The Pros of Paver Patios

July 12, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

When thinking about adding aesthetic value, market value, character, pleasure, and purpose to your property, put a paver patio installation at the top of your list of options to consider. Offering many distinct advantages, paver patios are becoming a popular choice for those homeowners looking to change up their outdoor lifestyles.

Here are the main reasons paver patios are becoming such a popular option:

Repairs are less troublesome

Paver patios are large structures made of many individual parts, i.e., pavers. When comparing against one huge structure made of concrete, it’s easier to envision how much more convenient it is to repair a paver patio. When a paver is cracked or damaged in some way, you need only replace the damaged paver – not the entire patio.

You can get more creative in your design

A paver patio can be any color, layout, design, or shape that you conceive. Get creative. Pavers allow you to freely pursue and realize the design you’ve been envisioning for your property.

Your home increases its market value

If or when you decide to put your home up for sale, your paver patio will not only be a draw to interested buyers but by increasing its value, it will also help your home command a higher price.

Paver patios – like all outdoor upgrades, landscaping, and enhancements – add value and appeal to a home. The investment you make in a paver patio for you and your family’s pleasure will reap additional rewards should it ever come time for you to sell your home.

Far less maintenance is required

Speaking of pleasure, you’ll get additional satisfaction from your paver patio in knowing and seeing that it doesn’t require much upkeep. You need only get rid of the debris as it accumulates and thoroughly clean it once per season. A

Applying a sealant will certainly add to its durability, appearance and low maintenance. By sealing it, you’ll be giving your paver patio additional protection from severe weather and heat.

They expand your living space

If entertaining outside – or spending significant portions of your homelife outdoors – is appealing to you, then a paver patio is your pathway to it. Once your paver patio is installed, you’re able to create the space and ambiance you desire through your choices of furniture, grills, fire pits.

3 Ways to keep Great Looking Pavers Looking Great

July 5, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

You did your diligence. You selected the right pavers for your wants and needs – the right colors, texture, and placement. They’re installed and they look great. And you want them to continue to do so for a long, long time.

Granted, even the highest quality pavers lose their just-installed appearance over time. After all, they’re outside, confronted by extremely harsh heat, rain, and glaring sun. Not to mention the high traffic that comes with everyday outdoor life generated by people, animals, and ground cover.

So, it’s only natural that your pavers get moldy, soiled, and even fade a bit sooner than you’d like – even in as little as a few months.

Rather than be disappointed, be prepared!

Here are 3 things you can do to extend the life and look of your pavers:

Sweep and Spray pavers regularly

A broom with bristles and a hose is your first step. Use the broom to sweep as often as needed. Using a hose, spray your pavers. And make sure you spray with the intention of getting into joints and crevices. If your pavers are sealed (see the recommendation below) you can keep your pavers looking even more spruced up by pressure washing them.

Sand pavers occasionally

From time to time you’ll need to replace the sand between the pavers. Forming a bond and surface, this sand hardens when it’s moistened. This is what is known as proper sanding and it’s an imperative thing to do in order to make your patio or walkways look great.

Seal pavers periodically

About every 3 to 5 years, go through the process of sealing your pavers. This timeframe relates to the extent of sun, traffic, activity, wear and tear and other damage-causing exposure. If preventing fading and corrosion on the surface is important to you, you’ll be motivated to seal your pavers.

Furthermore, if you recognize the importance of keeping sand joints from becoming washed out and want to prevent weeds and insects for corrupting the joints, you’ll accept that sealing your pavers every 3 – 5 years is well worthwhile.

Five Tips to Keep Your Pavers Looking New This Season

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

Pavers can enhance the look of your home substantially but they also need adequate care to retain their original glow and appeal.

You can easily keep your pavers at home looking elegant and new by following simple tips and tricks. We have gathered some of the best ways that you can utilize to have elegant looking pavers.

1. Frequent Rinsing and Cleaning

If you want to have your pavers at home looking new all the time and not lose their appeal, you should pay proper attention to their maintenance. Flooring materials are prone to degrade with time and this degradation is accelerated if you are not taking adequate measures to keep the floor clean and maintained.

You can have elegant looking pavers if you clean them regularly and not leave behind any stains of material like grease and oil for long.

2. Pull Out the Weeds

Pavers for patio and other places can develop weeds. They can make the paver look old, and can curb the appeal of your home. To prevent such a situation from happening, you should scrap the weeds out of the paver joints right in the beginning.

