Landscaping Brick Paving Companies | Landscaper Macomb | Paver Patio | Landscape Design Shelby Twp

Brick Paver Patio and Landscape Design Company

PMS Brick Pavers

"WE'RE THE GUYS"

You are here: Home / Archives for PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

How to Choose Between Brick Pavers and Concrete

by

Do you want to add a driveway, a walkway or a patio to your home? Are you confused about whether to use brick pavers or concrete? The answer, is that both concrete and brick pavers are strong and durable materials which can serve for long periods of time.

Let’s take a look at some advantages and disadvantages of both concrete and brick pavers.

Advantages of Brick Pavers

Here are some advantages of using brick pavers.

Eco-Friendly

Apart from being manufactured from natural materials, bricks are salvaged frequently and reused.

Color Retention

Bricks are made from a combination of different types of clays which gives them a natural color. No matter how scorching the sun is, they are able to maintain their natural color.

Durable

Although bricks can chip or crack but they can stay intact for a lifetime. Bricks can only break when pressure is exerted upon them. Unlike bricks concrete can erode and fade.

Lesser Cleaning

Bricks are stain resistant and therefore require less maintenance and cleaning compared to concrete pavers.

Disadvantages of Bricks

Here are some common disadvantages of using bricks.

Color Options

Bricks are made up of natural clays and the color options may be limited.

Breakable

Bricks sometimes crack, chip and break when pressure is exerted from heavy traffic. However, their solid coloring acts as a camouflage to the blemishes and they remain unnoticeable.  In the event a brick does crack, it can easily be replaced.

Advantages of Concrete

Let’s unveil some benefits of using concrete.

Less Expensive

Concrete is a cheaper material.  The reason why they cost less is the low cost of the raw materials they are made up of.

Variety of Options

With concrete you get a variety of choices when it comes to color and design.

Disadvantages of Concrete

Here are some disadvantages of using concrete.

Color Fading

Because they are dyed with artificial color pigments instead of clay, their color can fade quickly over time.

Requires Sealing

Although temporary sealants can protect the color of the concrete, yet additional maintenance is required.

Erosion

Whereas bricks tend to wear away by cracking or chipping, concrete fades away by erosion.

Quality Variation

Concrete varies when it comes to durability and quality, depending upon the recipe used by the manufacturer. It is even hard to find the right quality in the marketplace.

Shorter Life Span

Concrete is initially a strong material but with time it fails to sustain the weight of heavy traffic.  Unlike with brick pavers, it is harder to replace a slab of concrete in the event it does crack or break.

As you can see the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to selecting brick pavers for your home or business.  If you think that brick pavers may be the right option for you, please give JJW Brick a call.  We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding brick pavers.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  Call us today!

Reasons to Choose Brick Paver Driveway over a Concrete Driveway

by

A majority of homeowners choose concrete as the standard material for driveways. However, there are several downsides to using concrete for driveways. Cracks and stains are just some of the disadvantages of using concrete. On the other hand, brick paving is a durable option that can be used to make a driveway.

Here are some reasons why brick paving is a better option than concrete.

Stain Resistance

One of the most common problems with concrete is staining. If oil or some other substance spills over concrete, it will get stained for life and cleaning can be difficult. On the other hand, bricks are easy to clean. If a similar oil spill takes place on brick paving, it can be washed as bricks are not prone to staining. You can even remove the dirty bricks and replace them with new ones.

Easy Repairing

A common problem with concrete is the fact that it gets chipped and cracked. Unlike bricks, repairing concrete is difficult and expensive. It also consumes a lot of time as the whole driveway needs to be replaced. On the contrary, damaged brick paving can be repaired quite easily. All you have to do is remove the damaged bricks and install new ones in their space. Repairing brick paving is affordable and does not require time.

Slip Resistance

Wet concrete is slippery and dangerous to walk on. Slipping and falling over wet concrete can cause wounds and injuries. Bricks, on the other hand, are naturally slip-resistant. These textured and abrasive surfaces are completely safe to walk on even when they are wet. For people living in areas where it rains heavily, brick paving is the best option for a driveway.

