1. How To Know When The Installation Is Being Done Right.
As a conscientious owner, you want assurance that the contractor you hire will do a quality job. Asking questions can help. Several are listed below for your convenience. It is important that you take time to ask questions about all aspects of your project with a qualified contractor.
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2. Will The Excavated Area Be A Minimum Of 6 (150 Mm) Wider Than The Actual Paved Area?
Yes, when the aggregate base is placed in the excavated area, the extra width will help ensure stability of the base at the edges, and provide space for the required edge restraints.
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3. How Will The Contractor Grade The Interlock Paver Installation For Drainage?
By sloping the paved area away from the house at a minimum of 2 degrees.
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4. Will The Aggregate Base Absorb Or Hold Water?
No, when compacted properly, its density will minimize deformation and/or heaving of the paved surface during freezing or thawing.
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5. Will The Base Be Aggregate, Ranging In Size From Approximately 3/4 (20 Mm) To Sand?
Yes, this facilitates compaction to a required density while allowing proper water drainage.
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6. How will the aggregate base be compacted?
In 3" (150 mm) layers to achieve the maximum density and load bearing capacity. Each layer will require several passes of a 350 psi compactor to achieve this.
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7. Will the bedding sand be loosely screened to a depth of 1" (25 mm), but no thicker than 1 1/2" (40 mm) thick?
Yes, the loosely placed, even layer of washed, coarse sand provides a setting bed for the pavers. When the pavers are placed on the sand and compacted, the sand moves up into the joints. This causes the pavers to interlock and become level after compaction. Note: limestone
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8. How will the contractor assure an even color mix of the Interlock pavers?
By taking pavers from several bundles or pallets at a time.
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9. Should an edge restraint be installed?
Yes, an edge restraint around the perimeter of the pavers is essential for eliminating horizontal creeping of the pavers and loss of bedding sand.
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10. Are the joints filled between the Interlocking pavers?
Yes, with clean, fine sand or premium polymeric sand. The sand should be dry so it will flow freely into the joints. The pavers are compacted during and after filling to begin interlock of the units and prevent sand from washing from the joints.
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11. Should there be inspection of the Interlock pavers after their compaction?
Yes, the owner and the contractor should inspect the pavement together and confirm the owner's satisfaction.
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12. Do I need to seal the Interlock pavers?
No, pavers are extremely durable. Sealing, however, may enhance the colors and may prevent staining. Allow a minimum of 60 days after completion of the installation before sealing. Consult your supplier for recommendations on cleaning and sealing.
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13. How long do interlock concrete pavers last?
30 years this is much longer than other pavements.
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14. Can dirty or broken interlock pavers be replaced?
Yes, you can be assured of replacement pavers by keeping extras from the job. When replacing a paver, scrape out the sand in the joints from those surrounding the paver to be removed. Use two screwdrivers to wiggle it out. Others can be removed by hand. Insert the new interlocking paver; replace the joint sand, compacting the paver into place with a rubber mallet.
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15. Will freezing and thawing damage the interlocking pavers?
No, damage from ice is virtually non-existent. The joints allow the pavers to move without cracking in freeze and thaw cycles unlike concrete which can crack.
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16. If interlock pavers need to be removed for below grade repairs, can I replace them afterwards?
Yes, unlike other pavements, concrete pavers can be easily removed and reinstated without any visual or functional changes.
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17. Will interlock pavers be slippery?
No, their surface texture is ideal for obtaining safe traction in pedestrian, vehicular, and pool applications, even when wet.
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