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Is a Retaining Wall Right for Your Yard?

February 28, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

If your property, yard, or outdoor living space has an unusable sloping area that you cannot use for any purpose, it will be helpful for you to learn about retaining walls. With just a bit of basic information, you will be better equipped to decide if a retaining wall is a good solution for your property and your situation.

How do retaining walls work?

Vertical structures designed to hold back soil in order to prevent soil from eroding, retaining walls also assure that unlevel areas can become level. They are made from a range of materials such as stone, concrete, and wood. The materials used for construction and the method of construction are determinants affecting how durable and stable the retaining wall is.

These walls can include curves, or they can be straight. And one of their most added value features is how they can elevate or spotlight features of your landscaping. For example, with coping that is smooth, they can actually be made to be sitting areas or they can add a welcome layer of privacy to an area that may be a bit overexposed.

What are the options when choosing a retaining wall?

You have four primary styles of retaining walls to select from: Anchored Walls; Piling Walls; Cantilever Walls; Gravity Walls. Naturally, each of these types has individualized advantages and strong points.

Using tension supports that serve as anchors to the rock or soil in order to resist pressure and lend wall support, anchor walls can be combined with others so this type of retaining wall has enhanced support.

Using the wall’s weight to keep soil back, gravity walls are ideal for smaller slopes that are under three feet high.

Featuring poles that are long and go into the ground, piling walls uses the poles for wall support and stability. Comparable to gravity walls, cantilever walls have a slab as a base that goes into the ground. This slab relies upon the soil’s weight and backfill materials, so the wall is stable.

What else should you know about retaining walls?

You need to understand certain conditions of your property; namely, how close the wall will be to other types of structures, the conditions of the soil and drainage. If your property has a grade that is steep, your water runoff will be extreme and severe. A retaining wall can aide in controlling rainwater’s flow by including drainage that guides the water. In fact, this water can even be guided to hydrate dry spots in your yard and to water plant beds.

If your home is downhill the water runoff and erosion could wash out soil that surrounds the foundation. This is a major problem that a retaining wall can help preempt and prevent by redirecting water.  This in itself is an important reason to consider a retaining wall.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about retaining walls and other hardscape options we offer at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Retaining Walls Michigan Tagged With: hardscape michigan, michigan hardscape, Retaining Walls

Here’s How You Can Take Better Care of Your Pavers

February 22, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Pavers are capable of completely transforming the exterior aesthetic appeal of your home. It is, thus, that people planning to put their house on the market ensure their pavers are looking smooth and shiny. Unfortunately, pavers lose their shine and health with age. Do not worry – here a few simple tricks that can keep your pavers looking elegant and beautiful.

Power Wash Every Once in a Long While

Power washing has become increasingly popular in the last few years, primarily because power washing can help get rid of stains and marks that do not go with simple sweeping and washing. However, power washing can be tricky — set the machine at the wrong setting and you will end up damaging your pavers. If you are planning to power wash your pavers on your own, we recommend setting the machine to low pressure. However, if you have never power washed before and are doubtful whether you will be able to pull it off, we recommend hiring an expert.

Give Your Pavers the Attention They Require

While power washing is an excellent and effective technique, it is not recommended that you power wash your pavers very often. A better idea is to give your pavers the proper attention and care they require. Clean the pavers regularly. This simple exercise will protect your pavers against the damaging effect of stubborn stains. If you, by mistake, ended up staining your paver, make sure to clean it immediately with hot water. Lastly, it is typical for the floor material used to degrade with time. To enhance the longevity and health of your pavers, regularly check the flooring material for any signs of damage. If you find the material damaged, make sure to repair it immediately.

Take Care of Weeds

Pavers, especially those around patios and pools, tend to develop weeds. Weeds ruin the aesthetic appeal of any home. Thus, you must find the time to remove weeds from your pavers. This exercise will only not only keep your home looking beautiful but will also extend the life of your pavers. To prevent weed growth, make sure to fill the joint gaps between your pavers with filter sand. This will not only prevent weed growth but will also protect the health of your pavers while you are removing weeds.

Rinse the Pavers Once in Every Short While

Rinsing your pavers is not the same as sweeping and mopping it. Cleaning the pavers with hot water will not only help you get rid of any stains but will also take care of debris stuck in joints. However, it would be best if you did not wash the paver very often — we recommend washing them once every two weeks.