However, you need to be careful in the extraction as you can damage the pavers in the process. You can fill the joint gaps with paver sand to prevent silting that eventually promotes the growth of weeds.

3. Clean the Damp Stains Immediately

Retaining the glow and appeal of the pavers at home requires efficient cleaning. You should not let any damp stain sit on the paver for long. It can cause discoloration. If you notice that something has spilled on the patio, wipe it right away.

4. Clear Debris with Water

Pavers for the patio can have dirt and debris gather on the surface and in joints which can bring down the appeal of the space. You can rinse the surface of pavers with some water to get rid of any debris that has gathered.

Rinsing your pavers every now and then can help you retain their glow.

5. Use Power Washing

Some stains are harder to remove than others. If you see that you’re not able to get rid of stains by simply rinsing or sweeping, you can go for power washing. Pavers for patio and other surfaces can get damaged if you use the power washer at its strongest stream setting. So, keep the pressure at a mild rate to avoid any damage from occurring and get the required job done.

If you have concrete pavers, they’re easiest to maintain and retain their new look. This is because they rarely show any color or stain against their own. You can easily sweep or blow away the dirt present on the surface or use a hose to wash away the accumulated debris. The only secret behind elegant looking pavers is frequent and efficient cleaning. If you’re able to keep your pavers at home clean, you will not only retain their original appeal but also increase their life.

Hardscape or Softscape: What Are the Differences?

June 21, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

You have just come back home after attending a house warming party at your relatives. They recently moved into a beautiful house in the neighborhood and you really liked the home. But what’s still fresh in your mind is theff outdoor landscaping that they have done in their yard. You have been thinking about working on the landscape in your backyard for quite some time now and this just might be the trigger that pushes you to finally work on it.

Though obviously there is a reason you have not been able to start work on it up till now. And that reason is that you don’t understand how to do it. Nor do you know the composition that makes up a good landscape.

To gain a better understanding of what a landscape consists of, you should understand its two main elements – hardscape and softscape. A good landscape design will generally include a combination of hardscape and softscape landscaping.

What is Hardscape?

Hardscape consists of, as the name suggests, hard materials. It represents those elements that don’t change in your garden as time passes. That is, you don’t have to change the materials frequently and only have to make changes after a considerable amount of time has passed such as ten to twenty years.

Hardscape Elements

Hardscape elements include elements that are solid. Some are even fixed but most of the others are easily movable from one place to another. But one thing that is uniform about all these elements is that they are not a living thing i.e. they are inanimate objects. They don’t wither away over time as living things do which makes them a great resource for people who are too lazy to take care of it constantly.

The main materials used for hardscape landscape are concrete, bricks, and stones. They are much more expensive than softscape materials and also take a much longer time to build.

What is Softscape?

Softscape consists of everything that is animated and can be included in landscape design. These elements are much softer than the materials that consisted of hardscape materials. They need to be replaced very frequently sometimes even monthly depending on the health of the materials. Most of the time, they require replacements seasonally.

Softscape Elements

The materials that can be included in this category are trees, plants, flowers, shrubs, vegetables, soil and so on. All of these materials are living organisms and not artificial. Softscape elements add a touch of nature to your landscape that is much needed for a healthy environment.

What Are the Differences Between the Two?

While they are both equally important, they differ in multiple ways. Let’s take a look at some important differences between hardscape and softscape.

Hardscape materials are mostly artificial objects, unlike softscape materials which are living things.
Softscape objects cannot be moved from one place to another while it is possible to do so with some hardscape materials.
Hardscape materials are more likely to survive the change of seasons, unlike softscape elements which are most likely to wilt away after a short time period after which it needs replacing.

Remember, a beautiful landscape consists of hardscape as well as softscape elements. So, choose them wisely!

Things to Do Before Sealing Your Pavers

June 13, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Sealing your paver walkway or patio is a good way to protect your investment. It saves you from a great deal of hassle in the long run. However, before you do there is list of things that you must be aware of. Complete knowledge of certain factors will help you seal your pavers effectively.

Here are some things you need to do before sealing your pavers.

Know the Specs

Before you pay a visit to the local landscape supply store, spare some time to read the manufacturer’s instructions. It will help you understand the spec of the pavers and how to seal them. Furthermore, it will also give you an idea of what sealing products are safe to be used on your pavers. It will also inform you about the amount of time you must wait before sealing the pavers.