Environmental Friendliness

If you are an individual who cares about the environment, then use brick paving for your driveway.  Concrete requires other materials to be added to its mixture before it is applied. Reusing existing materials, brick paving is a safer option for the environment. Another interesting aspect of using brick pavers is reusability. Just in case you plan to change your brick paver driveway, the bricks from your driveway can be used in another project.

Flexibility

One of the major factors that set bricks apart from concrete is flexibility. The reason why concrete cracks, is the moving and shifting of the land underneath. However, driveways made out of bricks have the ability to interlock with the ground beneath them. Unlike a slab, a collection of closely connected bricks adapts to the movement underneath and maintains a structural integrity. Concrete can never adapt to its foundation in the same way that a brick does.

Brick paver driveways are stronger than concrete driveways. They can sustain heavy loads and are slip- resistant even on rainy days. They can last for a long time and are worth the investment.

For more information on brick paver driveways, contact 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!

A Short Guide on Planning an Outdoor Fireplace

by

Smart homeowners know the importance of the outdoor space. Hence, they try to make the most out of it. From transforming it into an instant getaway to increasing the value of the estate through it, smart homeowners plan their outdoors meticulously.

The fireplace is a valuable addition to any outdoor space. An outdoor fireplace comes really handy during chilly evenings and nights for open-air gatherings. Not only that but it can also add value to the curb appeal even when it’s not in use. All things considered, adding an outdoor fireplace is a home improvement investment that always pays dividends.

In this blog post, we are going to discuss some of the important things to consider while devising an outdoor fireplace plan.

What Function You Want From the Outdoor Fireplace

It is important to define the role you want your fireplace to play in your outdoors before planning its installation— do you want to install it just to fill up space or do you need it for complete functional use. Similarly, it is important to decide how much area and people you want the fireplace to cater.

For instance, you will need a large two-sided fireplace if you want to organize large family and friends feasts in your outdoors. For small gatherings, any medium or small-sized fireplace can do the trick. Also, make sure that you keep the square footage of the space in mind while considering any outdoor fireplace plan.

Wood or Gas Burning Fireplaces

This is another important factor to take into account when you are going to plan a fireplace in your outdoors. These days, gas-burning fireplaces are more common. They are easy to use. They entail less harm and no prior permits are required for their installation.

On the other hand, gas fireplaces can’t emulate the rustic and classic ambiance oozing out of crackling burning woods and the ambiance they create. This is the reason why many homeowners only want wood-burning fireplaces in their outdoor spaces.

Since the requirements of both fireplaces are different, it is important that you do your homework on them before settling on a fuel type.

Getting the Aesthetics Right

It is imperative that the fireplace plan complements the rest of the house’s design. If the front outlook is draped in minimal aesthetics, then it is better to have the outdoor fireplace plan on the same lines. Similarly, use classic options for a front that is finished with traditional designs.

However, you can also create a contrast between the two given that it looks good together. Experienced home improvement contractors can guide you better in picking the right aesthetics for your fireplace that matches your home’s look.

Is Fireplace the Focal Point?

Outdoors can have different focal points (water bodies, floral pedestals etc). You can also use a fireplace as the focal point of your outdoor space. By making fireplace as the focal point, you have to take care of other outdoor installations and keep the entire space functional.

With experts on board, you can plan an outdoor fireplace for best functional use and aesthetics.  JJW Brick specializes in brick paver fire places.  Give us a call today to get more information!  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Upsides and Downsides of Concrete Pavers

by

Concrete pavers make for durable and stylish exteriors. You can use concrete pavers for nearly every outdoor space finishing; pool surrounds, patios, garages, and walkways. Concrete pavers are definitely a better alternative to poured concrete. However, there are some downsides of this construction article as well.

For that matter, we will try to impartially look at the upsides and downsides of concrete pavers. After reading this piece, you will be in a better position to decide whether or not you want them in your exterior.

Upsides of Concrete Pavers

Let’s start with the advantages of having concrete pavers.

No Curing Duration Is Required

Asphalt pavers and poured concrete take time to settle in.  During that curing time, they remain vulnerable to the environment and other physical anomalies, even the minor ones. This is the reason why many exterior floor installments just get messed up during the curing time. On the other hand, concrete pavers don’t need any such period. They are ready to use upon installation.

