Oakland County, Don’t Ignore Your Pavers’ Cry for Help
Imagine arriving at your beautiful Troy home only to be met with an unsightly, cracked driveway, hosting a backyard barbecue in Rochester Hills, and having guests trip over uneven pavers during your event. Not only would these scenarios be frustrating, but they may also significantly decrease the home’s value and pose potential safety hazards.
Oakland County homeowners take great pride in the meticulous landscapes they have cultivated on their properties, but Michigan winters can take their toll even on durable brick pavers. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and de-icing salts can cause cracking, settling, and discoloration, which leaves your pavers looking worn and neglected if left ignored – further leading to costly repairs in the long run.
PMS Brick Pavers of Oakland County is here to assist! As leading paver experts, we possess the experience and know-how to quickly diagnose and resolve any problems you might be experiencing – from minor cracks and chips to major drainage issues and settling problems – providing comprehensive solutions that restore them to their former glory. Don’t let paver issues compromise the beauty and value of your home – contact PMS now for a complimentary inspection and estimate so these issues can be dealt with before becoming an eyesore – taking swift action will save time, money, frustration in addition to ensuring outdoor spaces remain a source of pride within Oakland County homes!
Sign #1: Sinking or Uneven Pavers
Have you noticed some of your pavers are sinking or sitting lower than their surrounding ones? This unevenness can be both an eyesore and a tripping hazard, especially when walking through your yard in Oakland County during summer evening strolls. This problem usually stems from our soil’s composition in Oakland County – especially in areas with clay-rich soil like Troy or Bloomfield Hills, where this issue often manifests. Older neighborhoods in Royal Oak or Birmingham with mature trees with established root systems could experience this issue as roots spread underground and shift ground beneath their pavers over time, causing unevenness to settle beneath their pavers over time causing pavers to become uneven over time as roots spread beneath their pavers over time causing pavers to become uneven over time as roots spread beneath their pavers over time and become uneven over time, potentially becoming eyesores or trip hazards to those enjoying an evening stroll through their yard!
Poor installation of your base layer under your pavers can contribute to sinking and unevenness. If not adequately compacted or constructed from incorrect materials, it may settle over time, causing shifts and unevenness within your pavers. Sinking or uneven pavers not only detract from the beauty of your landscape but can also contribute to drainage problems. No matter their cause, sinking or uneven pavers detract from its aesthetic appeal and create drainage issues. Water can pool in sunken areas and become stagnant, providing an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that could damage pavers and the surrounding landscape. Suppose you notice areas in which pavers appear significantly lower than their surroundings. In that case, they must be addressed quickly to avoid further damage and ensure safety and longevity for your outdoor space.
Sign #2: Cracks and Chips
Those harsh Michigan winters we experience in Oakland County can take a toll on our brick pavers. One of the most common signs of damage is the appearance of cracks and chips on the paver surface. These imperfections are often caused by the freeze-thaw cycles that are so prevalent in our climate. When water seeps into the tiny pores of the pavers and freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the material and eventually causing it to crack.
Heavy impacts from vehicles, dropped objects, or even just years of foot traffic can lead to cracks and chips. Areas with high traffic, such as driveways or walkways leading to your front door, are particularly susceptible to this damage. Furthermore, tree roots growing beneath the surface can exert pressure on the pavers, causing them to crack or shift. This is a common issue in older, established neighborhoods in Oakland County, where mature trees have extensive root systems.
While a few minor cracks may seem purely cosmetic, they can worsen over time, leading to more extensive damage and potentially requiring costly repairs or even complete paver replacement. Cracks allow water to penetrate the pavers, exacerbating the damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Ignoring these cracks can also compromise the structural integrity of your patio or driveway, making it unsafe and unstable.
Sign #3: Widespread Weed Growth
Occasional weed growth between your pavers might seem innocuous enough, but excessive weeds indicate something is amiss and shouldn’t just be taken as an eyesore; oftentimes, these unsightly weeds signal deeper issues with your installation process.
Oakland County experiences periods of heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures that cause paver joints to erode over time, creating gaps and voids where weed seeds can take root and flourish. Furthermore, pavers that become unstable due to shifting or settlement can create further opportunities for weed invasion.