Consider the Weather

To begin with, the sealer must be applied to the pavers when they are completely dry. Keep a close eye on the rain and weather forecast. Make sure that it won’t rain at least 24 hours prior to applying the sealer. Furthermore, you should also avoid carrying out a project on days with extreme temperatures. It is alright if it is a sunny day but the temperature must be favorable. Something around 30 to 35 degrees is perfect for applying a sealer. Also, there must be no rain at least for 24 hours after the sealer has been applied.

Clean

Any reasonable person simply cannot seal his pavers before cleaning them. It is of vital importance to get rid of any stains on the pavers before sealing them. Not only is it important to remove the stains off your pavers but you also need to worry about efflorescence and take care of it before applying the sealer. This cleaning step, allows the sealer to bond perfectly with the surface of the pavers.

Removal of Contaminated Sand

If you finally decide to seal your pavers, let it be known that there are no shortcuts in the process. The contaminated sand needs to be removed from the joint sand replaced with polymeric sand. If you are replacing the sand, remember that efflorescence must be done after the replacement of sand. The sealing should be done after the efflorescence.

If you want to seal your pavers successfully, the above-mentioned tips will help you on the way.

6 Interesting Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

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

If invested the time and creativity, an outdoor living space can serve as a valuable addition to your home. It is a place where you along with your friends and family can relax and have a good time. There are several ways in which you can enhance you outdoor living space.

If you are interested in getting some new ideas to improve your outdoor living space, below are some options that you may want to consider.

1. A Barbeque Station

If you like to grill, there is nothing better than a customized barbeque station that you can add to your outdoor space. Brick paver barbeque stations are not only beautiful, but also functional. It will allow you to take your barbeque to the next level. You can even go the extra mile by adding a mini kitchen to your outdoor space. This will allow you convenience and ease, while having barbeque parties with your loved ones.

2. A Brick Paver Pool Deck

During the summers, there are days when the weather can get extremely scorching. Such situations may confine you to the indoors unless you have a pool. Why not update your living space with a beautiful brick paver patio? You can stay cool even on the hottest of days without being confined to your air-conditioned rooms.

3. Set Up a Pergola

Dining in the outdoors can be very enjoyable if the sunlight doesn’t bother you. Pergolas, allow you to have great dining areas in the outdoor while providing a shelter. Not only do the pergolas add to the beauty of your space, but also protect you against the hot rays of the sun. In order to enhance the look, hanging lights can do wonders especially during the night time.

4. A Outdoor Brick Firepit

If you want to have a focal point in your outdoor living space, there is nothing better than an outdoor brick firepit. When the nights are cold, a firepit allows you to have a camp fire within the privacy of your own home.

5. Make a Dining Area

Gathering of the family members around the dining table is a common practice. But, why should we confine it to the indoors only? With a customized brick paver patio, you can have the same fun in the outdoors. Having an outdoor dining area, is a smart way of giving a new life to your outdoors.

6. Add a Fountain

It seems negligible, but having a fountain or a small water body in the outdoor living space can make a huge difference. Not only does a fountain or a water feature add to the visual appeal of the space but also calm you down by providing tranquility to the exterior living space.

If you want to make the most out of your outdoor living space, there are many different options available to you, depending on your needs and budget. Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about outdoor living space options that will enhance the look of your home. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. We hope to work with you soon!

8 Benefits of Sealing Your Brick Pavers

May 17, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Homeowners and commercial property owners often think about sealing their brick pavers. Although it is not a necessary requirement, there are several benefits of sealing your brick pavers. Here are some benefits of having your brick pavers sealed.

1. Helps in Dealing with Water Damage

Water damage is one of the many issues that can prove detrimental to the quality of your brick pavers. Sealing your brick pavers can not only protect them from water damage, but it can also maintain their look while allowing them to last longer.

2. Keeps the Stains at Bay

No matter how hard you try to keep the stains off your brick pavers, you will end up leaving some stains on them. Stains are bound to occur every time you walk on your patio or drive on the driveway. Sealing will keep the stains at bay, especially the ones that are caused by grime or grease.

3. Facilitates Cleaning

Not only does sealing help in keeping the stains off your brick pavers, but it also helps in cleaning. Brick pavers that are sealed are easier to clean than the ones that are not. When you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning, it becomes much more enjoyable spending time on your patio or the driveway.

4. Enhances the Look

There are countless benefits of having your brick pavers sealed. Apart from dealing with water damage and keeping the stains away, sealing also enhances the look of your brick pavers. In addition, sealing increases the overall economic life of your brick pavers.