Concrete Pavers Are Versatile

Unlike poured concrete, you can do a lot of experimentation with pavers. They are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. You can even have them customized from any seasoned concrete contractor. This versatility of concrete pavers allows you to set the aesthetics of your property in line with your aspirations.

It’s Easy to Maintain a Surface of Concrete Pavers

In case an asphalt pavement or poured concrete is chipped or fractured, you need to call the professionals to deal with it. However, that’s not the case with surfaces finished with concrete pavers. In case a paver gets cracked, you can remove and replace it on your own.

Downsides of Concrete Pavers

One must also know about the disadvantages of using concrete pavers in order to manage their maintenance in a better manner.

Concrete Pavers Can Fade

Over time and due to direct sunlight exposure, the color of concrete pavers can fade away.

Weed Outgrowth

Use of concrete pavers can also result in weed outgrowth in certain regions. The small gap and slit between two pavers are enough for some many botanical species to thrive. People can minimize the possibility of weed growth in between concrete pavers by ensuring that water doesn’t get stagnant on their surface.

Uneven Surface

A surface finished with concrete pavers can also eventually become uneven. This usually happens when the base for paver installation is not prepared properly. In addition, the hurried installation of pavers without settling them in place can also result in an uneven surface after a while. Consumers can overcome this downside by getting the services of expert contractors for the installation of concrete pavers.

By choosing good-quality pavers with expert installation and by keeping good maintenance, you can negate the downsides of concrete pavers and can take the full advantage of their beneficial features.  Get in touch with an expert concrete contractor to find out more about concrete paver installation.

JJW Brick specializes in brick pavers in the Metro-Detroit area and are looking forward to working with you on your next brick paver project!  Call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

Benefits of Brick Pavers for the Swimming Pool Deck

by

There are many different paving materials that you can use for your swimming pool deck, but they don’t come close to bricks. Brick pavers are a really popular material to make the swimming pool deck with. This is because they have multiple benefits that increase the overall value of your home. It is an ideal material for commercial and residential use since it can make your swimming pool stand out more than it already does.

Here are some major benefits that will ensure you choose brick pavers for your swimming pool deck.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Brick paving looks absolutely stunning around the swimming pool. It is a classic look that will ensure your home looks sophisticated. It is also a unique way to customize your deck. A professional builder will be able to ensure that the deck looks perfect when completed.

Long-Lasting

The biggest advantage of the brick paver is that it is a seriously cost-effective option. They are practically permanent materials that will not fade or diminish with time. They are made with natural materials that grow even more retro-looking with time.

Installing the Pool

A brick paver swimming pool deck is one of the easiest to install. You won’t have to dig a foundation or cut up planks to the right size if you choose bricks; you can even lay it directly over your old dull concrete pool deck, and it will look fantastic. Repairs will also be easy to manage as the task is pretty straightforward. It will be installed with excellent results without much effort from your side.

Maintaining the Pool

You won’t have to do much at all to ensure that your swimming pool deck stays in top-notch condition. They don’t require much maintenance since they have low absorption properties, so they act as the perfect material for swimming pools. They don’t even absorb dirt that easily and stay clean without requiring much sweeping or washing. Brick pavers are made from durable material, which means they need minimum maintenance.

Flexibility

The brick paver is also able to maintain the inter-lock format way better than concrete. Even if the underlying foundation moves with the material, the clay is flexible enough to adjust itself accordingly. It accommodates the soil, which prevents cracking or wrapping of the shape.

No Slipping

Using brick pavers for your swimming pool deck is the best idea since they provide your home with a slip-resistant surface. They reduce the risk of accidents near wet areas like the pool. The texture on the surface has abrasive qualities that increase grip. The high level of safety and security is one of the biggest reasons that homeowners prefer brick pavers.

Eco-Friendly

Brick pavers are made from natural materials like clay. This makes it an eco-friendly option since it doesn’t really hurt the environment at all. The natural properties of the finish and the color also last for a long time. This means that you don’t have to use inorganic ways to make the brick look good.

Brick pavers have several benefits that they provide to those residing in the space, which is why it is a great option for homeowners to use for their swimming pool deck.

