BRICK DOCTOR BILL

Checklist for Hiring a Brick Paver Contractor

2012-02-09T20:16:00.001-05:00

Brick Pavers are NOT Landscaping so do not treat them as such

This February in Ann Arbor, there is no snow on the ground and the temperatures are in the 40's. Currently there is no frost in the ground and if I had just popped out of a hole like Punxsutawney Phil, I would believe it was already Spring in Southeast Michigan.

Leads for brick paver repair, cleaning, sealing, installation, and restoration projects have begun early this Winter and its time to give homeowner's a checklist for hiring a professional, experienced, & qualified brick paver contractor.First and foremost, it is important to hire a brick paver specialist for brick paver patios, steps, walks, driveways, porches, etc.. and not a contractor who performs it as one of their many "jack-of-all-trade" services.

Performing your due diligence as a consumer will help you to avoid the unnecessary pitfalls experienced by homeowner's who rush to make quick decisions or are being pressured by scrupulous contractors. For long-term success and enjoyment, it is important to factor in many other variables other than price in making your final decision on which brick paver specialist to hire.

Below is a helpful checklist to use in selecting a contractor to perform your brick paver or retaining wall services:

Experience
Nothing replaces experience when it comes to installing, repairing, cleaning & sealing, and maintaining brick pavers and modular retaining walls. There are many years of feedback from installation techniques and product performances that can not be learned from seminars, print media, or videos. I believe a minimum of 10 years of performing brick paver services is required to gain enough feedback to fine tune techniques & design strategies.

Insured
Make sure any contractor you hire will, upon request, supply you with proof of insurance. They should have both Liability Insurance for any damages they may cause and also Workmans Compensation. Workmans Compensation covers the employees if they are injured on your property. In the state of Michigan, if a worker is injured on your property, and the contractor does not have coverage, you can and most likely will be held liable. Your best defense is to have a copy of an Insurance Binder from the contractor and make sure you check the effective dates.

Licensed
A qualified brick paver contractor will have a valid Michigan Builders License. Most brick paver and retaining wall applications do not require a permit. This is one of the great advantages of paving stones & modular wall blocks & caps over other products such as decks, concrete, and asphalt. Most cities have adopted building codes that do NOT exempt brick pavers or modular retaining walls from adhering to these codes. When it comes to raised patios, steps, driveways, egress windows, porches, etc.. it is in your best interest to hire a licensed contractor. A landscape license is not sufficient.

Prompt & Timely
A professional contractor will be prompt for your appointment. It shows respect for your time. If they were running behind, did they call to let you know? Did they return your contact by phone or email within 24 hours (48 hours on the weekend)? Were they able to offer you reasonable time frame for the work to be performed if you were to hire their services. Make sure that even if you are hire for brick paver repair, restoration, cleaning, sealing, & maintenance services, that your project has the same scheduling priority as installation projects. For most homeowners, timeliness is one of the most important aspects when selecting a contractor. Keep in mind that time of year can fluctuate due to demand. Spring and early Summer is high demand in Michigan and Fall is usually low demand.

Educating
Most homeowners should be able to select the best contractor that educates them about the products, designs, and options that best meet their needs and budgets. A good brick paver contractor can map out a economical plan that can be carried out in stages if needed. A contractor that is only interested in hitting the "home run" is short sighted and does not serve your purpose for the long run. Brick pavers and modular retaining walls require routine maintenance over the years and a long-term relationship between homeowner and contractor can be beneficial.

Listens & Communicates
Nothing is more aggravating then when a contractor does not listen to what you want or need. It's aggravating to receive a quote that is not what you where looking to get done. A good contractor will not try to push unnecessary services. Upselling is a turn off ! A good contractor will listen to what the customer wants and make good suggestions and recommendations to meet those expectations. Its fine to supply additional cost options for additional services as long as they are separately itemized out on the proposal. It's just as important for a contractor to communicate how & when you will receive your quote, keep you posted on the status of your project, and when you can expect completion of the project.

I have found over the many years that most true brick paver contractors price within hundreds of dollars of each other. We are all very competitive when comparing apples-with-apples. I feel that specialized brick paver contractors are more efficient and streamlined to the techniques, tools, and equipment for paving stones and modular retaining wall blocks. I do find that larger contractors with big names and huge overhead quote inflated prices for brick pavers.

When making a final selection on a brick paver contractor, make sure you use all the checklist variables listed above, not just price, to make an educated conclusion. I hope this post will help you avoid the many pitfalls that many homeowner's make each Spring when the weather breaks and we come out of our hole!

Brick Paver Contractors Retool in the Winter Wonderland

2011-12-22T09:07:00.000-05:00

Brick Paver Repair, Cleaning, & Sealing Services are on hold until Spring

As the winter season closes in on Southeast Michigan, most brick paver contractors have stored away their brick paver tools and equipment until Spring. They have now swapped out their concrete saws & plate compactors for snowblowers and plows. Retooling by brick paver contractors is a yearly tradition here in Michigan, the Winter Wonderland !

As the ground begins to freeze solid and winter frost begins its annual process, most brick paver contractors completely transform their business model to snow removal services. Unlike most regions in the country, Michigan landscape and brick paver contractors completely halt their normal business practices for over 4 months.

When you operate an outdoor installation or repair service, Mother Nature is always in control. Winter is the most challenging of the seasons. Spring brings days of rain, Summer brings days of extreme heat, Fall brings a slow down of new leads, and Winter brings brick paver repair & installations to a complete halt. You can not reset or install pavers on frozen ground.

Since bills and payments do not come to a halt during the Winter months, contractors in Michigan need to generate some cash flow to keep their business and workers operating. Some paver contractors will do christmas light hanging, wood splitting, and general labor services to try and make ends meet.

Snow removal is a brutal business that usually does not make much profit. It is erratic, untimely, and brutal on trucks & equipment. Most contractors perform this service to continue their cash flow and give their employees some work for the Winter. Others look at the Winter in Michigan as a time to shut down, rest, regroup, and reorganize for the upcoming Spring rush.

Which ever business model a brick paver contractor chooses for the the Winter months, it is sure to be a challenge that many contractors throughout the country do not have to face. They refer to the Midwest as the "rust belt" and we all do our best to keep our businesses shining!

Brick Paver Repair in Downtown Saline, MI

2011-12-16T04:35:00.001-05:00

This Fall my crew and I did a brick paver repair project in Downtown Saline, Michigan. Due to safety and aesthetic issues, we replaced old mortared brick paver strips with a new dry laid clay paver installation. After years of repairing distressed and faulting areas, it was time to properly install paving stones as originally intended.

