There are so many options that one should consider when replacing their driveway. There are the old stand-bys of asphalt and concrete, which are the most often selected and economical choices. Concrete can be installed with different textures, but if not properly installed concrete can eventually crack. Repairing these cracks is extremely difficult, and often unsightly.Brick pavers, whether clay or concrete brick pavers, are excellent alternatives to asphalt and poured concrete surfaces. The brick paver option available today seem endless; it is becoming easier to match color, texture, and style of brick to any design of home. If careful design choices are selected, a brick paver driveway can really increase the look, style, and value of a home.
Brick pavers distribute energy and pressure laterally, which means less pressure per square inch. Brick pavers are great because they are manufactured with a greater psi (pounds per square inch) than say a concrete slab. Concrete often has a psi of 3,000-3,500, whereas brick pavers often have a standard of 8,000-9,000 psi per brick. Brick pavers have a long-standing history, and have been utilized as paving for roads for as many as 2,000 years throughout Europe with great success.
Another wonderful feature of brick pavers is their ability to breathe during seasonal temperature changes; asphalt and concrete do not have the ability to expand or contract which is why cracks will appear after a year or two in cold climates. If there is damage to an area, brick pavers can simply be lifted and re-installed with minimal work or cost. Repairs to asphalt or concrete often look like patchwork and can be very costly.Installation of brick pavers is often more expensive than asphalt or poured concrete. Although, if the brick pavers are installed correctly the first time, their investment will pay off over the long run. Pavers are in place forever. Brick pavers usually have an estimated life cycle of 40+ years. During the lifetime of an average brick paver project, it is possible you will have to re-pave asphalt or re-pour concrete two or more times to maintain the neat appearance.
Another paver option that has been around since the early 1970's is "Permeable Pavers." Although this brick paving system has been around for over 3 decades, because of LEED building guidelines and the sustainable environmental movement, permeable brick pavers are enjoying a belated acknowledgement and recognition, and starting to gain in popularity throughout Europe and the United States for their sustainable attributes.
The design of permeable pavers allows water to pass through the permeable brick pavers and permeate down into a specially designed bed of drainage stone. This permable system allows the rainwater to re-charge the natural groundwater and is considered a sustainable practice. We are starting to see permeable pavers used more and more in cities who are having problems with an overabundance of stormwater that is washing contaminants and pollutants into our lakes, rivers, streams, oceans and watersheds.
Permeable pavers are being used for driveways, patios, additional parking areas, parking lots, streets, sidewalks, alleys, etc. Millions of square feet of permeable brick pavers have been installed throughout the United States alone. Permeable brick pavers have been most widely used in commercial projects, but are starting to be utilized by homeowners as an excellent alternative for driveways. We urge you to research and become an informed consumer with the various paving options available to today's homeowner.
The pictures that you see accompanying this post are pictures of one of our completed driveways that was installed with Belgard's 'Subterra' Permeable Pavers. If you are considering brick pavers for your driveway replacement or you are installing a new driveway, Landscape Labor Solutions representatives would love to introduce and educate you on the various options available today by todays manufacturers. Call (517) 646-8990 to schedule your brick paver consultation today. Landscapes Labor Solutions is a company committed to installing sustainable landscapes whenever possible. You may also view other pictures of this completed sustainable project at www.weneedsolutions.com/LID-Sustainability-Project.html.
In the event you are in the course of setting up concrete in your backyard patio area, quit right there. Concrete isn't a long-lasting product. It could crack and fracture from freezing cold rain or even the ground becoming settled. Install brick patio pavers instead to include a bit of elegance and class to your home. These can be organized into unlimited designs and are employed as a place to park your outside barbeque grill or connect the section out of your home towards your pool. You can also use these bricks to come up with walkways that lead to your backyard or as a path from the back of the home all the way to the front entrance. Look no further than Pavers Orlando, your brick pavers orlando specialists. Brick pavers are a very practical and beautiful way to spruce up the exterior of your home.
ReplyDelete