The Final Word

When it comes to maintaining their home, people often neglect the small things that can make a huge difference. Having a beautifully decorated home is useless if your pavers are looking dirty and unclean. We hope the simple suggestions discussed above will help you take care of your pavers in a better way.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Brick Paving Tagged With: brick pavers, hardscape michigan, maintaining your brick paver, Paver Maintenance

All the Reasons Why You Should Move Your Kitchen Outdoors This Upcoming Summer

February 13, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

During summers, all the fun is outside. From backyard pool parties to barbecue nights, all fun activities happen outdoors. It, therefore, makes a lot of sense to make life easier by moving your kitchen outside. Installing an outdoor may seem like a tedious job, but when you hear the benefits, you will immediately be sold on the idea.

All the Reasons Why You Should Move Your Kitchen Outdoors This Summer

Reason Number 1: Hosting Guests Outdoors Is Fun

If you are hosting only about a handful of people, you might be able to manage a smooth outdoor party. However, if you are hosting a large group, running to the kitchen every second minute to get food and drinks can become tiresome. If you are someone who regularly hosts people, an outdoor kitchen makes the most sense for you. With an outdoor kitchen, you will not just be running between your kitchen and backyard, but will also get a chance to enjoy the company of your guests. More importantly, an outdoor kitchen also creates more room for seating guests.

Reason Number 2: Outdoor Kitchens Add to Your Home’s Value

Several surveys have revealed that potential home buyers find homes with outdoor kitchens more appealing than homes with just an outdoor kitchen. If you think you might put your house on the market sooner or later, getting a full-service kitchen with a grill installed may actually prove to be an excellent investment in the long run.

Reason Number 3: They Give Your Outdoor Area Some Order

For potential homebuyers, landscaping is one of the most critical criteria while buying a home. It is because landscaping beautifies a home by adding structure to it. Outdoor kitchens not only add sitting space to your outdoor area but also tie the whole space together, making your home look even more beautiful.

Reason Number 4: Outdoor Kitchens Complete Your Grill Station

Most homeowners who like the idea of hosting guests round the year keep a grill station to make their parties lively and fun. If you already have a grill station, it’s time to upgrade it to a full-service kitchen and make your parties even more exciting. You can either choose to turn your kitchen into the master cooking space you have always dreamed of. Contrarily, if you are operating on a stringent budget, merely adding a few shelves and drawers and placing some chairs can make a world of difference.

Reason Number 5: Installing Outdoor Kitchens Is Easy

Most people presume that installing an outdoor kitchen is an expensive undertaking, one that requires homeowners to write big fat cheques. The truth, on the contrary, is that installing an outdoor kitchen is affordable and accessible. Outdoor entertaining spaces, in most homes, are close to the house and thus, setting up gas and water supply as well as an electrical connection is usually convenient. More importantly, if you are operating on a budget, you can choose to install only the most important and required appliances. Outdoor kitchens are for everyone and every budget. You just got to choose smartly.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Space Tagged With: hardscape michigan, michigan hardscape contractor, outdoor kitchen, outdoor living space

Which Type of Brick Paver is Best for Your Sidewalk?

February 3, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

As you look out at your yard and property, do you even assess our sidewalks? And, what about any walkways or pathways you’ve installed that lead to a seating area, a fire pit or a gazebo in addition to your standard sidewalk along the front of your property? How are they holding up?

Like many homeowners, once you assess your sidewalks, you may realize it’s time to replace them. If not all of your walkways, there’s probably one in need. And, at this point, you may as well take your assessment one step further and evaluate all of your options – especially regarding which building materials you’ll use – for replacing or installing a new sidewalk.

Are brick pavers the best building materials for your sidewalk?

Brick pavers, sometimes called pavers or paver bricks, offer many advantages for a wide variety of commercial and residential hardscape applications. But, like all options, there are considerations you must know about before you make your decision. You need to be well informed before you choose brick pavers, and once you do, you will need to know what types are available and will be best for your particular sidewalk or walkway.