The existing mortared clay paving stones where set on an impermeable base material, mortar & concrete, that did not allow for drainage or winter frost flexibility. The result was extreme heaving and cracking of the mortared joints. The clay pavers where lifted and wavy causing a tripping hazard for pedestrians.

My crew and I removed the existing mortared pavings stones, removed the mortared and cemented base material, installed a proper draining base material, and re-installed new high density clay pavers. The final product was a safe and long-term solution to the ongoing brick paver maintenance needs.

The result was a low maintenance cost for the paver repair and restoration of these paving stone strips. Commercial uses of brick pavers create some challenges that you do not see in residential applications. The excessive use of de-icing chemicals and lack of routine maintenance accelerate the need for costly paver repair and restoration.

As a qualified brick paver contractor for over 29 years, I highly recommend that any paving stone design should never include strips of paving stones in between cement pads. Interlocking pavers better perform in areas larger than 3ft by 3ft. Small brick borders, strips, and pads will not properly perform over time. If architects and engineers would consult with installation contractors first, designs and paver installation projects would be more successful.

Condo Paver Patios are becoming very popular

2011-12-11T03:35:00.000-05:00

Brick Pavers are very versatile for transforming small spaces

I have noticed in the last couple of years that there is a high demand for installing paver patios, planters, and steps for condominiums. I believe that paver patios for condos is becoming a viable option and used as added Outdoor Living Space. Paver patios have become an easy way to add usable & functional square footage to a condo unit.

Most condos usually have wooden decks or cement pads installed as patios. It is not often that developers will upgrade to interlocking paver patios during construction. The draw back usually with condos is the limited space available to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space.

Unlike residential homes in subdivisions, condos are also restricted by building envelopes or easements. Every brick paver patio we have installed for condos requires board approval. The big advantage of interlocking brick pavers is that they are not considered a permanent pavement like cement or wooden decks that require footings or permits. This usually allows some more flexibility in expanding the outer limits of design.

Brick pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps are the perfect product for creating beautiful and functional spaces that the homeowner's can enjoy for many years. They also offer low maintenance needs that most condo owners are looking for when they decided to move into a condo. As I always preach, all brick pavers require some minimal seasonal joint sand sweeping to reduce the need for future pavers repair.

From simple economical designs to more intricate creations, brick pavers are unmatched in the performance and appearance of paver patios, steps, and planters. Small spaces create an addeded challenge but we have been able to mesh homeowner's needs with the expanded capabilities of these paver products. Safe and attractive paver steps is where it begins and then the landscaping wants are considered. In the end though, the pavers patio usable space is most important aspect.

Each photo I have included in this post had it's own challenges. The versatility of brick pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps allowed us to blend function, beauty, and cost into a spectacular home improvement . It is important to maximize the space available and meet homeowner's wants & needs within the building restrictions of the association.

Creating an Outdoor Living Area in small spaces requires some forethought & experience. If the usable area is not designed properly, the condo owner will not have functional patio space to enjoy and entertain. It is true that big gifts can come in small packages!

Then and Now : Replace Old Decks with New Raised Paver Patios

2011-12-07T04:25:00.001-05:00

Replace old high maintenance Decks with new low maintenance Pavers Patios

After a homeowner has experienced the high maintenance costs and seasonal requirements of a deck, they are quick to replace these decks with a low maintenance option of Raised Paver Patios. When properly designed and installed by an experienced brick paver contractor, Raised Paver Patios will out perform any other outdoor living space at a minimal upkeep cost.

Since the economy suffered in Southeast Michigan, homeowner's are not moving as much so they are investing home improvement dollars into their current home. There has been a trend in improving their outdoor living space by removing dilapidated and high maintenance decks with the dramatic impact of brick pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps.

This post includes some before & after pics to give you the visual of a dramatic transformation for your backyard. Raised Paver Patios offer unlimited design options for long-term performance and unmatched beauty. When designing a raised paver patio, function is the main design aspect that a good brick paver contractor will consider. Paver step design, usable patio space, elevations, and traffic flow all influence the design process.

Maintenance for raised paver patios is minimal. Sweeping of paver joint sand each Spring and occasionally in the Fall will reduce any need for repair in the future. To reduce the frequency of sweeping of paver joint sand, you can choose to use polymeric sand at a little higher cost. Full service brick paver contractors will offer seasonal sweeping service at a nominal charge.

If you choose to seal your paver patio with an approved brick paver sealant, you will only need to perform this maintenance step every 3 years. If you decide not to seal your pavers patio again in the future, the structural integrity of the pavers, blocks, and caps will not be compromised. Decks require stripping, staining, and re-sealing every 2 years at a high cost or your extreme sweat equity to keep its original appearance.

The cost of a new Raised Paver Patio is inline with a cost of a composite or cedar deck depending on height. If you your doorwall is 3ft or under to the grade, the cost is inline. If you exceed 3ft, there needs to be an evaluation of the feasibility of using interlocking pavers & modular retaining wall system. Combinations of composite decking steps and brick pavers is a viable option when heights are extreme.

The best paver jobs I have installed over the past 29 years have been the replacement of old wooden decks with raised paver patios. These paver patios dramatically improve the curb appeal of the home and give the homeowner piece of mind that they will not experience long-term upkeep costs or aggravation.

Old Neglected Pavers Patio is Redesigned, Rebuilt, and Restored

2011-12-01T03:18:00.002-05:00

New Patio in Ann Arbor will bring endless enjoyment and entertaining

When I came across this old neglected brick paver patio in Ann Arbor, I was surprised to its condition since it was in an affluent neighborhood. The homeowner admitted they rarely used this patio the past 10 years and in turn, had neglected keeping it up. Now that their time of traveling for work had subsided, it was time to update their outdoor living space for personal enjoyment and entertaining.

We discussed their current needs and wants for a functional and aesthetically pleasing raised paver patio. The current size was sufficient for their needs and they liked the multi-level patio layout. We also discussed the feasibility of using the existing Holland pavers and disposing of the old railroad tie framing. A patio sitting wall was designed to create additional seating and divide the appearance of the different patio levels.

I gave them the cost option of replacing the current pavers and we both felt it was worth reusing the current bricks. I assured them we could clean the current pavers to bring back some of the color. We also would mix in some new bundles of pavers since we were going to add a brick paver walkway from the paver patio to the driveway. Sealing of the pavers was contracted for later in the year to further enhance the color.

The old railroad tie framing was upgraded to a new modular retaining wall blocks and caps. In this installation, the customer selected FENDT's Country Manor Stonegate for the raised patio walls, paver steps, and sitting wall. I also recommended a curved design to soften the geometrical shapes of the house.

