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All You Need to Know About Hardscape Design

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If you are unsure what hardscape design is, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about hardscape design. Before we move any further, let us begin by telling you what hardscape design really is.

The permanent structural elements of your house’s landscape are the hardscape. Sheds, decks, walls, arbors, patios, paths, and walkways all come under hardscape. The hardscape design of your house can beautify your property and increase its curb appeal.

Styles

The style of your hardscape depends on your preference as well as your budget. Some people go towards brick, while others prefer stamped concrete. Stones and marble are also very popular materials for hardscape design. All these materials differ in texture, price, and look. The material you choose will define the ambiance of your house. Make sure that the material you choose matches your house’s existing features.

Select Your Design Preference

There are two types of designs you can choose from – naturalistic and formal. The formal design is symmetrical to the last stone, while the naturalistic design allows you to combine different ideas into a single hardscape design.

The selection depends solely on your personal preference.

Hire a Professional

Once you have selected the design and the materials, it is time for you to hire a professional to execute your ideas. You can make a rough draft to show your contractors the design you are looking for.

Remember, don’t hop on the DIY train. If you are not experienced in hardscape design, you may end up ruining the exterior of your house, costing you time as well as money.

Don’t Forget the Softscape

When you are planning your house’s hardscape design, remember to keep the softscape in mind as well. Let us start by telling you what softscape is. the plants, soils, and flowers make the softscape.

In order to make your house the best in the neighborhood, you have to balance out the hardscape and the softscape. You have to keep the visual appeal in mind. too much softscape can steal attention away from your hardscape design, while too much hardscape will not give your house the welcoming and green look you are looking for.

Your contractor will be able to guide you on how to balance the hardscape and the softscape of your house so that they may complement each other.

Maintenance

To order to increase the lifespan of your hardscape design, it is essential that you keep an eye on the maintenance. The maintenance of your hardscape depends on the material you choose. However, here are some general guidelines that will help you maintain your hardscape:

  • Keep the hardscape clean and free from debris
  • Don’t let the snow and ice settle
  • Clean the stains before they have a chance to set
  • Regularly inspect for signs of erosion and cracks

Now that you know all about hardscape designs, are you ready to beautify your house? Perfect! Give JJW Brick a call today.  1-800-BRICK-PAVERS; we look forward to hearing from you!

The Importance of Cleaning and Sealing Your Macomb County Brick Pavers

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If you have an addition to your Macomb County yard that uses brick pavers, you’ve probably heard about the importance of maintaining them. While brick pavers are a durable and beautiful material, it’s important to do your part in ensuring they stay that way.

Two important ways to maintain your Macomb County brick pavers are to clean and seal your brick pavers. Most homeowners don’t put much thought into why it’s so important to seal and clean their brick pavers but doing these simple maintenance tasks are truly an important task.

Why You Should Keep Your Brick Pavers Clean

Many people mistake the low maintenance quality of brick pavers with the idea that they’re no maintenance. Maintaining your brick pavers ensure that they will last for years to come. One very important element of maintaining your brick pavers is keeping them clean.

Any built-up debris on your brick pavers should be removed to prevent any stains on the surface of your brick pavers. Some homeowners will let leaves stay on the surface of their brick pavers and decompose. In the spring, an unsightly stain remains on the surface of your brick pavers that will need to be pressure washed away. Moreover, if debris is regularly left on your brick pavers, over time loose stone and grit will deteriorate brick pavers

How Sealing Your Brick Pavers Extends Their Lifespan

Having your brick pavers sealed is a simple way to extend the lifespan of your new addition. A sealant is generally added to brick pavers every two to three years and acts as an extra layer of protection for your brick pavers.

A sealant can help your brick pavers maintain their color even when the sun beats down on them for hours. Brick pavers that have been sealed are easier to clean and less likely to stain. In most cases, oil spills and tire marks can be easily cleaned from the surface of sealed brick pavers.