Do make sure that you hire a professional to lay the groundwork so that you can have a lovely pool deck.  The experts at JJW Brick are waiting to build you the brick paver pool deck of your dreams.  Call us today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Do You Need a Retaining Wall?

by

Homeowners use retaining walls in many different ways, and they always prove to be really great options for beautifying the home’s landscape. Retain walls are built in areas where the earth needs extra support to prevent it from moving downhill due to erosion. They support the land so that you can have a functional garden without worrying about soil erosion.

Basic Functions of Retaining Walls

There are many positive benefits of retaining walls. Some of them can include the following functions.

  1. They Provide Usable Land: Retaining walls have been popularly used since millennia to create terraces on slopes. This creates usable land that you can plant flowers and vegetation on. Even in the ancient South Asian civilizations and sacred lands in Peru, this technique was used so that people living in the mountains had a place to grow crops.
  2. They Manage Water Runoff: The retaining wall can help you by slowing down the flow of rainwater. The water helps keep the humidity of the soil at optimum levels which helps with lawn care and gardening. The walls also keep polluted or dirty water away from nearby rivers. You can also use a water-thirst wall to make a rain garden design.
  3. They Provide Extra Seating: The landscape seating in your garden is perfect for an evening tea or relaxation point.

Why You May Need a Retaining Wall?

There are many reasons why a retaining wall could end up being perfect for your home. The following reasons may be crucial factors in pushing you to invest in a retaining wall.

Erosion

Retaining walls are the perfect way to control downhill erosion and drastically improve the health of your soil. It stops erosion materials from clogging areas along your property and minimizes erosion by holding back soil.

Fault Lines

If your home is downhill from all soil fault lines, you should probably call an expert right now and build a retaining wall. The erosion levels may not be threatening enough to harm your home, but it could cause a lot of destruction under the right conditions. For example, in case of an earthquake, the land can often slide away from the fault lines and begin to fall downhill. If your home is located at the base or even in the way of the avalanche, it can really damage your house.

The Foundation

The sliding hill also places huge pressure on your foundation. Erosion is a huge threat to the foundation of your home since the soil beneath your house may start washing away. It can actually weaken the structure of your home and in severe cases, cause complete collapse. This can create huge costs for you, not to mention potentially injure the residents of the home.

Retaining walls are a really beautiful way to improve the health of your soil and prevent erosion. If you do plan on getting one installed in your home, then make sure you hire a professional. Connect with the professionals at JJW Brick today to get help with installing your retaining wall this spring!  Give us a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

How Pavers Increase Home Value

by

The best way homeowners can enhance the look and feel of their home while increasing its overall worth is through landscaping. Research shows that a property that is landscaped is likely to experience an increase in ROI by a whopping 200% to 300%. However, what is not commonly known is that not all landscaping elements have the same effect on the worth of properties.

When it comes to landscaping options that result in an improved home value, installing pavers comes highly recommended. It is one of the most reliable ways you can achieve this goal.

In case you are not familiar with pavers and paver installation, these are pristine pavestones used to decorate different outdoor areas including swimming pools, patios, driveways, and walkways. There are numerous reasons why installing pavers in your home is a great idea. They raise the aesthetic appeal and monetary value of the homes they are installed in.

Paver Installation

Paver installation is possibly the easiest home remodeling project that you can undertake to revamp your home’s exterior. Provided that you only hire the professionals to do it, paver installation is normally completed in no time and the area that is donned with pavers can be used almost instantly too. This is the exact opposite when you choose to get a concrete pour.

This implies that with paver installation, you don’t have to miss workdays to stay home and watch over the process. You don’t even have to sit around and wait for hours or days before you can finally feel the pavers beneath your feet on the walkway.

Installing pavers is a clean job and doesn’t require any mortar for fixation. This is another reason buyers are likely to pay more to buy homes with paver makeovers.

Sturdiness

Pavers are sturdier than other similar options. They can withstand external elements and extreme weather conditions without requiring restorative measures if maintained and cared for properly.

In areas that are more likely to see earthquakes and storms, pavers prove to be the perfect flooring option for the outdoors. They are far more durable than concrete pours that can get cracked easily. This is mainly because pavers use an intertwining system that enables the ground surface to flex as the earth vibrates or moves.