The homeowner was ecstatic with this transformation from an old neglected and dilapidated paver patio to a new exciting outdoor living space. I took the time to educate them with the minimal maintenance requirements so they can avoid ever seeing the eye sore they had created in the past.

November Brick Paver Tip: Remove Leaves

2011-11-27T04:01:00.002-05:00

Simple Brick Paver Maintenance steps will help you avoid unnecessary costs

As leaves fall from trees & bushes here in November, remember to remove them from your brick paver patios, walkways, driveways, porches, and more. Easily blow them off with a leaf blower or sweep off with a broom. Try to get this paver maintenance tip done before it begins to snow.

Most people think it is because of the obvious reason for leaf stains. Leaf stains will usually disappear from high density concrete pavers in the Spring as the acid from the stain wears off. So do not worry about leaf stains this time of year if you see them already.

The biggest reason you should remove leaves from your brick pavers is the fact that leaves break down into compost, in other words, dirt & soil. This organic transformation will fill paver joints with unwanted soil that will restrict drainage through the pavers and aid in the germination of weeds & grass.

In the Spring I can usually identify the areas where leaves collected on paver patios and walkways going into the winter by observing the dirt stains areas in corners or along landscape beds. It will require cleaning of the paving stone surfaces and paver joints to remove this organic matter.

Simply blowing or sweeping leaves off brick pavers in the Fall will save time from performing this avoidable paver maintenance step in the Spring.

Pavers Patio Repair , Restoration, & Cleaning in Ann Arbor

2011-11-25T09:48:00.002-05:00

Old Brick Paver Patio and Window Wells are restored & redesigned

I came across this brick paver patio in immediate need of repair and restoration this month. To the homeowner's admission, no maintenance or joint sweeping had ever been performed for 15 years on this deteriorating brick paver patio in Ann Arbor.

Since it was installed in 1996, this paver patio had been neglected and ignored. The current patio was full of dirt, water stains, weeds, dips, gaps, and pitching towards the home. I assured this homeowner that my crew and I can restore this patio to its original beauty & performance.

The homeowner and I discussed some important design improvements that would give this paver patio an updated look. The homeowner was very happy with the current size & dimensions so I suggested we soldier course frame the entire brick patio with a contrasting color that closely matched the house siding color. This small detail really gave this patio restoration the wow factor!

I also suggested we replace the old steel window well units with new landscape wall blocks that would be more functional and aesthetically pleasing. The old steel units usually push up with frost and contort and warp over time. The new landscape blocks will flex to future frost movements and drastically improve the paver patio appearance.

With these new improvements to the patio restoration approved, my crew and I began this project by completely lifting up the entire paver patio for reinstallation. We cleaned the current paving stones and removed the contaminated top layer of base material. The new landscape block window wells where installed and the current existing base material was recompacted. We added additional base to create proper pitches away from the house and reinstalled the paving stones with the new colored soldier course borders.

The end result was an incredible transformation and updating of this brick paver patio. The new landscape block window wells were a perfect match and the paver patio now properly pitched from the home. The new color accented soldier course border gave the patio some "pop" and the cleaning brought back most of the original paver color. Next year the homeowner is having us return to seal this paver patio to complete the total restoration.

It is usually never too late to update and restore an old pavers patio. An experienced and knowledgeable repair and restoration brick pavers contractor can meet your expectations for revitalizing your patio, walkway, driveway, etc... Do your due diligence and you will not be disappointed.

Brick Paver Walkway and Landscape Wall Redesigned

2011-11-23T19:34:00.000-05:00

Landscaper misses the mark when designing and installing walk & wall

We recently redesigned and reinstalled a brick paver walkway and landscape wall that an inexperienced landscaper installed in Ann Arbor. The landscape contractor told them that this was the best he could do. The homeowner was very disappointed in their quality of design & execution and hired us to help.

The homeowner did not want the inexperienced landscaper to correct the problem because they lacked confidence in his workmanship and professionalism. We are frequently performing redesign & reinstallation of brick paver jobs that have been installed by unqualified contractors. Many homeowners we deal with would rather pay someone that is qualified to redo the work then have the originally contractor perform the work.

This brick paver walkway was uneven and the joint lines of paving stones where crooked. There was no soldier course row border on the inside, even though the outside of the pavers walk had one. This made the pavers walk look unbalanced. The paver walkway also did not flare at the drive and actually bowed or turned back towards the house.

The landscape wall was also crooked and just ended at the driveway. The landscape wall had no balance to the layout of the landscape. The end of the landscape wall ended too high and too close to the driveway with no finish edge. It caused some damage to someone's car when they opened their door.

We completely lifted up the entire front paver walk and re-installed the pavers. We made sure the joint lines flowed properly and flared the paver walk at the driveway for easy access. We also installed a soldier course row border on both sides of the walkway to give a balanced frame effect. The final product was a dramatic make over from the originally installed pavers walkway.

We tore out about half of the landscape wall and symmetrically re-installed it to properly match the layout of the landscape. The homeowner was looking for a landscape planter wall to compliment their newly installed baywindow. Enclosing in the baywindow with a symmetrically curved landscape wall did the job.

We listened to the homeowner's needs & wants and we were able to recommend the best economical solutions to meet those needs. The final result was drastic change to the curb appeal of the home and the customer could not be happier. Success again!

Raised Paver Patio, Steps, and Planters Revitalizes Pool Area

2011-11-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

Interlocking Brick Pavers and Modular Retaining Wall Blocks and Caps are versatile

This past year we were hired to transform this backyard poolside area. The current homeowner inherited this eyesore when they purchased the home 3 years ago. Though they were satisfied with the current layout, it was time for us to replace the old deteriorating clay pavers, rotting timber planters, and unsafe steps.

I suggested we use FENDT Country Manor blocks & caps to construct new paver steps and planter retaining walls. We used the traditional 4"X8" shaped FENDT Holland paver to replace the old cracking & chipping clay paving stones used for the raised patio.

We discussed in detail the pros and cons of replacing the cement areas around the built in pool. Since the cement was still in good shape and properly pitched away from the pool, we jointly decided to keep the current concrete in for now. We decided that replacing the cement with paving stones would be a phase 2 project in the future.

We did power wash clean the cement areas to give it an improved appearance and polymeric sanded some open joints & minor cracks. We did saw cut out some small cement areas to install paver pad transition areas and modify the planter wall layout.

As seen from the photos, the transformation of this poolside area is dramatic. Interlocking pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps create beauty, functionality, and low future maintenance & replacement costs.