Adding sealant to your brick paver structure not protects the brick pavers themselves, but also the joints between them. Over time, weeds, mold, and mildew can grow in the joints to brick pavers. Sealant acts as a guard against these elements and can prevent their growth, rather than having the hassle of removing them later.

Choosing Experts for All Your Brick Paver Needs

Most homeowners want their addition to last as long as possible, so it’s important to trust experts for all of your brick paver needs. Cleaning and sealing your brick pavers can help them last for years to come and save you time and hassle down the line. It may be tempting to make maintaining your brick pavers a do-it-yourself project, but here at JJW Brick, we have brick paver maintenance down to an art.

Using a three-step process, we ensure that your brick pavers are properly cleaned and sealed without damaging them in the process. With over 15 years of experience in sealing brick pavers, we truly are the experts. If you’re ready to have your Macomb County brick pavers cleaned and sealed, give JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

6 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Contractor to Install Patio Pavers

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Are you looking to redesign your landscape with some patio pavers? The spring season is almost upon us, and with that, there should be a change in your landscape design too. When it comes to hiring a contractor to install patio pavers, you have to be extra careful.

Installation of patio pavers is not something you do every day; it is an investment. It is essential that the contractor you hire should be well-versed in patio pavers installation as the slightest mistake can turn out to be expensive for you. Not to mention the fact it can lead to foundational issues.

To make sure you give the job to the right contractor, you have to be able to ask the right questions. In this article, we will tell what questions you must ask before hiring a contractor to install patio pavers.

1.    Are you Licensed?

One of the first questions you should ask the contractor is about their license. Most states require the contractors to have an active license. This license ensures that they are honest, responsible, and trustworthy.

2.    Do You Have Insurance?

It is essential that you ask the contractors you are thinking of hiring to install your patio pavers about their insurance. If there was damage to your property during installation, insurance will make sure that you are not liable for the payments.

3.    Do You Have Any Recommendations?

You want to hire the contractor who is experienced in the installation of patio pavers. Referrals and recommendations help you decide whether you should hire them or not. The contractor you choose must have at least three to five referrals from their previous customers. You can even get in you touch with them and ask to review their work in person.

4.    Do They Offer You a Guarantee?

What if there is some sort of damage a few weeks after the installation? What if you are not satisfied with the finished work? Most of the professional contractors offer their customers a guarantee. During that period, you will be able to get the changes done or repairs made without spending a single penny.

5.    Do the Company Hire Subcontractors?

You will be letting strangers in your home. You have the right to know who these people are. There are a lot of companies who have a contract with subcontractors for the installation of patio pavers. If they are not regularly associated with the company, will they have the same level of training and experience? You need to have the answers to these questions before making a final decision on hiring.

6.    Are There Any Hidden Charges?

Before you select a contractor to install patio pavers, you need to ask whether there will be any hidden installation charges. Some contractors offer you an estimate, and then at the end demand more money for hidden charges. Make sure you ask this question, so you won’t be caught unawares.

If you are in need of a professional hardscape company in the Metro-Detroit area, give JJW Brick a call today!  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

5 Tips to Protect Your Pavers from Harsh Weather

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Many countries across the US are experiencing snow these days. The frigid weather is expected to last for the next couple of months. This can take a toll on pavers by reducing their life. However, by taking a few preventive steps, the life of the pavers can be extended.

Here are some tips that can help protect pavers during the cold winter months.

1. Avoid Using Deicing Agents

Many deicing agents are harmful for pavers. Apart from damaging them, they can kill the surrounding plants and grass due to a higher concentration of salt.

Instead of using a deicing agent such as rock salt or others, you should simply clean the driveway and then use sand. Sand is not only cheaper but also environmentally friendly. Moreover, it will give greater traction to your pavers.

2. Seal the Pavers

Pavers should be sealed to avoid damage. Water that enters through cracks can expand and damage them. By sealing the pavers, you can provide added protection to them. As a result, the water will stay on the surface.