Brick pavers are popular because of the aesthetic appeal they lend to any outdoor property. They have a tremendous reputation for being ideally suited for patios and steps as well as sidewalks. If you install brick pavers, one thing you can be sure of, people will compliment you on how lovely your brick paver structure is.

This is particularly applicable to sidewalks. Brick pavers distinguish themselves through their sheen, colors, and texture. Essentially, as the opposite of concrete, brick pavers offer options and image projections that other materials don’t.

What types of brick pavers are available for sidewalks?

Concrete – In most professionals’ opinions, you really have a choice of two different types of brick pavers: concrete and clay. Back in the day, it was very popular for folks to use concrete brick pavers that were colored and didn’t require any mortar. Basically, they interlocked, and they were tough. The were known to be able to tolerate a great deal of natural and manmade wear and tear.

In addition, they can be installed in just a few hours; they don’t take days of inconvenience to be in place and ready for action. And, if you need one more reason to lean toward this type of concrete brick paver, they offer an ever-expanding range of shapes, colors, and designs. So, this style is worth considering. Just keep in mind that its colors will fade and eventually, as the paste on their to surfaces wear down, which can happen in five to ten years, they’ll revert back to their original colors of gravel and sand.

Clay – The other type praised by professionals are those made of actual clay. Their solid color runs through the whole brick.  Known to be able to last up to a hundred years, they can take even more activity. Think about the old brick roads of an ear gone by. Some of them are still intact in many cities around the U.S.  These bricks are durable and cast an authentic, textured look that lends your property character and integrity.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about brick paver walkways for your home.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

Filed Under: Brick Paver Walkway Tagged With: brick paver michigan, brick paver walkway, hardscape design

How to Keep Hardscaping Projects on Track

January 27, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Are you thinking about your next outdoor hardscape improvement project? Regardless of whether it’s a complete overhaul or just a singular addition or renovation, you will have the best chances of success and satisfaction if you take the time to plan.   

There are far too many variables and factors that come into play with any type of hardscaping projects to leave things to chance. This is one type of home improvement activity you really can’t count on for things to just work out. If you don’t thoroughly plan each aspect, it’s very likely your project will quickly run away from you.  It will be too expensive, messy, disappointing, and time-consuming.

Here are the main considerations that must be on your planning checklist for your next hardscape outdoor home improvement project. By thinking about and then planning each of these tasks, and issues based upon your circumstances, desires, and needs, you will keep your project on track throughout each phase.

Should you hire a professional or do it yourself?

It’s very tempting to pursue doing hardscaping yourself. Yes, it’s physical work, but it really isn’t anything you can’t do, right? Possibly. You have access to a multitude of resources dedicated exclusively to DIYers – and many of them are very good and reliable. But the problem is, what seems very straight forward and easily turns out to be much more confusing and challenging. And that usually doesn’t occur to you until you’re in the midst of it.

So, carefully calculate the full scope of the project you’re getting ready to embark upon before you begin. While a professional contractor adds more expense, in the long run, if you hire the ideal contractor, your job will be constructed and finished accurately, in a friendly, timely manner. And, in many cases, the money you thought you were saving by doing it yourself gets gobbled up in bothersome repairs because it wasn’t done right in the first place.

Establish and verify your budget

Whether you’re going alone or hiring a contractor, you need to have a firm grip on your budget. By having it established upfront, you can consistently rely upon it for all decisions – from the material you use to the add-ons you incorporate into your original design. Your budget is helpful to your designer, contractor or architect for the same reasons and it will help keep your relationship and experience positive and productive.

Define and verify how much space you have to work with.

When it comes to determining how much of your outdoor living space your new project will require or be allocated, you cannot guess. You must be precise about this. Not only do you need to carefully measure but you must also thoughtfully consider the size of the area while you’re designing the project. Just like your budget, having your space allocation clearly defined and verified upfront will help guide all subsequent decisions, especially when it comes to the nuances and options available to you.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to have professionals help you with your next hardscape project.  Our office phone number is 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We hope to work with you soon!

Filed Under: Hardscape Tagged With: hardscape design, hardscape projects, professional hardscape michigan, summer hardscape

Here’s How to Protect Your Pavers Against Snow

January 17, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

There is nothing more beautiful than a town covered in white snow. However, snow can play havoc for your pavers. This article discusses some simple measures you can take to ensure the well-being of your pavers during the winter season.