Brick Pavers Driveway installed in Ann Arbor

2011-11-09T11:20:00.001-05:00

Old asphalt driveway replaced with long-term Interlocking Brick Pavers

In Ann Arbor this Fall, we replaced an old dilapidated asphalt driveway that was not only unsightly, but pitched rain water back towards the garage. There are many decisions to be made when replacing an old driveway and considering interlocking brick pavers. Brick pavers is usually your best long-term option.

It is true that interlocking brick pavers are going to be one of your more expensive options but over the course of several years, it becomes one of the most economical solutions. When you factor in aesthetics,routine maintenance, repair & replacement costs, interlocking brick pavers will be your best long term financial option.

The biggest reason brick paver driveway installations cost more is because the base prep under the pavement far exceeds, sometimes 5 times, any prep work done for concrete, asphalt, or stamped concrete installations. Make sure you are asking the right questions and and what are warranty periods when considering your pavement options.

We started this brick paver driveway project by doing some core tests to check the base material under the asphalt. When I bid a brick paver driveway, I always discuss the possibility of some cost savings or additional costs due to the unforeseen conditions below. In this case, we discovered that there was approximately 10-11 inches of gravel base under the pavement.

Since we were going to raise most of the driveway height 1-2", we were confident that there was an adequate depth of base material present for a brick paver driveway. We did skim off the contaminated layer of top base and installed a reinforcement layer of strata grid in the upper half of the existing base material.

We did saw-cut the garage floor to give a clean transition line for the paving stones and set the pitches to better flow surface water away from the garage. It is always a challenge to properly channel water flow when the street is higher than the garage floor. The homeowner really wanted to avoid the use of drains if possible and we made that happen. We properly surveyed the project to achieve maximum water flow across the surface of the paving stones.

We installed 2 large circle patterns in the middle of the pavers driveway to match their current paver patio design. We filled in the "field", the area between any designs & soldier course borders, with a random pattern to improve the weight distribution strength of the paving stones.

The final result was a dramatic transformation from the drab potholed asphalt drive they endured for many years. They now enjoy a dry garage floor and are the envy of the neighbors.

We were able to contract a neighbor for another paver driveway transformation next Spring. The creative design and long term performance of brick pavers is unmatched in frost states such as Michigan.

Yearly reminder to Winterize your Brick Pavers

2011-11-01T00:08:00.000-04:00

Paver Patios, Walks, Porches, & Driveways need protection

Simple and easy paver maintenance can help you avoid long-term repair or restoration costs if you just follow this manageable winterizing tips for your brick pavers. Any steps taken to avoid erosion from snow, ice, and rains will greatly improve the performance & appearance of your brick paver patios, walkways, driveways, and porches.

Letting interlocking pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps move freely with winter frost in states like Michigan will allow paving stones to properly flex and reset. Most homeowners neglect these simple brick pavers maintenance tips and respond by saying, " I will just wait until Spring". The most stress on any pavement or structure in Michigan and other frost states is the effects of winter freeze thaw cycles.

Here is the link to Winterizing Brick Pavers that I repost each year to remind homeowners of the need to perform these much needed steps to protect their investment. Any qualified brick paver contractor will offer these winterizing services if you do not have the time or resolve to perform them yourself.

Another Case for using a Brick Paver Contractor for your Brick Paver Repair

2011-10-28T02:43:00.001-04:00

Repair to Paver Patios & Paver Steps requires more expertise than using a Handyman

Recently we did a paver patio and step repair in Ypsilanti. I could not understand why the customer was so ecstatic to see us arrive. The reason he was so glad to see us was our brick paver industry appropriate trucks, tools, and experienced crew. I do believe customer's are always happy when we come but this time it seemed exceptional.

The homeowner informed me that he originally used one of those popular online Contractor Service referral sites. Upon their referral, he hired this "handyman" service company which was rated high by their online service. The homeowner was required to put down a 50% deposit one week prior to the repair services being performed.

When this handyman service company came to do the brick paver patio repairs, they pulled up in a van with ladders on top. They looked more prepared to install a light fixture than repair a pavers patio. They also did not have any wheel barrels, plate compactor, concrete pavers saw, or base material to raise the sunken areas.

The most shocking event for the homeowner was that one of the handy men was carrying a crow bar. While the homeowner was speaking to the foreman, the other handy man was prying on the paver steps with this crow bar trying to break it apart. The homeowner was baffled by the foreman asking him what & how he wanted them to repair the sunken paver patio & step. The homeowner asked if they had all the necessary tools to perform this brick repair service and was told "we will get them as we need to". All the while, the other handy man was chipping & damaging the paver steps with this crude tire iron.

The homeowner immediately asked them to stop and to refrain from performing this patio repair service. Upon better research, this homeowner contacted us for an opinion & estimate for repairing their interlocking paver patio. The shame of it was that our price was actually lower than the estimate from the handyman service company who did not even know what they were doing.

I am constantly contacted by these nationally known online contractor referral sites. The reason I do NOT participate is because they do not do a thorough job of screening businesses for particular repair work. Sure they make you supply the proper business & liability insurance and licensing ( if applicable) but they do not check out your quality of work or business practices. They are known for signing up "jack of all trades" contractors who do not specialize in the specific repair area they are referred too. Basically, if a contractor is willing to pay a fee for the referrals, they suddenly become a "qualified" and "reputable" business in your area.

You can easily do your own FREE local web search by putting in "brick paver repair (city you live in)" as the keyword phrase to get some local results. You sitll have to do your homework by checking out each estimator's references, insurance coverage, and licensing ( if applicable).

Proper Paver Steps for Bay Windows

2011-10-25T02:30:00.001-04:00

Steps leading to Brick Paver Patio are very important

The most important aspect of any Brick Paver Patio are the Paver Steps that are constructed to lead down from the doorwall. For years I have watched many inexperienced landscape or so-called brick paver contractors install improper Steps at bay window doorwalls. These are doorwalls that bump out from the wall of the home and have an open or cantilever bottom.

Many unqualified contractors try to wrap the paver wall blocks & caps around the side openings and enclose the bay window doorwall. If you encounter any brick paver installer who suggests to enclose your bay window overhang, you better run!

There are some important reasons why you should never enclose a bay window doorwall.

First and foremost, a builder will tell you that the opening under this bay window needs to have open air flow to prevent the wood from rotting underneath. If enclosed, moisture will be constant and the possibility of the flooring inside the home being compromised. Some of these bay window overhangs have exhaust or soffit vents that need to be open.

