Frequently Asked Questions

Strength:

• Do pavers have the same strength as concrete? Yes, by comparison a typical 4” concrete driveway will have a psi rating of 2500-3000. In conclusion by using concrete pavers your paved surface will be stronger, more flexible, have a vibrant look, and have an aesthetic value. Pavers have an average of 8000 psi after they are cured.

1” Pavers:

• Can I put pavers over my concrete, Chattahoochee, River rock, Acrylic patio, walkway, Pool Deck? YES, thin pavers were designed to cover existing surfaces with the exception of wood and carpet.

• Can I place 1” pavers over concrete driveway? No, thin pavers are not made to withstand the weight of heavy vehicles.

Excavation:

• Do I need to remove the existing concrete to have pavers installed? This will depend on the area and condition of the concrete where you are installing pavers.

Drainage:

• Do pavers hold water like a concrete slab? NO, about 5% of water drains between the joints, and the balance of water follows the pitch away from the house to outside areas.

• What do I do about the existing drainage system on my pool deck? Do I need Deck-O-Drain or a drainage system? Each situation is unique and we will determine your specific needs by evaluating your decks elevation and pitch.

Sealer:

• Can pavers be sealed? Yes, we recommend using a sealer manufactured specifically for concrete pavers to protect and bring out the vibrancy of your pavers. Sealing concrete pavers early in their life can make removing stains easier since sealers help prevent stains from soaking into the surface.

Grass/Weeds:

• What about grass growing in the cracks and ant infestation? Weed killers and ant killer products will not harm your pavers. “Test an area that is not visible or use an extra paver that you have left over from the installation, to be safe.”

Efflorescence:

• What is efflorescence? It is a whitish powder-like deposit which sometimes appears on concrete or clay products. The deposit is the residue of a soluble salt carried to the face of the product by moisture and left on the surface as a dry powder following evaporation of the moisture. The phenomenon was reported on as early as the 1870’s.

• Efflorescence of itself in no way affects the structural integrity of the product.

• Where do the salts come from? The salts are found in the native soil, the gravel base, sand, stone, or in the cement used to manufacture the paving stones.

• Can Efflorescence be removed? Efflorescence will usually wash and wear off in the course of time. The recommended procedure is to allow this natural process to take place. However if you would like to speed up the process we recommend seeking a professional that is trained in this process.

Repairs:

• What happens if I have to do a repair job below the pavers, will it leave an unsightly patch mark? No, that is one of the long term benefits of installing pavers. They can be removed to make necessary repairs and the pavers can be installed again in most situations.

Edges:

• How are pavers secured? Pavers are interlocking and sand is used to keep them from moving, then the perimeter is mortared on any loose edges to keep the field in place.

• How long do I have to wait before I drive on my pavers? Once the pavers are installed there is usually no waiting, you can drive on them immediately. Special situations may occur that prevent this. (We recommend, however, to stay off the edges since the concrete edge needs time to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours.)