Use the Right Materials

If you live in an area where snow is a common occurrence, it’s a wise decision to put your money in the right materials. The use of composite decking has especially picked up over the last ten years as composite decking significantly reduces the problem of slippage and demands low maintenance. Further, composite decking also prevents water from seeping into the deck surface. If you have a wooden deck, it is critical to check your deck for any signs of cracks regularly. Water trickles into cracks and expands during the winter season, causing the cracks to become more prominent. Regular maintenance is, thus, critical.

Use High-Quality Pavers

Many homeowners readily agree to compromise on the quality of pavers to save costs. However, in the long run, this invariably proves to be a bad idea. Bad-quality pavers are easily affected by harsh winters, thereby leading to homeowners spending considerable money on repairing and maintenance. Thus, before buying pavers, check the strength of the concrete, and its absorption, porosity, and PSI strength. Similarly, it is also essential to give the concrete ample time to cure. Improperly cured pavers are easily affected by salt, ice, and water, which leads to further issues.

Design the Pavers to Meet the Weather Requirements

Pavers must be designed, keeping the weather conditions in mind. In the case of areas where snow is a frequent visitor, snowplows and trucks are a common sight. Thus, in such areas, pavers must be designed to accommodate trucks, snowplows, and other vehicles. Pavers that aren’t very aggressive in texture are an ideal choice for such areas. Similarly, dark-colored pavers trap heat and sunlight and cause the ice to melt quickly and, thus, are appropriate for snow-prone regions. Snowplows often cause the pavers to chip, and though chipping does not lead to any significant safety issues, it ruins the look of the house.

Be Wary of What De-icing Agents You Are Using

De-icing agents are frequently used to get rid of snow. Unfortunately, these deicing agents are harmful to the health of the concrete and, thus, the pavers. Experts recommend using rock salt instead of de-icing agents. If you have an extensive cover of plants and trees and, thus, do not want to use rock salt, you can use sand after a thorough cleanup of your pavements. Sand is affordable and environment-friendly and, therefore, is considered to be one of the best deicing agents. Lastly, homeowners must consider sealing their pavers, especially if harsh weather conditions are typical for them. Sealed pavers keep water, rock salt, and every other kind of harmful substance away from the pavers, thereby enhancing the life of pavers.

The Final Word

Pavers are an integral part of homes and must be maintained well. While most pavers come with a lifetime guarantee, in areas witnessing rough weather conditions, it is common for pavers to experience some damage. We hope the tips and tricks discussed above will help you maintain your pavers during the snow season.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about protecting and maintaining your brick pavers.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Brick Paver Maintenance Tagged With: brick paver maintenance, brick paver sealers, brick pavers michigan

Hardscape Investments Bring the Greatest Returns

January 12, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

In a report released by the NALP and the NAR (National Association of Landscape Professionals and National Association of Realtors, respectively), landscaping and hardscaping are viable home improvement investments in both the short and long terms. These investments immediately bring pleasure and enhanced enjoyment form homeowners’ outdoor living space experiences while also adding true, real value to their properties.

In short, landscaping and hardscaping projects are no-lose ventures. Looked at another way, they aren’t an expense – they’re an investment. And as more and more homeowners realize that their mindsets shift and they begin to assess their outdoor living spaces in a completely different light. Instead of seeing how they can make the best of what they have, they start visualizing how to bring out the best in what is possible.

In this case, their possibilities revolve around their existing property’s specifications, the space they have to work with and – most importantly – what they most want to do and experience when spending time outdoors.

So, read on.

Discover how and why hardscape investments add value to your quality of life and your property.

Preserve and protect your property.   One thing is for sure when it comes to investing – or not investing – in your home and property. Damage is costly and dilapidation from disregarding imminent damage is even costlier. For this reason, hardscape projects like retaining walls are one of the most crucial hardscape projects you should consider if your property is at risk of erosion, and there are grade changes in the yard.

If a portion  – or all  – of your yard is unusable because of steep sloping, over time, your foundation will become water damaged. The constant water and dirt flow eventually will accumulate and erode the slope and then damage your foundation. However, a retaining wall can be designed and built to manage the flow of water, so it flows away from the foundation. Furthermore, a retaining wall built as the result of this particular circumstance can also create a much more ambient appeal to the entire property.