Secondly, it is virtually impossible to properly pack the base material under the bay window to prevent the pavers and wall blocks from collapsing in over time. After 28 years, I have never seen a set of paver steps that wrapped around and enclosed a bay window that did not require constant repair maintenance & resetting. It is one of my number one repair requests!

Just as important, constructing a paver step structure that is not encased within itself at a bay window doorwall is an inferior design & installation. The wrap around approach to closing in a bay window opening with paver step blocks & caps will pull away and collapse over time. By building a 4 sided structure up against the bay window, this paver step structure is encased within itself and therefore much stronger for long-term success.

Basically a 4 sided paver step structure has it's own "back wall" to build up against as shown in these pictures. It is structurally sound and allows the proper flow of air under your bay window opening. We can build them with straight or curved steps in the front leading down to the paver patio.

Most homeowners ignore the importance of the paver block steps leading down to their brick patio. Inferior design and installation will lead to years of frustration and safety issues. Paver steps require expertise and are not cheap to build. They are usually the most time consuming aspect of any brick paver installation. Homeowners take paver steps for granted and pay for it in the (near) future.

A functional and creative set of paver steps can be the focal point of your paver patio, walkway, porch, or front entrance. If you are going to cut back on expense, make sure it is not on the paver steps. There have been jobs in the past where we installed the paver steps and returned a year later to actually install the paver patio.

If your brick paver contractor is stumbling on recommendations for a paver step design, it would be beneficial for you to move on. Make sure they supply you with a detailed description or picture of the set of paver steps you will be having installed. If you ignore this detail of your paver installation, you may have years of aggravation and disappointment.

Here are some more ideas for Encased Paver Steps:

Raised Brick Pavers Patio is Rebuilt in Canton

2011-10-20T00:28:00.001-04:00

Brick Pavers Elevated Patio with Pillars, Steps, & Sitting Walls Reconstructed

As a qualified and professional brick pavers contractor, it is always disappointing to see a brick paver patio installation failing so miserably. The appearance of severely distressed paver installations is not indicative of a properly designed & installed project.

Usually by inspecting a failed paver installation, the signs of stress and settling will give me the clues and evidence I need to conclude the causes. Using a simple "cause & effect" approach will reveal the needs for restoration, re-design, and long-term performance rebuilds.

Most brick paver repair situations arise due to both installing contractor and homeowner.

The contractor usually has failed in the design & execution of installing the paver project. The contractor also has failed in educating the homeowner of the ongoing maintenance needs of brick pavers.

The homeowner is usually guilty of neglecting and ignoring their paver installation. Most homeowners I deal with in extreme paver repair projects have done no maintenance on their brick paver patios, walkways, porches, driveways, etc.. over the years. Often I am told by homeowners " I gave up the last year or two" or "my contractor never told me I needed to perform any maintenance". Even simple sand sweeping of joint sand in the paver joints would have tremendously reduced the amount of damage over the years.

By the time I see these extreme brick paver repairs, it is obvious that the needed repairs did not just happen in the past year. It is usually a compilation of neglected years. So, I can not let some homeowners off the hook for ignoring or putting off the need for a service call. The more you wait, the more the paver repair costs will increase exponentially.

This recent rebuild project of a Raised Paver Patio in Canton was just that, a poorly executed installation and years of homeowner's neglect that put this pavers patio on the brink of collapse. Another winter frost could have given this homeowner a hot tub ride they would never forget!

The raised patio walls were leaning & gapping. The paver steps leading off the patio were caving in. The curved paver step at the doorwall was falling apart and sinking. This curved paver step was unsafe and made it impossible for their Yorkshire terriers from getting up and down. The paving stone surface was collapsing around the inside of the sitting walls & pillars and drastically pitching back to the house foundation.

Upon close inspection, the upper paving stone surface had severely settled from water erosion. Any and all low spots began to push water into the patio retaining walls and back toward the house foundation. The flow of water was originally trapped in by the sitting walls going around the perimeter of the patio and eventually water was going to win.

Several paving stones had sunk inches below the surface and created tunnels or drains for water to flow into. The raised patio walls did not have any filter fabric material on the inside securing the base from leaking through the wall joints. Lack of joint sand in the paver joints was evident and by the homeowner's admission they had never swept any sand in the joints.

This ongoing process of erosion was stressing the outside raised patio wall blocks and they began to push out and fall apart. This raised paver patio was in extreme stress and dangerously close to collapsing into the yard. Another winter freeze thaw cycle may have been the "straw that broke the camel's back" sending homeowner & hot tub on a white water rafting ride into the yard.

We were hired to reconstruct this raised paver patio to its original beauty & function. The homeowner's budget did not allow for replacing the current raised patio walls with a more structural wall block but I was confident that if properly reconstructed and maintained, this pavers patio can last a 20+ years.

We began by completely tearing down the raised patio wall blocks that retained the patio. We reconstructed from the ground up, burying block below grade, installing the necessary filter fabric behind the wall that was originally missed, and designing in "relief" gaps to allow water to flow off the patio through the sitting walls.

After the outside raised patio walls were reconstructed, the upper paving stone surface was reinstalled in like design and the proper pitches away from the house foundation and into the sitting wall "relief" gaps was executed. The paving stones were power washed cleaned and sanded. The two sets of paver steps between the pillars leading down off the patio where releveled and the curved paver step at the doorwall was reassembled with safe rises to accommodate the yorkies.

A raised paver patio repair like this one requires a very experienced brick paver contractor to perform. The challenge is meeting several fixed heights with products that have a variable tolerance. Foresight, tools & equipment, experience, and detail orientation are necessary for proper execution of this brick paver repair service. It would have been easier to perform this paver work if nothing was there to start but for the homeowner was able to save the cost of products.

Hold off Sealing Your Brick Pavers until Spring

2011-10-16T18:01:00.001-04:00

Proper conditions for sealing brick pavers is important

It's now Fall in Michigan and you should hold off sealing your brick paver patio, walkway, porch, steps, or driveway until next Spring. Sealing pavers is tricky enough and trying to force the issue this time of year may result in costly and aggravating results. Believe me when I say it will be worth the wait if anything went wrong.

Even if the weather is dry enough for sealing, low temperatures & moisture in the paver joints can have an adverse effect on the performance of brick paver sealants. White clouding, residue, or hazing can result from sealing in non-optimal conditions. In Michigan, it is best to seal in surface & air temperatures between 60-75 degrees.

If the air or brick paver surface is too cold, the brick paver sealant may crystallize or turn white, leaving you with a costly and timely effort to correct. If the paver joints are too moist (wet), it can leave white lines in the paver joints and on the edges of the paving stones.