Moreover, routine activities like simply pulling your vehicle out of the driveway can result in damages to concrete due to increased pressure. Pavers can easily withstand such movements without getting any damages at all.

Appeal

There is no question regarding how pavers increase the appeal of homes and create an excellent first impression on the visitors. They are aesthetically significant and add to the beauty of homes in an incomparable manner. Furthermore, there is a variety of colors, textures, and designs that you can choose from to ensure everything remains in accordance with the theme of your house.

What else could you wish for?

Connect with us at JJW Brick today to get help with the selection of pavers and for paver installation!  Give us a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Brick Paving Stone Makeovers Can Increase Property Value – Here’s How

by

What could be better for homeowners than a home remodeling project that actually pays back? While paving stones are commonly used to improve a house’s appearance, they can actually increase the worth of the properties in which they are introduced.

There are several ways you can use brick pavestones to decorate your house and increase its worth at the same time.

More commonly used in driveways to make homes look welcoming and pristine, brick paving stones are also used in making entryways and creating brick pavestone borders around swimming pools. Brick paving stones add to the attractiveness and beauty of the places they are used at.

A lot of homes even have their patios given a paving stone makeover. Who knew something as basic as adding pavestones can actually compel you to cook and spend a relaxing time with the family without having to spend to go to lavish places or staying indoors?

Pavers are known to add a welcoming element and lovely appeal to outdoor areas. However, increasing the beauty of your home and its exterior isn’t the only benefit that these brick pavestones have to offer. They even increase home value like no other remodeling job can.

Here are some benefits of giving your home a brick paving stone makeover.

Benefits of Brick Paver Makeover

Well, who wouldn’t like to get a higher property value when it’s time to resell their home? That’s exactly what paving stones do for you.

Your home’s exterior creates the first impression on everyone who visits you and this includes prospective buyers. Beautiful walkways, driveways, patios, and swimming pools adorned with brick pavestones tend to compel buyers to make a purchase before someone else calls dibs. Buyers will be ready to buy your property at a higher rate because of both added beauty due to paving stones and increased demand.

Even if you don’t intend to sell your home right now, giving the exterior a paving stone makeover is a good idea. It’ll give you and your family a designated area to have some quality time together whenever needed.

Brick Paver Options

When opting to give your home a pavestone makeover, you have a variety of stone styles and textures to choose from including embossed stone, tumbled stone, cobblestone, and flagstone. Moreover, you also get to choose from an amazing range of neutral stone colors such as earth tones, cream brown, charcoal gray, terracotta brown, sandstone and so on.

You can even choose to create a mix-and-match pattern using different types of stone colors or textures. The stones can then be arranged in a random pattern, a geometrical design, or any other way you like. With paving stones, you can satiate all your wild creativity cravings!

Installing brick paving stones is nothing short of a full-flash investment. Don’t forget to get professional help regarding their maintenance and installation. In case you are already on the lookout, our experts at JJW Brick are waiting to serve you. Connect now by giving us a call at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

How To Clean Your Pavers And Enhance Their Look

by

Homeowners want their pavers to look pristine and clean all year round. If there is a backyard in your home that serves as your spot for a barbecue party with friends or as a weekly family gathering spot, it is really important to clean your pavers and keep them intact.

But how can you do this? We’ll tell you here.

Importance of Cleaning Your Pavers

To ensure your pavers stay in a good shape, the most important thing you should do is to clean them often. Regular cleaning keeps pavers good as new and prevents damages that cause homeowners to call the professionals to restore them.

Paver installation is nowhere near being a cheap investment. It requires a lot of time, hassle, and money to get the right type of pavers installed by professionals. That said, you would not want to cause damages to them by failing to provide adequate care and maintenance.

As with other flooring options, pavers are prone to getting damages caused by natural elements like excessive rain, hailing, snow, humidity, and exposure to freezing temperatures. These factors can quickly result in staining, fading, and other similar damages in your home’s pavers. Ultimately, you will be compelled to look for professional help and spend money to fix things up.