Attract attention and praise.  The operative words to all real estate agents when describing and listing a home are “curb appeal”. This feature is often the most critical aspect when they present, market, and sell a home. If a home isn’t immediately eye-appealing, the majority of potential buyers will pass without even looking inside the home.

Making basic upgrades like paver edging to border your garden or an attractive, functional retainer wall can go a long way toward creating and enhancing curb appeal.

However, including a beautiful paving stone patio with its own entryway or even a seat wall will draw attention and admiration from neighbors, visitors, and passers-by as well as potential home buyers.  This means that hardscape upgrades not only add value to your outdoor living experience, they also add market value to your home.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Hardscape Tagged With: hardscape, metro detroit hardscape, michigan hardscape

What is the Connection Between Winter and Retaining Walls?

January 5, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

It’s the thick of winter. You look outside and whatever you see, it typically isn’t very pretty. You’re either looking at dirty, sloppy varying sized mounds of snow, or new mounds of snow accumulating. Maybe all the snow from the previous week is letting or has melted. In that case, you’re looking at muddy puddles and a very soggy lawn. And there’s still many more week to go before that picture in your rearview mirror.

But all doesn’t have to be disheartening. Take another lookout at your lawn and property. Do you have any steep sloping areas? IF so, what would it be like if you could actually convert that area into useable outdoor living space?

Now, before you wonder where this conversation is going, there is a connection. Basically, steep slopes, wintertime and winter conditions have a connection. And that connection is through retaining walls.

What is the retaining wall-winter connection?

First of all, winter is an ideal time to design your retaining wall, as long as you work with a professional. You are advised to never embark upon a retaining wall project on your own. This is one home improvement project that truly requires a professional. If for no other reason, depending on your state’s and municipality’s codes, retaining walls over a certain height can require a building permit.

But, aside from that, retaining walls involve a great deal of digging; the soil has to be moved to the correct location. Furthermore, the expertise a retaining wall designer brings to the project is critical to the retaining wall accurately and optimally performing its function.

And, once again we come back to winter. Winter is the ideal time of year to begin designing your retaining wall. Winter is the time of year when professional landscapers, especially those who specialize in retaining walls, have much lighter schedules. Winter is their slowest time of year. This gives them the time, energy, and dedicated attention to invest in your needs, circumstances, and preferences. And, once you have completed the design, your retaining wall job is at the top of their queue when the conditions are right for breaking ground on the job.

Why should you begin designing a retaining wall this winter?

It’s all about the steep sloping area on your property.  As it is now, it’s probably not useable. But a retaining wall will create a functional, useable space that you currently don’t have. There are many functions and applications for a retaining wall on the property with a sloping section.

You can create a terrace that can support a beautiful pathway leading to either a dedicated play area or additional plants and greenery.

Also, if placed correctly, a retaining wall can serve as a seating area or bench. The wall itself can become a relaxing, lovely area for additional seating. And this can now occur in an area of your yard that otherwise would go unused and unnoticed

Schedule a Free Retaining Wall Quote Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about our hardscape services, to include retaining walls at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We hope to work with you soon!

Filed Under: Retaining Walls Michigan Tagged With: brick pavers, hardscape design, michigan hardscape, Retaining Walls

Why Are Hardscapes A Good Investment?

December 28, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

When you see hardscapes in other people’s yards and throughout their outdoor living space, what is your impression?

Do you only give them a quick glance and then move your attention to the landscaping?

Do you notice how the two – hardscapes and landscapes – complement each other and when joined together – make the home and the entire property much more appealing?

Does hardscaping capture your attention and admiration?

When you look at hardscapes, do you see their functions, or do you see their aesthetics? Or maybe a combination of both?

As you can tell from these questions, hardscapes are terrific assets to any type of yard or outdoor living space.  Consisting of features that are man-made, hardscapes range from walls, decks, and walkways to patios, driveways, and fountains.  Constructed of materials like gravel, mulch, boulders, metal, stone, wood, brick and concrete, hardscapes are diverse in their designs and styles.

