A boring driveway is not what you need. So what to do to give your driveway a complete different new look? Concrete pavers can be the easy solution. These versatile pavers come in many different styles and colours. So anyone can design their own pathway by mixing and matching colours.

But why one should choose concrete pavers over concrete slabs?

The pavers are produced with cement, sand, gravel and pigments. So the pavers can endure almost 8000 pounds per square inch of pressure where poured concrete can withstand 3000 pounds per square inch of pressure. The high standard pavers are durable and create a stronger pathway. There are also further advantages to include

Versatility

Concrete pavers have a variety of designs to choose from. Even you can find different types of edges; some pavers have smooth edges while the others have tongue-and-groove design which helps to interlock the pavers.

Cost-effective

Concrete pavers are less costly than poured concrete due to the manufacturing technique. Even the cost of repairing is less. You need to replace just the damaged piece. Also, some pavers have a life expectancy of more than 30 years.

Strength

The great strength of concrete pavers is one of the main advantages to choose it over poured cement. The pavers will not crack like concrete slabs and the joints of the pavers allow seismic movement.

Low Maintenance

Concrete pavers need very low maintenance unlike cement slabs. Let’s explore

• Sand filled joints

Just sweep sand into the joints to settle the gap between two pavers. The pavers receive dust due to traffic. But it actually helps to patch up the sand. The simple solution to sand loss is to use stabilised sand instead of mason sand. Also, sealers can be applied on the entire surface as a liquid to hold the joint sand.

• Remove weeds and ants

Weeds can be germinated between the joints and it’s very normal. Simply remove them with hands or use herbicides. But one should be very careful before using herbicides as it can cause damage to the closest vegetated areas. It would be better to use bio products. Also, sealers help to prevent seed germination and ants can’t enter into the joints.

• Efflorescence

It’s a white haze that can be appearing on the paver surface after installation. It’s a natural chemical reaction due to the reaction of water and lime or water soluble calcium oxide. Calcium hydroxide forms when the water enters into the paver capillaries. Then it rises and reacts with the CO2 and then forms a white haze of calcium carbonate. Though it doesn’t damage pavers, but looks very unpleasant.

Efflorescence can appear more on dark colour pavers than the lighter ones. It gives an unappealing illusion that the colour is fading which is not. So just wash away efflorescence with concrete paver cleaners. But be careful before using it as the inappropriate usage can actually fade away the colour.

• Remove oil stain

Though oil stain is not harmful for pavers, but it would be difficult to remove. It’s hard to take out the stain if it penetrates deeper into the pavers. So remove the excess oil first and wash it with liquid detergent as soon as possible. Allow the liquid to soak for several minutes, scrub and then wash it with hot water.

• Seal the colour

At the time of production, pigment is added to the concrete mix. Concrete in the mixture seizes the pigment, so they are very stable. But over time, the cement and the pigment can wear away because of the traffic and weather. It’s very obvious that pavers receive dirt and this may change the surface colour. One easy way to reduce the colour change is to just clean and seal the surface.

Concrete pavers give an outstanding look and the most important advantage is the easy maintenance of the pavers. But you need to contact an expert before installing the pavers. Harden Bricks is your best solution for professional guidance.