Another issue late in the Fall is LEAVES! If you avoid them from leaving any leaf stains after fall rains, it is treacherous to avoid any from falling on freshly sealed pavers. Usually most brick paver sealants are dry to the touch within an hour, but if leaves fall and lay flat on the paving stone surface during this curing time, this will usually result in a problem.

During the Summer if the air or brick paver surface is too hot, usually over 80 degrees, you can experience blistering (bubbles) or have a white haze trap under the paver sealant. High humidity days are also a no no and very windy days can adversely dry sealant prematurely creating blistering. Again if you force the issue, you will spend alot of time, cost, and effort trying to correct these adverse conditions.

As a brick paver sealing contractor, there is a small window of months in a Michigan season to perform this service. When you add in days of rain, heat, excessive winds, and unseasonably cold days, you can see the frustration of completing this paver maintenance service each year.

Our peak paver sealing season is usually mid-May to early July, then we get another stretch from Labor Day to mid October. I do recommend that you go ahead and complete the power wash cleaning of the brick pavers and paver joints and re-sanding of all the joints prior to Winter. When Spring comes around, you will only need to touch up the paver joints with sand and then get ready to seal when temps allow.

As always, only use an approved brick paver sealant on your brick pavers. Anything at Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, or a Hardware store is NOT the correct product. Always purchase or insist on a paver sealant that is distributed by a brick paver manufacturer. These sealers will typically last for 2-3 years before you will need to consider having another application.

Ask your brick paver contractor which paver sealant he is using and ask that he write down the brand of sealant or leave the empty container (properly sealed up) behind. This way you can use the same brick paver sealant for future applications. Make sure prior to sealing that all paving stones and paver joints are dry.

Crumbling Steps at Front Porch replaced with New Paver Steps

2011-10-15T19:31:00.000-04:00

Mortared Brick or Tiled Steps in Michigan will fail over time

This homeowner was in immediate need of having there deteriorating Front Steps replaced with a long-term solution. After many years of frustration and hiring 3 different contractors over the past 12 years to fix these steps, it was our time to come to the rescue.

I suggested we install modular retaining wall block & cap Steps, usually referred to as Paver Steps, because they will give the best performance and least maintenance over the years. If any of the coping units (caps) come loose, they can easily be adhered without any signs of repair. Any of the riser step blocks can be reset at little cost and effort too.

Outdoor mortared brick steps will fail over the long-term in Michigan due to freeze thaw cycles which break up the mortar and loosen the bricks. Even more so, ceramic or granite tile used for outdoor non-covered porches and steps are also not a long-term solution. The grout will crack and chip and allow tiles to come loose and pop off.

The homeowner really wanted to keep the tile on the top of the porch since that was in good condition . We carefully installed the Paver Steps to meet the finished height of the tile and filled the joint behind the coping with some grey HP Polymeric Sand to match the existing grout in the tiles.

We finished this paver project by power wash cleaning and re-sanding the paver joints of the front walk which completed the whole restoration. There are never any "permanent" solutions to steps in frost states (considering moderate costs) but the best solution is Paver Steps. They offer great performance, very low maintenance, and low repair costs if needed.

Paver Patios Repair, Cleaning, and Sealing

2011-10-03T04:00:00.004-04:00

Paver Patios restored to original beauty will bring many years of enjoyment again

This past week we restored several brick paver patios to their original beauty and function. These paver patios needed minor repairs, cleaning, sanding, and sealing to bring back the life and appearance these homeowners once enjoyed.

A few homeowners thought they needed to replace their old paving stones with new ones to get the appearance they wanted. I was able to assure them that a less expensive option was available. We repaired settled areas as needed, cleaned the paving stones & joints to bring back some color & texture, and then completed the paver restoration process with sealing the paving stones with a long lasting and approved paver sealer.

Some other homeowners had tried to restore or repair their own paver patios but without the results that an experienced brick paver contractor can return. I commend their effort but if you are not patient, experienced, or have the proper tools, the paver patio restoration results will fall short.

If you are discouraged with your brick paver patio, walk, steps, porch, driveway, etc.. due to its unsightly appearance, don't fret! They can be restored and made beautiful again. Call a qualified brick paver contractor today to see your options and associated costs.

Restoration of Brick Paver Patio & Walkway in Canton

2011-10-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

After 13 years, this Raised Paver Patio needed some Repair & Restoration

In Canton, MI there are 1,000's of raised paver patios that need some attention. This homeowner hired the original installing contractor who did not instruct him to sweep joint sand in the paver joints. The contractor also did not prep him for the event of the outside row of brick pavers settling behind the raised wall caps. If unattended, the wall blocks & caps will begin to settle and lean out, leading to a more costly paver repair work.

This paver patios wall blocks & cap started to sink in one area and the rest of the patio walls were at risk because 3 to 4 rows of brick pavers were sunk below the height of the caps. The homeowner contacted us at the right time to repair this patio before the cost became more expensive.

We lifted up and relaid 1-2ft of brick pavers behind the entire raised paver wall caps, re-leveled @6ft of wall blocks & caps that dipped, and reset some sunken individual brick pavers throughout. We power wash cleaned all the brick pavers, wall blocks & caps, and the paver joints. We re-sanded the entire pavers patio and ran the power plate compactor over the patio to relock up all the paving stones.

The paver walkway leading from the dirveway to the patio had become loose, gapped, and crooked from lack of attention over the years. We relaid half of the brick paver walkway to straighten out the crooked lines and gapped outside row of pavers. We also power wash cleaned the entire paver walkway and joints. We finished with re-sanding the paver joints and ran the plate compactor over the walkway to relock the paving stones.

To complete this total paver patio restoration, we returned a few days later to seal the paver patio and walkway with an approved brick paver sealant. Sealing enhanced the color and brought this 13 year old, neglected, brick paver patio back to life! Now with continued low maintenance steps of sweeping joint sand in each Spring and resealing in 2 to 3 years, this pavers patio should perform beautifully for 20+ years.

1 Year inspection of Creative Brick Pavers Patio we installed.

2011-09-27T05:33:00.002-04:00

The final results of brick paver installations come to light as time goes on

Every year I will stop in and inspect brick paver installations that we installed or rebuilt the prior year. After a year and after the first winter frost, a brick paver installation will exhibit any flaws in design or execution of installation.

From here on out, it is up to the homeowner to keep sand in the paver joints and address any areas that begin to settle or move. I was able to inspect the results of our hard work and see if the patio installation requires any warranty or non-warranty service. In this case, job well done. I see the homeowner has kept the paver joints filled with joint sand.