5. Offers Protection Against Ice and Snow

If you live in an area where it snows a lot and the ground is always covered with ice, it is a good idea to get your brick pavers sealed. Even if it doesn’t snow in your area, the sealer can protect your brick pavers against heavy rains. Sealers have the ability to withstand the harshest of weather conditions.

6. Strengthens the Pavers

One of the best things about sealing is that it adds to the strength of the brick pavers. This means that you do not have to worry about cracking and chipping. As a result, you won’t have to bear heavy maintenance costs either.

7. Prevents Chipping and Cracking

We have discussed in the previous paragraph how a sealer can strengthen the brick pavers. Sealing prevents cracking and chipping of the pavers. Cracks not only make your pavers appear filthy but can also make people trip and fall while walking over them.

8. Reduces the Chances of Grass and Weed Growth

There is nothing more unappealing than seeing grass and weed grow in between your brick pavers. Sealing your pavers keeps the grass and weeds at bay and maintains a neat and tidy look. The benefits of sealing your brick pavers are endless. Not only does sealing protect your pavers, but it also gives them a fresh look.

For more information on sealing your brick pavers, contact JJW Brick today! We would love to answer any questions you may have regarding maintaining your brick pavers. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. Call us today!

What Is Hardscape Construction?

May 13, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Landscape design consists of two main components. Softscape design consists of elements that are fluid and change as they age. In comparison, hardscape is about solid and unchanging elements that make up the landscape.

So what really is hardscape construction about? Well, hardscape refers to the immobile parts of an architectural structure that make up the exterior. The land is paved and topped with other building materials to create an outdoor space. During hardscape construction, professionals like asphalt paving companies pave the area and enhance its features using large slabs of building material to create an exterior.

Why Do We Need Hardscape Construction?

Hardscape landscaping is extremely important for any architectural structure. Unlike softscaping which adds aesthetic appeal, hardscape construction adds structure, sturdiness and organization to any building or structure.

It helps to hold the building materials together and shapes architecture to form a livable space. In other words, hardscape construction enhances and strengthens the foundation of a building.

The Features of Hardscape Construction

The features of hardscape design are usually permanent and never-changing. These are features that are hard to touch and are taken care of by professionals.

For example, rock design, patios and decks, water features, driveways, pavements and walkways are some examples of hardscape construction. In comparison, the softscape features like plants, bushes or shrubbery can be uprooted and replanted, categorizing themselves as movable.

What Materials Are Used In Hardscape Construction?

Unlike softscaping where bushes, shrubbery, and other soft aesthetic materials are used, hardscape is different.

As the word suggests, the material used is hard. Solid stone, bricks, concrete, tiles, rocks, gravel and wood are some of the materials utilized in hardscape construction.

What Are The Main Areas Involved In Hardscape Construction?

In hardscaping, the exterior of a home is the central focus. Hardscape construction, therefore, caters to any exterior structures of a home or building.

For example, if you’re looking to construct a patio or re-do your driveway, or even construct a mini waterfall at the end of your garden, you will hire a contractor that deals in hardscape construction.

The Professionals Involved In Hardscaping

Taken care of by trained professionals, hardscape construction is no easy task. The designing is quite complex and to ensure that a structure is fully functional and strong, professionals undergo rigorous training.

While softscaping can be taken care of by homeowners or even semi-professional gardeners, Hardscaping is a different story. Some of the most common professionals who take care of hardscape construction are driveway pavers, patio pavers, and driveway contractors.

Hardscape construction can also add aesthetic value to your home or property. In fact, the better the construction, the better the value.

When constructing or renovating new or existing properties, it’s essential to plan the hardscape quite well. It’s also essential to use the right material that will fare through climate and wear and tear.

A great hardscape is indeed an important component of architecture! To learn more about hardscaping, give the experts at JJW Brick a call today! We can answer any questions that you may have, and would love the opportunity to help you on your next hardscaping project this summer! We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. We look forward to your call!

Everything You Need to Know About Retaining Walls

May 13, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Retaining walls, can be found at both residential and commercial properties but somehow remain unnoticed. These walls, can serve as a valuable extension to your outdoor living spaces. Retaining walls provide support to other architectural features like sidewalks and patios. In this post, we discuss everything that you need to know about retaining walls.

What Are the Benefits of Retaining Walls?

