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.
Concrete will require more repairs over time than pavers.
Concrete slabs for patios, driveways, or other spaces aren't as durable as pavers and can crack, stain, and shift over time. These changes can also cause drainage issues in your yard, which can result in another hefty bill.
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.
Do pavers crack? While pavers are less likely to crack in comparison to concrete slabs, they can loosen over time and will need to be replaced. Luckily, individual pavers are much easier to replace than a concrete slab and are significantly more flexible.
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.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
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.
You can't install pavers over a concrete driveway. That solid concrete doesn't allow the pavers to flex like they need to on a driveway that has to hold so much weight, and those pretty pavers can crumble to pieces. You'll need a proper sand base.
All pavers get hot, there's no way around it. Some, however, can get unbearably hot. That's not the case for concrete. Sure, it will get warm to the point of slight discomfort on very sunny days, but they are one of the coolest materials you can use.
Classic concrete pavers, traditional brick and timeless cobblestones are the three best choices when considering durability.
That makes fall the perfect time to pour. The weather is cool enough to make working outdoors easier, and it's also dry enough that rain shouldn't interfere too much with any excavating you may need to do to put the pavers down.
When considering a patio replacement or tackling any other outdoor project, most people assume spring or early summer is the best time. While this time of year does have its benefits, we believe the cooler, autumn months are the perfect time to update your outdoor space.
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.
Prevent weeds before they take root
Ensure that your paving stones are properly installed to deter weeds. You need a tightly packed sand bed foundation. Once your pavers are in place, fill the spaces between the stones with polymeric sand, which forms an effective barrier to weeds.
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. This paver base contains crushed rock of various sizes and has gravel dust and added sand.
Once the concrete has dried, border pavers will be glued down using mortar or a construction adhesive. Then, a one-inch thick layer of sand is added across the entire area where the pavers will be laid down.
Your sealed paver hardscape will have the same level of traction as a seal-coated parking lot or driveway. When you walk on the concrete in dry conditions, there is no difference in traction. When the sealed concrete are wet, you will have a feeling as if you are walking on a gym floor.
The primary reason why your pavers are fading is because of their continual exposure to sunlight. The rays of the sun are so powerful that they can cause any pigmented item to fade. This includes fabrics, containers, and even the pigments used in manufacturing the pavers.
Sand Bedding
Before laying the pavers, a layer of bedding sand is placed over the compacted base material. This layer provides a bed into which the pavers are set.
So, why do pavers need edging? Without an edge restraint, pavers will move, shift, and lose their interlock over time. Paver edging keeps things tightly and neatly held together. Hardscapes should always have a secure edge to maintain the pavers' quality, beauty, and life.
Setting pavers in sand over the existing concrete will be less expensive than “sticking” a tile to the concrete with thinset or mortar mix. However, there are pros and cons to consider.
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.
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.
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.