Experts recommend sealing pavers every five years. The cost of sealing will be a lot less in the long run than the repair costs due to winter damage.

3. Use a Composite Decking Material

A composite decking material should be used for building outdoor decks. This will ensure that water does not slip and damage the pavers. Moreover, using a composite decking material can also prevent damage to the deck surface.

The deck should also be sealed to avoid water running off the surface, thereby preventing pavers from getting damaged during the winter season.

4. Paver Design

In areas that receive a lot of snowfall, it’s important to design a driveway that accommodates heavy objects such as snow plows. The forethought can prevent costly repairs later on.

If your pavers are not made from a high quality material, they may get scratched or cracked due to regular plowing. While cracks and chips may not affect the life of pavers, they may decrease their aesthetic appeal. To avoid damage, choose pavers that are not made out of aggressive textures.

5. Paver Color

Apart from design, the color of a paver also affects the degradation level during winters. Darker color tends to attract a lot of heat due to which snow can melt faster. So, this is something you should consider when selecting pavers for your driveway.

On a final note, make sure that the pavers are made of high-quality materials. While quality pavers may be costly, they can save you a lot of money in the long term since you will pay less in repairs. A higher quality paver can last for decades without any problems.

The concrete material used should have a high PSI since it will be less likely to be affected by deicing agents during winter. The PSI strength determines the concrete’s strength, as well as the porosity and absorption level. This will less likely result in pavers getting damaged due to snow.

Give JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to for more tips on how to maintain your brick pavers this Michigan winter.

Why You Should Choose Brick Pavers for Driveways

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For thousands of years, clay brick has been the most favored building materials. Everything from walls to pathways, courtyards to paving roads were made from bricks. In modern times, people prefer concrete and cobblestones pavers as they are more durable as well as harder than clay bricks. But the brick pavers give a classic and gorgeous look to your driveways. If you take care of your brick paver driveway and keep it maintained, it will thrive. It is also important that the base of the driveway is well established.

What are Brick Pavers?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – what are brick pavers? Brick pavers are made from clay that is heated at a high temperature to give it its shape. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, are made using Portland cement and aggregate, while cobblestones are natural stones cut in the shape of pavers.

Brick pavers have a smooth surface and solid. They are usually rectangular in shape and are clay-colored, but now you can even get other colors and shapes.  The best part about having brick paver driveway is that you can make it look however old or new you like. If you are going for an antique look, you can get brick pavers that have an old and dingy look. On the other hand, if you want a more modern look, your brick pavers will look sleek and modern.

Installation of Brick Pavers

There are two types of bases that can be used for the installation of brick pavers – mortar and sand. The first thing your contractor will do is remove all the debris and dirt from your driveway. Any previous driveway will also have to be torn down.

The next step is to compact the soil. After that, your contractor will add gravel and sand and make sure that it is level. Once the base is ready, it is time for the brick pavers to be added. The bricks on the parameter are set in concrete so that they remain in place.

After that, remove the sand from the joints and compact the surface. Repeat this step twice and you will be the proud new owner of a brick paver driveway.

Maintenance

Because they are not as durable as concrete, you will have to pay extra attention to its maintenance. With regular maintenance, your prick paver driveway can last up to 25 years, even more. But the heart wants what it wants, so let’s get onto it.

The ultraviolet rays from the sun and the weather can gradually have an impact on your brick paver driveway.

Use a pressure washer to wash your brick paver driveway twice every year. Check regularly for wild weeds and remove it. Make sure that the dirt does not get settled on your driveway. If you notice any cracks, get them repaired right away.

Make sure that after you are done washing the brick paver driveway, you seal the bricks. If you don’t do this, the bricks can peel off and flake over time.

Correct installation is the key here. Make sure you hire professionals to install your brick paver driveway.  Give JJW Brick a call for all of your hardscape design needs!  Our phone number is 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  Call today!

