also relatively easy to clean, due to the inherent nature of using multiple individual stones over a large slab.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
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.
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.
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin.
It's recommended that the scheduling of these projects should be in early spring, right after the winter frost has melted. Here, you will find a few important reasons behind this guidance. Working outdoors is easier when it's not too cold or warm for comfort.
Concrete is prone to cracking and breaking over time along with color degradation, while pavers are much more durable and can withstand heavy traffic without showing signs of wear. In terms of appearance, pavers add a natural elegance to any outdoor space that concrete simply cannot match.
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.
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.
First launched by Techniseal in the early 2000s, polymeric sand is today considered as the ultimate paver jointing material out there!
Paver sealant is a great tool to keep paver driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks, in mint condition, but it's not always necessary. While it's not a must-have, pavers that aren't sealed typically grow weeds in the cracks, lose color over time, and can even have shifting caused by a lack of joint sand.
Unfortunately, pavers sink from time-to-time, most commonly because of uneven soil drainage. There is hope, however! To fix sunken pavers, follow the six-step process we've outlined below. Sunken pavers are quite the tripping hazard and can leave you with large, unsightly puddles of water.
The mold on pavers problem occurs when algae and/or mold and other fungal types grow on damp or moisture-laden pavers. The answer is to eliminate the presence of moisture from underneath. Without moisture, the algae/mold cannot survive. The key is a proper installation with the substrate being the most vital component.
This treatment can be effective for increasing the slip resistance coefficient of dry and wet porcelain pavers, but as may be expected, is ineffective when the pavers are covered with snow or ice. Under such conditions, porcelain pavers can indeed be slippery underfoot, irrespective on any surface treatment.
Paving Tile Material
Natural stone tends to be cooler than concrete paving slabs, and porcelain pavers tend to stay cooler than both depending on the variety you choose. Real wood products, such as our IPE wood deck tiles, also tend to run cooler than stone, although aging and maintenance can alter this over time.
Pavers are Durable
Patio pavers not only look good, but they are also very durable. They're strong, abrasion-resistant, and flexible. They can take a lot of hits without cracking, and they are extremely weather resistant. Snow, ice, rain, and even small earthquakes won't damage your patio.
The traditional base for a paver patio is 4–6” of compacted gravel above your dirt. If you're installing a driveway or road intended for vehicular traffic, you'll need to double the thickness of your gravel layer.
Even though Belgard® pavers are extremely durable and come with a lifetime structural warranty, seasonal maintenance is encouraged to preserve the beauty and integrity of your hardscape installation. To keep pavers looking their best, plan to clean and reseal them every three to five years.
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.
You're wondering what happens if you don't seal pavers. Your pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they'll likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. You'll also need to clean them more often, and the stains won't be as easy to remove.
Your concrete pavers will look better than new. 5 gal. bucket covers approximately 500 sq. ft.
Most contractors and manufacturers recommend sealing pavers for the many benefits. Both concrete and brick pavers are porous materials that can change quality and appearance when they absorb liquids.