The other reason I enjoy returning about a year later is the final stages of landscaping are usually completed. The homeowner has highlighted the pavers installation with patio furniture & fixtures, flower pots & accents, and enhancing beautiful flowers, plants, trees, and ground covers. Some clients even add water features, arbors, pergolas, and awnings that give their paver installation the "wow" factor!

This brick pavers patio installation we installed last year did not disappoint. The homeowner did a great job landscaping and adding an eye popping pergola. We set the pillars that supported the pergola to the owners specifications and the final results look great! The homeowner also complimented their large and functional pavers patio with great pieces of patio furniture and many accents & potted plants.

As a brick paver contractor that takes pride in his design & work, I am impressed that this homeowner took so much time to protect, enhance, and improve the appearance of their brick pavers investment. Your brick pavers installation comes all together when the final touches of landscaping and accenting are completed. Great job Bob, Debbie, and my crew!

Common Pavers Step Repair: Replacing Step Caps

2011-09-26T16:26:00.002-04:00

Brick Paver Steps can be restored, repaired, or replaced at a nominal cost

We performed a very common brick pavers step repair this past week. We replaced old deteriorating paver step caps that became unsightly & unsafe with new and improved paver step caps. I see this type of paver repair on a daily basis and there is a simple solution we can perform assuming the paver step has not settled or became un-level.

Paver step caps, especially for the front entrance, are challenged over time due to heavy traffic and the common use of rock salt during the Winter months in Michigan.

This paver step was still level but the step caps were severely pitted and deteriorating fast. To the homeowners own admission, they excessively rock salted during the winter months which compromised the structural integrity of this product.

We easily removed the existing step caps and re-adhered new paver caps to bring there entrance back to life. We reset the brick pavers immediately behind the step caps and swept in new paver joint sand. This total paver repair was only $150 which included the cost of the new paver step caps. The cost of this step cap replacement was far under the cost to replace or re-surface cement steps or wooden steps.

The advantage of modular retaining wall blocks & caps is the low maintenance and cost of freshening up or repairing in the future. After 12 years from the initial installation of this front porch step, this new step cap replacement made the entrance look new again and the homeowner is very pleased. I advised them to use white pellet snow melt on their paver porch, step, and walkway in the future. It is less damaging on high density concrete products and performs better melting ice.

Should you wait until Spring to have your Brick Pavers Repaired?

2011-09-18T11:14:00.000-04:00

The decision to wait to have your Brick Paver Patio or Walkway repaired can be more costly

This time of year I have alot of potential clients who decide to wait until Spring to have their brick paver patios, walkways, driveways, porches, etc.. repaired or restored. In many ways, this decision can be much more costly. It is important to heed the advice of a reputable and honest brick pavers contractor who will explain the pros & cons of when you should have these paver repair services performed.

I am a consumer too so I always believe that a good qualified contractor should not always be trying to get the work or job today. A good brick paver contractor will present you with the best economical & timing options that best meet your needs and budget.

This all came to light recently when we performed some major repair & design change work to a large raised paver patio installation in Plymouth, MI. The homeowner was in dire straights with a paver patio that was collasping quickly. An unqualified landscape contractor did the original work only 4 years ago. This patio installation was unsafe and close to collapsing into the back yard.

This raised brick paver patio needed approx. 50-60% rebuild and the customer did not have the budget for this work at this time. The homeowner was considering waiting until Spring and using next years tax return to fund the repairs. The issue became that by waiting through another Winter, this raised paver patio will suffer more damage & settling which will effect the remaining 40-50% of installation. This of course will greatly increase the cost needed to repair & restore this paver patio.

I spelled out a 2 phase plan that would be more economically feasible for the homeowner at this time while protecting the rest of the raised paver patio from further damage. The first phase was to rebuild & redesign the outer retaining wall foundation of this raised paver patio to keep it from collapsing into the yard and protecting the upper level from further damage. Much like a house, you must secure the foundation first, then address the rest of the structure in the future.

The second phase will be to return in the Spring and redesign & repair the paver steps leading into the house, relay the ground level patio & walkway, and rebuild the sitting walls & pillars. When we complete this total restoration of these multil-level paver patios & walk, the homeowner will deservedly enjoy their paver installation as originally expected.

The extent of repairs for this brick paver installation is an embarrassment to my profession. The lack of attention to construction detail & execution from this landscape contractor has resulted in a "scar" for the appearance, performance, and industry of paving stones and modular retaining wall blocks & caps.

The point made here is that by waiting to repair or restore the settling of brick pavers or wall blocks will result in additional areas settling, leaning, or gapping at an exponential rate. Winter frost will be the most damaging force on compromised paving stones and wall blocks.

The biggest concern I see on a daily basis is the settling of the paving stones directly behind the wall caps. Instead of rain water flowing over the top of the the caps and off the patio or steps, it runs down behind the wall blocks & caps and slowly erode the base. The hydro static pressure on the walls, especially when frozen during the Winter, will certainly push on the retaining wall system and result in extreme leaning and/or collapsing.

Sometimes the simple cost of repairing or resetting pavings stones will protect the extensive & expensive cost of repairing wall blocks. I have mentioned several times in earlier posts that sweeping of paver joint sand seasonally is the most important factor of brick pavers, but making sure your paver installation is in optimal condition leading into the Winter is the next.

If your brick pavers patio or walkway will require complete reconstruction, it usually does not matter whether you have it done in the Fall or Spring. The main concern would be safety or risk of water getting into the home during Fall or Winter. Once the ground is frozen, proper paver repair services can not be performed.

The other factor to keep in mind about whether to have your pavers repaired in Fall or Spring is the cost. Most brick paver contractors like myself will give a better price to perform these restoration services in the Fall over the high demand of our services in the Spring. Typically, my prices are 10-15% less in the Fall because we will have gaps in our schedule to fill due to lower demand & leads. In contrast, Spring prices reflect new higher costs of products, labor, insurances, etc.. that need to be covered to meet minimum margins.

I know it is easy to put off your paver patio or walkway repair for the Spring, but for those that are cost conscious, it will behoove you to consider doing these repairs this Fall to save costs and/or added future repairs. Remember that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"

Small Brick Paver Walkway Installed in old neighborhood in Ann Arbor

2011-09-11T09:39:00.000-04:00

Clay Pavers over Cement slab and bordered with wood timbers are replaced

This week in near downtown Ann Arbor we replaced an old clay paver walkway that was installed over the old cement slab walk and bordered with wood landscape timbers. This was a cosmetic solution by the prior owner to dress up the curb appeal of the home to sell, but over the long-term this application was going to fail.