Improve Your House’s Curb Appeal With Hardscape Design

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Being a homeowner, you must always be looking for new ways to make your house more beautiful and improve its curb appeal. Decorating the interior of your house is not enough, you have to make the exterior attractive as well. One of the ways to do that is by installing a new and beautiful walkway as it as a great way to improve the hardscape of your house.

An elegant walkway will give your house the curb appeal it deserves. Trust us, your house will be the most beautiful one in the entire neighborhood.

How to Get Started

Now that you have made the decision on improving the look of your house with hardscape design, it is time to get started. The first thing that you have to do is select a material for the walkway. There are several different materials you can choose. Each varies in texture, durability, maintenance, and price. Choosing the material is a personal choice. You can choose the one that describes your personality or matches the overall look of your property. If you already have a hardscape design, maybe you can choose the same material for the walkway. Remember to set your budget as the prices for the material and installation vary from one another.

A few materials you can choose from are gravel, marble, brick, natural stone, and concrete. Once you have chosen the material, you can start working on the design.

Choosing the Design

When it comes to design, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many choices and ideas that homeowners often get confused. You can seek help from professionals to guide you in this process. They can tell you what design will suit your property best and give you the oomph factor you are looking for.

It is important that your walkway matches the décor and design of your current hardscape. You don’t want it to be the odd one out. That is why it is important that you get assistance from professionals.

Installation

Being a homeowner, you must have a certain look in your mind on how the finished walkway should look like. Residents often believe that they are the only ones who will be able to execute that look and decide to go the DIY route.

Let us stop you right there because it is not a good idea. One mistake and the entire project can go down the drain. When it comes to hardscape design, you should always turn to professionals. They have knowledge and expertise on how to construct the perfect walkway. Not only will this save you time, but also your hard-earned money.

Don’t Forget the Surroundings

Once your hardscape design is complete, start thinking on how you can make it even more appealing. Well, we are here to help you out with that as well.

You can add bushes, plants, and colorful flowers to make your walkway more appealing. You can even light it up using solar lighting. That way, your walkway will be bright in the night as well as in the morning.

Are you ready to improve your house’s curb appeal with hardscape design? Great! Give JJW Brick a call today!  You can reach us at our office at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Three Fun Ways To Spruce Up Your Roseville Home With Brick Pavers

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When most people think of additions for their home, they think about the necessary items. It is important to take care of the day to day renovations that are needed, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate fun renovations for your home and yard too. Using brick pavers for additions for your Roseville yard allows you to add beautiful and fun structures to your yard. These additions can create a space for your friends and family to gather.

Getting Started

The first step to any addition to your yard should always be lanscape design. Three-dimensional landscape design allows you to get an idea about what your new addition will look like prior to starting construction. If any minor tweaks need to be done, it’s easy to catch them when looking at a three-dimensional plan. Landscape design also is great for yards where space may be an issue. By seeing exactly how your new addition will look, you ensure that you’re making the most of the usable space in your yard.

Three Fun Ideas To Consider

If your goal is to create a fun hang-out area in your yard, there are three great ideas to consider. Even if you have a small yard with limited space, you can still create an area in your yard that promotes family gatherings.

  • Create a fun place to cook out. Create a fun place to cook out with family by re-doing your patio. There are many patio options that include the space for pizza ovens or grills, shelter from the elements, and seating for your family. By re-doing your patio with brick pavers you ensure that your new patio will last for years to come due to the durability of brick pavers.
  • Add a fire pit to your yard. It seems like in Michigan there are more cold days than warm. Adding a fire pit for your yard gives you and your family a place to hang out even on the coldest days. Some people even have their fire pits build into their regular patio area to create one big place to get together.
  • Add a pool deck with brick pavers. If you’ve always wanted to get a pool or you already have one but need a replacement deck, consider switching over to brick pavers. Brick pavers have a textured surface that provides a slight grip when wet. With your new brick paver pool deck, your family will be able to enjoy hours playing in the pool without having to be as concerned about slipping on wet surfaces.

