Building Your Look Block By Block
"One of the biggest misconceptions about paving stones is that they are especially susceptible to shifting, sinking and being uneven over time," says Todd Sparby, Owner of Images Of Green.
This perspective is supported by what happens every winter when freezing and thawing ravage roadways, sidewalks and parking lots. People assume that individual paving blocks are more likely to shift and sink. Given that often do-it-yourselfers install paving stones incorrectly, it's easy to understand the perception that stones are affected overtime by weather and wear.
It's Not What You Do But HowYou Do It
Without proper preparation of the base beneath the paving stones, sinking and settling of individual stones can happen quite easily. Proper base preparation is the key.
10 Year Guarantee...
"I like to put my money where my mouth is," says Sparby. "Any homeowner looking at paving stones as an option can get a little insight into how the contractor they are talking to approaches the problem by asking if the installation is guaranteed. The simple fact is there are methods of installation that give you better results than traditional paving options."
In fact, proper installation will allow paving stones to move as needed to adjust to freezing and thawing, where both concrete and asphalt will simply crack. After cracking, messy patches will help maintain the surface, but it won't look pretty.
What To Ask Your Contractor
Be sure ask your contractor the following questions when considering installing paving stones:
? For a patio-Do you use 8"-12" of gravel for a base?
? For a sidewalk-Do you use 6"-8" of gravel for a base?
? For a driveway-Do you use 18" of gravel for a base?
? Do you use a fabric overlay to help support and further stabilize the gravel base on which the blocks will be installed.
? Do you use a polymeric sand mixture between the stones to stabilize the blocks and eliminate any weed and insect activity?
? Do you stand behind your work? How long do you warranty the stones against moving/shifting? (The lower the time frame, the more you question the workmanship)
Paving stones are a great option for homeowners and are affordable for most. The cost to install paving blocks is actually less than a wood deck. It's about the same expense as stamped concrete and about double the cost of plain concrete. Each job is unique, but those general comparisons hold true.
The fact is the paving stone option delivers a classic look that sets your home apart from others and when installed correctly, will last the lifetime of your home.