The old existing walkway was showing signs of distress and becoming unsightly. The cement slab below would heave up the clay pavers during winter frost and the wood landscape timbers began to rot & bow. Since the clay pavers were not set over a properly draining base, they did not properly perform and became uneven, loose, and gapped.

The new homeowner wanted to improve the appearance of her home and at the same time, remove the small step up at the city sidewalk that was causing tripping. The new homeowner wanted to use a style of brick paver that was traditional to the theme of old Ann Arbor. I suggested we use the most traditional shape, 4X8 inch rectangle, laid in a popular herringbone pattern. The outside edges are outlined with a soldier course border to "picture frame" the walk and prevent small cut pieces to come loose.

We removed the clay pavers which were in great structural shape and donated them to a local youth camp. The old cement slab was removed and the soil was excavated to the proper depth. The excavated soil was compacted, the base material was installed & compacted, and the bedding course was leveled and pitched properly. The new high density concrete interlocking pavers were installed in a soft curved design and flared at the city sidewalk.

This small brick pavers walkway is a simple and affordable solution to improve the appearance, safety, and value of a home. Front walkways are a integral part of any home's curb appeal and lure. Choosing interlocking brick pavers as a replacement of old concrete sidewalks is a feasible and economical solution.

Are popular Paver Block Firepits and Grills the thing of the past?

2011-09-08T17:11:00.001-04:00

Once the toast of the Paver Patio, Firepits & Paver Block Grills lose their taste!

The past 15 years I have not had a customer who had us install, repair, or restore a brick paver patio who did not inquire about adding a firepit or paver block grill. As most brick paver manufacturers searched for new uses of their products versatility, outdoor living spaces became the marketing focus. Most Americans consider paver patios, decks, or four seasons rooms the "5th room" of the house. This is often referred to as the "outdoor living space" of the home.

Entertainment, family enjoyment, and functionality began to change in the back yard after the turn of the century. The past few years I have noticed a change in the choices for paver patio "add-ons" and "accents". I am giving some recommendations below to consider as an option before having your brick pavers contractor install a firepit or paver block grill in and around your brick pavers patio.

FIREPITS
The single most enjoyment for most families in the back yard is a good ole fire. As it mesmerizes the kids, warms the skin, lights the night, keeps the bugs at bay, and creates a camping trip smell, the paver block firepit was once the "golden nugget" of brick paver patio installation. Whether roasting marsh mellows, skewing hot dogs, or setting the scene for long scary tales, firepits have brought bounds of enjoyment for family & friends.

I have recently began to advise my customers who request paver block firepits to consider the option of using the new portable firepit structures offered by outdoor living centers or home improvement centers like Lowes & Home Depot. The variety, costs, and flexibility of these portable firepits can not be matched by a permanent paver block firepit.

Flexibility of placement and cleaning are just a start. Accessory items, such as fitted covers, are a huge benefit. The greatest advantage is cost! The minimum 5ft diameter paver block firepit installed is $700 ( alittle cheaper if combined with a new paver patio installed). Portable firepits range from $75- $400 depending on the structure's material & size. There are even patio tables with a firepit in the middle that are a dazzling idea.

I, Mr. Brick Paver Contractor, personally uses a wrought iron & tile firepit and a chiminea on my pavers patio. Cost was obviously not a factor in my decision but the flexibility of changing the location of the firepit seasonally or during events was the biggest draw. Having had a paver block firepit in the past, I was fully aware of the aggravating cleaning process too.

BLOCK GRILLS

Much like the firepits above, paver block grills have become out of favor due to the high cost of pre-fab and custom construction units. Pre-fab or custom construction grills, fireplaces, & kitchenette paver block units with all the appliances pre-installed can range from $10,000-$12,000 each unit when purchased and installed. Though beautiful, these paver patios features are affordable to few.

Focusing just on the paver block grills, I have come up with a less and feasible cost application that we have implemented the last several years. I refer to it as the "custom grill enclosure". Basically, the homeowner purchases a new stainless steel grill with the features they desire, and we "enclose" the unit using paver blocks and/ or caps. We custom design & cut to fit the grill unit while creating added surface space. It is worth mentioning that the more round or curved your grill is, the more cost to custom enclose will be.

The custom grill enclosure runs about $2,500-$3,500 depending on the size & cost of the new grill. We also are able to construct the custom grill enclosure so the unit can be easily removed if needed. This application for a paver block grill has been a happy median of cost & appearance that our homeowners could afford and enjoy. This installation process really gives your pavers patio and outdoor living space the "wow" factor!

I know, I know, why would a respectable brick pavers contractor cut out profitable patio "add-ons" that customer's want & request. Well its simple, I always approach each and every paver bid, whether a new installation, repair, or cleaning & sealing project, with the mind set of "what I would want an honest and informative contractor to tell me".
I like to analyze each paver project with a "cost / benefit" approach, offering the most economical products, design, & solutions that best meet the customers needs. Sometimes simple solutions to wants & needs can satisfy both customer and contractor. Most time customers just need to know what options or solutions can solve their needs at the best price.

Brick Pavers Patio Restored

2011-08-23T08:33:00.000-04:00

Cleaning, Sanding, and Sealing performed on neglected Paver Patio

This past week we restored the original beauty of a brick paver patio in Ypsilanti. Due to unfortunate circumstances, the homeowner had not been able to maintain this paver patio the past few years. Lack of attention and joint sand sweeping led to the ominous condition of the paver joints resulting in a neglected & unsightly appearance.

I assured the homeowner we could bring their brick paver patio back to life and create the original beauty they once enjoyed. This brick paver patio brought much joy and relaxation to her and husband in the past. My team and I wanted them to once again let them experience the solitude & pride they cherished, especially during these tough personal times.

Repairs to the pavers were minimal but the cleaning & re-sanding was tedious and messy. After the brick pavers and paver joints were dry a day & half later, we applied a generous coat of brick paver sealant to enhance the color and overall appearance. The paver sealer will temporarily keep the joint sand hard until needed touch-ups of sweeping the years to follow. They should get about 3 years from the brick paver sealant but on-going joint sand sweeping will be needed.

As the homeowner became overwhelmed with emotion from this transformation, I explained to here that we offer at a small nominal charge a Spring Sweeping Maintenance service to maintain the beauty and function of interlocking pavers. This also gives us the opportunity to yearly inspect their pavers patio for any needed patio repair or signs of distress.

If you do not have the time or resolve to keep up with the minimal maintenance requirement need for joint sand sweeping, please set up a program with a brick paver contractor who can help you maintain the beauty & function of your brick pavers for years to come. Something that may cost you $50 each Spring may save you $1,000's years later.