Start Your Renovations now

If you’ve been considering adding a fun addition to your Roseville yard, it’s a good idea to start those renovations now. These additions create a fun place to get warm in the winter months and cool down in the summer months. By designing and starting the construction for your newest addition sooner than later, you ensure that you have the time with your family to enjoy them! Give JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS          to start designing your next addition for your Roseville yard!

 

 

Repairing Your Brick Patio

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Everyone wants their patio to look beautiful. This is not possible when the bricks are not in good shape. Repairs on your brick patio are usually needed due to improper installation. Hiring an amateur contractor and going down the DIY route are the most common reasons behind improper installation.

One thing that you should keep in mind is that installation and repairs of your brick patio should always be carried out by professionals. Professionals have the knowledge and expertise and can detect the cause of failure before coming up with the action plan.

Types of Patio Failure

There are a few reasons why you might need repairs on your brick patio. Following are some of the types of failures:

  • Sunken or wavy surface
  • Sunken edges
  • Worn down surface
  • Low areas develop
  • Separated bricks
  • Edges rising or bricks rising
  • Rocking or loose bricks

Why Brick Patios Fail

There are several reasons why brick patios fail, but the most common is due to the improperly installed base. For any job to be flawless, the base has to be just right. If there is a problem with the base, the entire project is up for disaster.

The same is with the brick patio. If the concrete work or the retaining wall is not done correctly, the entire patio will get crumbled.

Following are some of the top reasons why brick patios fail:

  • Wrong material in the base
  • Poorly compacted base
  • Erosion of base
  • No or poor drainage
  • Mediocre brick pavers
  • Poor installation technique
  • Lack of paver edging
  • Thaw or freeze cycle

What Are the Costs?

You must be wondering – how much will it cost me to get my brick patio repaired? Well, there is no one answer to that question. The answer depends on the amount of work needed as well as the labor needed to perform the job.

The cost can get cut down significantly if the older materials are reusable. However, if you are looking at removal of the entire patio and rebuilding, then it might be a little costly. Like we said before, the cost will depend on the condition of your patio.

Matching Bricks

We know that you must be worried about mismatched bricks in your patio. But you don’t have to worry about that. The vast market of brick manufacturers will make the matching much easier. You can easily get the exact replica of your patio’s bricks from the market.

Materials

One of the main reasons why people need repairs is because of the materials. To save a few bucks, people turn towards lesser-quality materials. These bricks are cheap and of inferior quality; the ratio of sand is higher than the ratio of cement in these bricks. The quality of the materials must be kept in mind when you are making the purchase.

How to Deal With Discoloration if the Bricks

One of the common misconceptions that a lot of people have is that brick patios get discolored due to fading. The reason for the discoloration is not because of the sun, but because of the debris, organic matter, soil, or dust. All you have to do is power wash your brick patio, and it will be good as new.

If you are interested in repairing your brick paver patio, give JJW Brick a call!  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

 

Maintaining Your Clinton Township Brick Pavers This Winter

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While the first official day of winter isn’t upon us yet, the ice, snow, and cold weather are already hitting our Clinton Township homes. You may think it’s too late in the fall to have any new additions to your yard due to the weather. That simply isn’t the case.

Using brick pavers to for your new addition is a great way to boost your curb appeal during all seasons. If you choose to update the hardscape of your yard in the fall and winter months, those additions will be ready for you in the spring and summer months. Properly maintaining your brick pavers this winter is key to a smooth transition to the warmer months.

The Benefits of Choosing Brick Pavers

There are many benefits to choosing brick pavers for your new additions. Brick pavers can be used to update driveways, walkways, pool decks, patios, and more! Understanding the benefits of choosing brick pavers may help you understand why so many homeowners are choosing brick pavers for their own homes!

