Most cases of pavement-related accidents are rooted in the unevenness of the pavers installed. More often than not, we encounter complaints and cries for help from clients, saying their newly installed paving blocks are settling or having dips and sometimes protruding. And more often than not, the paving blocks get the blame. But what they don’t realize is that the products are not the root cause of the problem, but sometimes, it’s the installation itself.
Preparation before installation – that’s what should be considered in the process of renovating any outdoor space with paving blocks. It matters whether the soil in the target space is properly leveled and compacted. It matters whether the depth of the excavated area is enough to hold the paving blocks in place after installation is done. Many factors must be considered before, during and after the installation. It’s a process that takes time, preparation and proper knowledge.
One of the things to look out for before the installation is the conditions of soil to put the pavers in. Different kinds of soil require different treatment and preparation. This is because some soil contains more water than others, which requires a different approach for installers to the consequent steps in the process.
Photo courtesy: www.leafly.com
So, be sure to thoroughly check the soil conditions of the driveway, walkway and any other outdoor area where pavers are to be installed.
The next step is making sure the depth of the excavated area is ideal and appropriate for the thickness of the paving block. It should be enough to properly and seamlessly accommodate all pavers that needed to be installed within the area. Improper depth would lead to uneven and loose pavers — which in turn, loose pavers can bump into each other during movement of earth and lead to cracks and broken edges. And broken pavers mean unattractive outdoor area.
Compact the earth next. Using a compacting machine, this step makes the area even and firm enough for beautifully leveled driveway or patio.
The following steps are the obvious ones: put edge restraints, place the pavers in the preferred pattern and seal the spaces in between with sand.
The key to beautiful driveway, walkway or patio is in the preparation before installation. The designs of the paving blocks may be the focal point of the area, but it’s the quality of the installation that makes the paver design shine. So make sure that the installation goes smoothly and faultless as possible.