However, with regular cleaning, maintenance and care, you can prevent natural elements as well as chemicals like oil carried by our shoes and vehicles from causing any such damages to the pavers. This will also help in making the pavers look attractive.

The best way you can manage this task is by making it a part of your weekly cleaning activity. By adding your pavers to your weekly chores, you can prevent your pavers from becoming tarnished and keep them looking more attractive than ever. Unless you enjoy spending thousands in restorations every few years, take the time to clean your pavers and save yourself the frustration!

How to Clean the Pavers in Your Home

You will need a deck broom or a brush, pressure washer, a rotary surface cleaner, and an effective cleaning solution available on the market to clean your pavers.

Contrary to what people think, paver cleaning is not a difficult task. To begin with, you only need the right equipment and the determination to clean your pavers.

Typically, a garden hose with a sprinkler attached to it can remove the dirt that has accumulated on your pavers. But if you locate any difficult spots, you can run the pressure washer and remove them. Nonetheless, be wary of using the washer on the fan setting to prevent damages to pavers and the joints in between them.

Once the spraying part is over, use the broom or brush to put back in place any sand that might have come out due to pressure. The solution or product that you buy to clean pavers should only be used when the power or pressure washers fails to remove certain stains on your pavers. Don’t forget to go through the product label before you apply these products.

If you want to replace your damaged pavers or need help with cleaning, connect with JJW Brick now. Sit back and relax while we prepare your pavers and surprise you!  Give us a call today for more information on how you can maintain your brick pavers.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We hope to hear from you soon!

 

How to Design a Spectacular Outdoor Kitchen

by

Outdoor kitchen has a certain charm that you can’t deny. Now that the summer season is almost upon us, it is time to pack up those jackets and say hello to the sun. One of the things that are amazing about summer is the thrill of preparing your food outside. Well, frankly speaking, we love cooking outdoors whether it is summer or winter.

The cool breeze, the smell of firewood, and the amazing outdoor environment will elevate everyone’s spirits. Are you ready to enjoy this pure bliss as well? How about you invest in an outdoor kitchen?

The sheer number of ideas on outdoor kitchen can easily overwhelm you. Lucky for you, we are here for you. This helpful guide will help you design the most spectacular outdoor kitchen.

Keep Your Budget in Mind

The first thing you have to do is set up a budget for the hardscape. Are you going to get brick pavers or stamped concrete? What kind of design are you going to go for? The prices of different materials vary. Not to mention the maintenance costs.

Hire a professional contractor to help you figure out which design or material will fall under your budget.

Appliances

Once you have figured out the budget, it is time for you to move on to more exciting things – appliances. You have to decide what kind of appliances is necessary for your outdoor kitchen. The first thing to choose is the grill. There are multiple choices for that, so look around a bit before you make the final decision.

Also, keep the environment in mind. If you live in a humid environment, select the appliances that will work well with it. Don’t forget to get a cooler for the drinks. No one likes hot beer.

Don’t Forget the Roof Covers

Roof covers are a necessity for an outdoor kitchen. They allow you to extend the grilling time even when it is pouring rain outside. Not to mention the fact that you will have the chance to enjoy great food with an amazing view of the rain. When you have a roof cover, you will not have to shift your party indoors because of rain or drizzle. Make sure you have an electric heater so that you will remain comfy when it is chilly out.

Seating Arrangement

Have you thought about the seating arrangement for your outdoor kitchen? Will you get a dining table or opt for a bar seating? They are both a great idea. A dining table is perfect for an intimate evening with your family. You can have a candlelight dinner and enjoy the warm summer breeze.

If you like to host BBQ parties and invite a lot of people over, then the bar setting would be the perfect choice for you. You can all sit by the countertop and enjoy steaks with beer while having a lively conversation.

Make sure you look into the logistics and permits before you start working on your kitchen. Once you are through that, you can break ground on your dream outdoor kitchen.  If you’re looking for a professional hardscape company, give JJW Brick a call today. We would love to meet with you to discuss your dream outdoor kitchen! Our number is  1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Recent Landscape Projects…

More Recent Projects...

Read Our Reviews…

Read More Reviews...

JJW Brick.com | Sterling Hts., Michigan

JJW Brick.com Houzz Profile