Installing patio pavers in your outdoor space adds a higher level of class and exquisiteness to your home setting. It would be great to have a beautifully hardscaped patio where the entire family can enjoy a more pleasurable dining experience.
Patio pavers are carved stone or concrete materials that come in various designs, colors, and sizes. In choosing the paving materials to be used, factors such as cost efficiency, aesthetic appeal and durability should be taken into account. Installing patio paving stones and concrete material is similar to installing ceramic tiles; once installed, they entail minimal maintenance measures.
Having high durability and density, patio pavers last for more years compared to plain concrete or asphalt. Aside from that, they are flexible, owing to their interlocking capacities; hence, they don’t crack easily like concrete slabs do.
In patio paver installation, the size and shape of the paving materials as well as their location and elevation are considered. A paving professional will then need to be consulted to execute the installation process. Installing patio pavers includes deciding on the height of the patio surface, then adding base materials and sand about six to seven inches beneath. For instance, a patio with an area of 200 square feet to have a solid base, would require approximately 7000 pounds of base material (preferably recycled concrete) and 1000 pounds of sand.
On the other hand, patios already having a concrete material over them would no longer require any base material; setting up one- inch paving materials over the concrete material is all what’s needed to complete the installation process. If you wish to install additional paving materials beyond your current patio, 2 3/8 inch paving materials should be used instead.
Patio Pavers Maintenance
With constant exposure to ever- changing environmental conditions, patio pavers would inevitably degenerate in terms of their appearance and integrity; they might get stained or cracked for a specific span of time. In addition, weeds may grow within the patio; calling the need for additional maintenance measures.Weeding
This involves using certain substances that will serve to totally eradicate growing weeds within the patio area. You can
use an herbicide that will make the weeds wither within 48 hours; but they are poisonous and can be potentially fatal when ingested. A less hazardous option is a solution made of water and vinegar (or water and lemon juice) to get rid of weeds.Removing Stains
Removing stains is important in preserving the beauty of patio pavers. They should be removed as soon as possible for they can become permanent and impair the aesthetic quality of your patio.As soon as you spot stains, immediately apply soap and water to get rid of the stain right away. If they can’t be removed that easily, brush the pavers with strong industrial detergents and rinse with water. Patio pavers may even be soaked overnight to effectively eliminate the stain.
For paint stains, paint thinners are used. Apply a sufficient amount of thinner, rub with a rag or brush and rinse the stained paver.
Rust stains are more formidable; thus calling the need for much stronger substances in the form of acid- based solutions to completely erase them. The acid- based solution can also serve as a weed deterrent.
The patio serves as a valuable recreational area for the entire family. Therefore, patio ideas with pavers should be definitely considered; and should be maintained well to effectively withstand adverse environmental conditions.
