FAQs

Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is rigid, yet flexible. The joints between pavers allow the walkway, driveway, patio, etc. to move without cracking. In addition, they can be “unzipped” to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, pavers are virtually maintenance-free. By definition, concrete pavers have a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi (about 3 times stronger than regular poured concrete) and a maximum water absorption rate of 5%.

It is the system that makes them interlocking concrete pavers, not necessarily the shape. When installed properly, the combination of the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand causes them to interlock, allowing them to work as a unified, flexible pavement.

Most pavers are manufactured with a process which concentrates an extra dosage of cement and pigment on the wear layer. Some have pigment throughout.

It is important to note that minor variations in tone and texture are inherent in all masonry products. Factors influencing these variations in include: color variation in pigments, aggregates, cements water content, degree of compaction achieved during manufacture, kiln conditions and atmospheric conditions including temperature and humidity.

“Brick” is a common term that generally applies to clay products. Face brick are typically cored (which means they have holes in them) and used for vertical applications, there are many different sizes available. Pavers can be made of clay or concrete and are used for horizontal applications, there are different sizes and thicknesses available.

Clay Pavers are made of natural clay materials that are kiln fired to maintain their permanent color. Concrete pavers are made of concrete with other color pigments are added to achieve various colors. Both are used for paving applications such as in a driveway, patio , sidewalk, or a pool deck.

Because clay pavers are manufactured under intense heat, this allows the paver to maintain its original color without the added cost and maintenance of applying sealers. Clay pavers come with 4 edge styles, while concrete pavers typically have only two edge styles. This allows a Clay Paver more adaptability of different styles of architecture from a modern look to a historical type look. Clay Paver manufacturers have become extremely versatile. There is a wide variety of color selections with Clay Pavers ranging from the light buffs and gray’s to the vivid terracotta’s to deep red and brown blends.

The initial cost of materials for a Clay Paver is slightly more than a concrete paver. However, when you add back in the cost of a sealer to a concrete paver, not to mention the continued cost of maintenance of adding additional sealers over time, the Clay Paver becomes a very wise, economical choice for your paving project. Clay Paver manufacturers have become extremely versatile. There is a wide variety of color selections with Clay Pavers ranging from the light buffs and Grays to the rich Terracotta and Brown blends. With the wide variety of edge styles as well, Clay Pavers can work well for most any project.

There are no restrictions to use in pedestrian only areas. However, in areas that will be subject to maintenance or emergency vehicles, a 2 3/8″ (60mm) thick unit should have an aspect ration less than or equal to 4:1, and a 3 1/8″ (80mm) thick unit should have an a spect ration less than or equal to 5:1.

Facility and business parking are primarily used by cars, but will be subject to occasional service or delivery truck traffic. In these areas, the minimum recommended thickness is 3 1/8″ (80mm), and the units should have an aspect ratio less than or equal to 4:1.

Commercial and residential roads, like subdivision roads, are primarily used by cars, delivery trucks and occasional heavy transports. In these areas, the minimum recommended thickness is 3 1/8″ (80mm), and the units should have an aspect ratio less than or equal to 3.5:1.

Bus parking lots have an increased number of heavy vehicles driving over the surface on any given day. In these areas, the minimum recommended thickness is 4″ (100mm), and the units should have an aspect ratio less than or equal to 3:1.

As a rule of thumb, use a minimum of 3”-5” of base material for walkways, 6”-8” for patios, and 8”-12” for driveways. The sand setting bed should be 1” thick. One ton of modified stone or sand will cover 100 square feet at 2” thick. Using a 10′ x 10′ (100 square feet) patio as an example, you would need 1/2 ton of sand for the setting bed (1” thick) and 3 tons of modified stone for the base (6” thick). You’ll need some additional sand (about 5%) or two bags of EP Henry PolySand for the joints between the pavers.