Brick pavers are a durable, slip-resistant material that can last for years without needing to be replaced. They are low maintenance and the repairs associated with them are often simple. In fact, in the case where a brick paver is cracked or damaged, only the damaged brick paver needs to be replaced. Other building materials require the entire structure be replaced when one area is damaged.

Another reason that homeowners choose brick pavers for their home additions is that brick pavers are customizable and can help create almost any design you desire. This beautiful and customizable building material is a great way to boost the value of your home.

Tips for Winter Maintenance

Once homeowners understand the benefits of brick pavers, they often want to do everything possible to maintain their new addition. The great news is that brick pavers are low maintenance, even in the winter months. Here are just a few tips to get help keep your brick pavers in the best condition possible this winter!

Tips for Dry Days:

  • Repair or replace damaged or broken brick pavers. Uneven surfaces can be a hazard in the winter months.
  • Remove leaves from the surface of your brick pavers. Leaves that are allowed to decompose on your brick pavers can stain and require extra work in the spring months to clean.
  • Add sealant to help protect the surface of your brick pavers.

Tips for Snowy Days:

  • Avoid using de-icing agents and use rock salt instead.
  • Use a plastic shovel when possible. Metal shovels can scratch the surface of your brick pavers.
  • Cover the blades of your snow plows and snow blowers with a plastic blade protector for added protection against scratches.

Whether you’re thinking about having a new addition placed in your Clinton Township yard or you already have one you’re trying to maintain, JJW Brick can help you with all your brick paver maintenance needs. Give us a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to get started today!

 

 

Hardscape Options For Your Troy Home This Winter

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There’s nothing like coming home after a long day of work. Our homes are our safe places where we can relax and let the stress of our day fall away. If you’re coming home to a front yard that’s in disrepair, however, coming home can be a stressful ordeal when you start thinking about all the things you need to do.

Some homeowners believe that the best time for repairs and upgrades for their homes is when the weather is warmer. That simply isn’t the case. You don’t need to spend your winter with the stress of repairs and additions hanging over your head. Instead, consider some great hardscape options for your Troy home that can be started this winter!

Why Remodel During the Colder Months

Just because the weathers colder that doesn’t mean you need to wait to have additions finished in your yard.  In fact, there are several reasons you shouldn’t wait until the spring and summer to upgrade your Troy yard.

  • You’ll have less to worry about in the spring and summer months. In the spring and summer, more people are outside enjoying time with family and friends. If you get your additions completed during the colder months, you’ll have less to do in the warmer months.
  • Damaged surfaces can create a fall risk in the winter months. Winters in Michigan are filled with snow and ice. If your driveway or walkway is uneven or cracked, there’s a higher risk of losing your footing on slick, icy surfaces.
  • Your remodeled front yard will look great to family and friends who come to visit. The holidays are almost upon us and that means that more family and friends will be visiting. By completing your additions now, you can feel great knowing that your home gives off a great impression to holiday visitors.

Hardscape Ideas to Get You Started

Hardscaping is a great option to upgrade in the colder months for the reasons mentioned above, but where to start?  Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

  • Upgrade your driveway. Your driveway is the first area of your home that you and visitors see. Cracked and damaged driveways can be an eyesore. Consider having your Troy driveway upgraded using brick pavers. Brick pavers are a great option for driveways because they are resistant to stains, making oil and skid marks easy to clean.
  • Use brick pavers for your walkway. Since the winter months bring ice and snow, it’s only practical to consider brick pavers for your walkways. Brick pavers are not only a beautiful material, but they are also slip resistant. The textured surface of brick pavers can help you get better footing and prevent fall risks in the winter months.
  • Use hardscaping to add a personal touch to your yard. Whether you use boulders or natural stone to line your walkway or you add brick paver lighting along your driveway, these small touches to your hardscape can add a personal touch to your front yard.

Get Started Today

Get a jump on your front yard renovations this winter. Here at JJW Brick, we help make additions to your Troy yard simple. Give JJW a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to get started today!

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