The warm spring season is the perfect time when you can invest in hardscaping or landscaping projects. If you want to add a focal point to your home, you might want to have a retaining wall first. Here are some key benefits of having a retaining wall on your property.

Provides Support

If your property has slopes or is situated in a hilly area, the best thing you can do it to have a retaining wall. The best thing about having a retaining wall is that is keeps the soil in its place and keeps it from entering your home. During a rainstorm, the soil can easily landslide into your home, causing a mess and more clean-up that you shouldn’t have to worry about.

Ads to the Aesthetics

Apart from being an excellent support system, a retaining wall adds to the aesthetics of your property. It enhances the overall look of your property. Its visual appeal depends heavily upon the material it has been built with. A retaining wall can serve as a focal point of your exterior living space and allows you to add other features around it.

Extra Space

By adding a retaining wall to your landscape you can add more features, and also make room for fun activities on your property. Another interesting feature of using a retaining wall is its ability to turn a slope into a flat surface. Flat pieces of land can be used as perfect gardening sites where plants can be grown. A retaining wall can be used for a beautiful summer garden where exotic and colorful flowers can be cultivated with lush green grass. Not only does a retaining wall beautify your space but also increase its functionality.

How to Build a Retaining Wall?

When it comes to the construction of a retaining wall, the contractor must first lay the base material in order to build a surface over it. To construct a retaining wall that is long lasting and strong, around 10% of the wall will have to stay beneath the ground. In order to avoid erosion, the drainage stone needs to be installed around 4 feet behind the retaining wall. The excavated slope should be as stable as possible, so as to ensure a longer life for the retaining wall. In order to keep the property safe, the backfill must have the proper wall materials.

How Many Kinds of Retaining Walls Are There?

Following are three of the most common types of retaining walls.

Natural Stone

This material works best with smaller walls and provides your walls with a natural look.

Segmented Retaining Walls/ Brick Retaining Walls

These walls are made up of building blocks that interlock with one another and fortify the structure of the wall.

Wood Timbers

This material too provides natural aesthetics and works well with smaller walls. However, unlike stone this wood will rot overtime.

If you want to extend and beautify you exterior living space with a retaining wall, call JJW Brick today! We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS and would love to answer any questions about adding or replacing a retaining wall at your home this summer!

4 Best Hardscaping Ideas for Your Home

April 26, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

The term “hardscaping “refers to the non-living elements of a landscape. This includes, in particular, sidewalks, patios and brick paving. Depending on the type of your home, hardscaping can be formal or informal. Using only one texture can be dull and boring. Similarly, using too many textures can make the area appear cluttered. So how do you find the balance?

Here are some hardscaping ideas to enhance the beauty of your outdoors.

1. Build a Patio

Regardless of what season it is, a patio never seizes to be of use. It provides you with a space where you can sit, eat and relax. It allows you to have fun parties and gathering with family and friends. Everyone likes to make use of their backyard space but unfortunately some houses are built on a slope. If you have such a house, then a split patio can help. A split patio can be divided into levels. One level can have an outdoor kitchen whereas you can have a fire pit on the next one.

2. Paver Driveways and Walkways

Do you want something stronger than a driveway or a walkway made out of asphalt or concrete? Consider using brick paving. Brick paving is the perfect patio material for people who want to have a stone-like look to their patios yet do not want to skimp on functionality and durability. Brick paving has the ability to sustain heavy loads and not get damaged. It is easy to repair and maintain. Even if it gets damaged the repair process is cheap and does not consume too much time. Brick pavers are slip resistant and are completely safe to walk on even if they are wet.

3. Add Water Features

One of the most effective ways of adding some flavor to your outdoor space is the addition of water features. The presence of water features enhances the serene and tranquil effect of the whole place. A pond with small fish or a small swimming pool can do wonders when it comes to outdoor landscaping. The presence of water can make your backyard appear as a mini oasis. Water features can make your outdoor space appear inviting and hospitable.

4. Outdoor Kitchen

This feature never goes out of style. An outdoor kitchen works best during the summer season when you plan barbeques with your friends and family. It can extend your living space and add an intimate feel to it. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard can come in handy during picnics as well. It spares you the hassle of running inside to grab things from the kitchen.

If you want your outdoors to be appealing and comfortable, then follow the above mentioned tips promptly or contact our experts at JJW Brick today! We would love to answer any questions you may have regarding any hardscape designs. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. Call us today!

« Previous Page