And, in addition to them being the opposite of landscaping in that hardscapes aren’t “alive”, hardscapes all share one common feature – through their incorporation into the architecture of landscaping, hardscapes functionally and aesthetically complement the home.

By offering tremendous advantages, hardscapes are a wise investment for many reasons; among them are:

Hardscapes elevate the value of the property.  It is widely recognized that adding a hardscape prompts an increase in your home’s value. Essentially, through their ability to extend your complete living space, hardscapes extend the quality of living to a home. By adding functionality to more square footage, you have enhanced the value and appeal of your home when you add a hardscape. It is reported that more than 80-% of home buyers seek an outdoor patio in the home they are considering buying.

Hardscapes don’t require maintenance. Once the hardscape is designed according to your preferences and budget, it’s in place and ready to perform for you year after year without costly maintenance or excessive attention. You don’t need to trim, mow, or water a hardscape. The only attention it needs from you is your enjoyment.

Hardscapes don’t increase your water bill. Closely related to the above, because hardscape doesn’t’ require watering, they don’t cost you any additional money in terms or utilities or water.

Hardscapes can preempt problems in areas at risk of erosion. While requiring professional, effective planning, hardscaping materials can help mitigate the risk of erosion on your property. Stone or concrete barriers, for example. can help solidify your ground for many years in areas where erosion is a potential threat.

Hardscapes give your property varying levels. With edges and walkways distinctly defined, you can add new dimension and layers to your property that otherwise would appear flat and far too open to the eye.  Other ways of creating this effect through hardscaping are installing a pergola, a courtyard wall, or boundary lines composed of stone.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Hardscape Tagged With: Brick Paver Patio, hardscape, michigan hardscape

5 Things You Need to Know About Your Hardscape Project – Before the job begins 

December 22, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

As you look out at your outdoor living space, you probably don’t’ distinguish between the aspects that are alive and those which aren’t. But, essentially, when you look at your landscaping and then your hardscaping, that’s what you’re doing. In effect, landscaping refers to those elements that are living. Your landscaping encompasses your trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants.

On the other hand, your hardscapes are those things that aren’t alive. They are the large, constructed projects that are typically connected to or associated with your home. Hardscapes include those things that are intended to give support to other structures such as your patio that may need to support your hot tub.

Even your driveway that supports your vehicles is considered a hardscape. It fits the bill, right? It’s somewhat attached to your home and support other things. This means that hardscapes are essential to a complete outdoor living space and it is vital that they are constructed with the highest possible quality of materials and expertise.

But how do homeowners – who typically are not a hardscape professional – know what technical information is vital in order to ensure the new hardscaping they’re installing will be constructed with the highest amount of professionalism, quality, and expertise?

Getting the following information – in advance – from the licensed contractor you are planning to hire, will help assure the quality and integrity of your next hardscape project.

Find out what base material will be used and its compaction process. A granular stone base should be the basic consistency of the base material to be used. This means that pea stone and slag sand do not meet the standards of acceptability. The base layer should be compacted while under construction which ideally is after every two to three inches of the base is installed.

Inquire about the quantity of base material that will be used. There is a range of base depths that goes from 4 inches to 12 inches based upon the traffic volume of the area and conditions of the soil.

Ask how the preparation for the sub-base and excavation is conducted. Ask if Geotextile fabric will be used and if so, where it will be used. In the case of a typical hardscape, the excavation should ensure that the hardscape is built on soil that is undisturbed.  Regarding sub-soils, what is called Geotextile fabric segregates the base materials. The sub-soils also have to be compacted.

When it comes to edge restraint, find out what material will be used. There are generally two choices – concrete or plastic, if you ask your contractor this question and the reply is concrete, you’ve been given an unacceptable answer. Concrete cracks – especially in four-season climates. It is widely recommended to use vinyl edge restraint and – in four-season climate – steel spikes are also widely recommended.

In addition, you’ll want to know the kind of jointing sand that will be used. When you ask this, you’ll want to hear Polymeric (acrylic) or standard angular jointing sand.

Schedule a Free Hardscape Quote Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape design at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We can answer any questions that you may have and can discuss options that interest you regarding hardscape.

Filed Under: Hardscape Tagged With: hardscape, hardscape design, michigan hardscape design

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