Excessive weed growth not only detracts from the beauty of your patio or driveway but can also exacerbate existing paver issues. Weed roots may penetrate further into gaps, widening them further and destabilizing pavers, which leads to further shifting, cracking, and overall degradation of outdoor surfaces.
Addressing widespread weed growth often requires more than pulling out individual weeds; it may involve removing old sand from joints and replacing it with fresh material, applying a weed preventer, or applying an inhibitory spray to discourage future growth. Furthermore, in certain instances, it may also be necessary to address issues related to the paver base or drainage that cause the problem to stop its recurrence.
Sign #4: Fading and Discoloration
Your vibrant brick pavers add elegance and personality to your Oakland County home, but with time; they may fade or discolor due to various factors. While some level of fading is natural due to exposure to elements, noticeable discoloration or uneven fade rates could indicate that more attention needs to be paid.
One of the main contributors to fading and discoloration is UV rays from the sun’s UVA radiation during Oakland County summers. Intense UVB rays break down pigments found in pavers and cause them to lose their vibrancy. Harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or ice may also contribute to their discoloration and faded appearance.
Established neighborhoods in Birmingham or Bloomfield Hills may feature mature trees that cast shade, causing uneven fading to some sections of your patio or driveway, creating a patchwork look. De-icing salts used during winter can further discolor and even damage paver surfaces, causing discoloration or disfigurement.
If your pavers have lost their luster or become significantly discolored, it may be time for professional cleaning and sealing treatments. A thorough clean can remove dirt, grime, and stains that contribute to discoloration, while a sealant can protect them from future damage while maintaining their color. In severe cases, color restoration treatments may even be required to revitalize their appearance.
Sign #5: Drainage Issues
Proper drainage is essential to maintaining the health and longevity of brick pavers. Allowing water to pool on surfaces such as patios or driveways leads to drainage issues. In Oakland County, where we experience periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt, drainage challenges can be particularly challenging.
One of the telltale signs of drainage issues is when rainwater collects on your patio or driveway after it falls, leaving behind puddles that don’t drain away quickly enough and seeping into paver joints, shifting their position and creating unevenness in their appearance. Furthermore, standing water can seep into these joints and cracks between pavers, leading them to move or shift unevenly over time and encouraging moss or algae growth, making surfaces slippery and potentially hazardous.
Drainage problems in clay-rich areas such as Troy and Novi can be incredibly challenging. Clay soil does not allow water to pass easily through, leading to water buildup that saturates paver bases, potentially causing them to heave and become unstable. Improperly graded yards or patios may further exacerbate drainage issues by redirecting flow toward them instead of away.
If you notice signs of drainage issues such as pooling water, moss growth, or uneven pavers, it’s essential to address them as soon as possible. Neglecting drain issues could result in costly damages to your pavers and home foundation if left unaddressed. Possible solutions might include changing the slope of the patio or driveway, installing drains or catch basins, improving the permeability of the paver base, etc.
Don’t Wait, Call PMS Today!
Your brick pavers are an investment worth protecting in Oakland County homes, so being vigilant about any signs of wear is crucial to protecting them. Ignoring damage could result in costly repairs down the line while detracting from their beauty and safety—not to mention diminishing the beauty and safety of outdoor spaces.
If you have noticed any of the warning signs described in this article—sinking pavers, cracks, weeds, fading, or drainage issues—do not hesitate to seek expert assistance from PMS Brick Pavers. Our knowledgeable team can quickly pinpoint what may be causing these problems and suggest effective solutions that can restore your patio or driveway to its former glory.
Oakland County homeowners can take advantage of our complimentary inspections and estimates without obligation. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and expertise you require to make informed decisions regarding your paver repair and maintenance needs.
Do not wait to take action regarding paver problems—take steps now and ensure your outdoor spaces continue to bring pride and enjoyment for years. Contact PMS Brick Pavers at (866) 710-7642 now for your free inspection and estimate. Our Oakland County landscaping professionals are here to keep it beautiful, functional, and safe!
