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What to Look for While Buying Brick Pavers?

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

Brick pavers’ versatility and durability make them the ideal choice for outdoor landscaping. Further, the aesthetic appeal granted by these pavers to driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks has made brick pavers quite popular with homeowners and commercial property owners.

For centuries now, wood, cement, and concrete had been the most popular choices for landscaping. However, the numerous advantages offered by brick pavers have moved the opinions across countries in favor of brick pavers. While shopping for brick pavers, homeowners and interior designers should ask three critical questions: How were the brick pavers made? From what were they made? And how easy will it be to repair them?

Let us now look into each of these criteria in detail.

How Are Brick Pavers Made?

Molds are the most integral component needed to make brick pavers. Since molds are available in different sizes and shapes, brick pavers can be given any desired shape or size. Further, bricks designed using the molding process are more durable and easier to install. Furthermore, it is also easier to cast them in any texture. Thus, homeowners and interior designers that prefer to enjoy creative freedom should invariably rule in favor of brick pavers created through the molding process.

What Were the Brick Pavers Made From?

It is essential to know about the material that was used to create the brick pavers you are planning to use. In most cases, the raw material used for brick paver production is concrete aggregates or clay. These raw materials are heated at a temperature in excess of 2000 degrees. This exercise is done to grant brick pavers strength and life. Pavers made from cement and concrete using this technique show high resistance to cracks and stains and can easily survive extreme weather conditions as well. Homeowners and commercial property owners must steer clear of brick pavers made from poured concrete as they begin to crack after only a few years. Further, they quickly take stains as well.

How Easily Will It Be to Repair Them?

Yet another important question you must ask the seller before buying brick pavers is: how easily and quickly can they be repaired?

Though brick pavers are durable and usually last long years, it is impossible to ignore the possibility of them becoming damaged. Brick pavers are used for landscaping in outdoor areas, where the foot traffic remains continually high. Thus, sometimes, brick paver structures get damaged and need repairing. Fortunately, since brick pavers are made from multiple layers of bricks, damage in, most cases, is concentrated in a single area. Thus, when brick pavers get damaged, the ideal way to repair them involves working on a small space. Thus, before buying brick pavers, ask the seller if it would be possible to repair part structures or will fixing require overhauling the entire structure.

The Final Word

Whether you are designing your home or office or even a building or structure for someone else, it is important to give proper attention to details. While shopping for brick pavers, ask these three important questions and save yourself any regrets later.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

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

Tips for Maintaining Your Brick Paver Pool Deck

August 10, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Summer is upon us and with it comes the hot weather that is best spent at the beach or the pool. If you’re lucky enough to own a pool, you’re probably aware that owning a pool isn’t all luxury. Owning a pool can be hard work. Between the regular cleanings, staying on top of chlorine levels, and adding shock, owning a pool can be a project in and of itself. Maintaining your brick paver pool deck doesn’t have to be

Benefits of a Brick Paver Pool Deck

When it comes to deciding what type of pool decking material to go with, brick pavers stand out above other options. Opting for a brick paver pool deck allows you to completely customize the look of your pool. Brick pavers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that allow you to create the backyard oasis of your dreams. Aesthetics aside, brick pavers are a durable option that ensures that your pool deck will be a great addition for years to come.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a brick paver pool deck is the added safety of its slip-resistant surface. Brick pavers are textured to allow a better grip on wet surfaces. This added texture can give you the peace of mind that when your children go back and forth between the pool that they won’t be as likely to slip and fall due to a slick surface.

So What Exactly Goes Into Maintaining Your Brick Paver Pool Deck?

Even the best pool deck will need a little maintenance to keep it in great shape throughout the years. The good news is that maintaining your brick paver pool deck is relatively simple. Here are a few tips that will help keep your pool deck looking new for years to come.

Make sure to apply sealant at least 24 hours after your brick paver pool deck has been set. Sealant is a guard against stains and discoloration that generally lasts two to three years after the initial application.
If any spills occur that result in a stain, simply pressure wash them away. Your sealant should make this a quick and easy process.
Routinely inspect for any cracked or broken brick pavers. If throughout the years you start to notice damaged brick pavers, it’s a simple fix. Only the damaged bricks need to be replaced, rather than replacing your entire pool deck.
Don’t forget to inspect the stairs to your pool deck if you have them. Make sure to check for broken or wobbly brick pavers on the stairs of your pool deck to prevent slips or falls. Generally, this won’t happen for years due to the durability of the brick pavers, but it’s important to keep your pool deck and stairs up to code.

Having a brick paver pool deck is a wonderful addition to any yard that is easy to maintain. That maintenance is made easier with the help of our brick paver repair team. Give us a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to learn how we can help with your brick paver pool deck maintenance.

What Does Unacceptable Brick Paving Work Look Like?

August 9, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

If you’ve noticed a downgrade or demise in quality and craftsmanship in areas of your personal, home, or work life, you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s happening in various factions of the construction industry overall and brick paver work in particular.

To the truly dedicated professionals in every field, poor quality is very concerning. It’s an indirect refection against them.

And once again, this holds true in the brick paver business. Brick pavers are popular because of their beautiful appearance, flexibility, and durability. So, when a bad job reflects otherwise, it’s concerning to many of those in the brick paver business, in addition to the homeowners who have to deal with the bad job.

So, when contracting your next brick paver job, be aware of these 3 signs of a bad job and take steps to avoid those results happening on your brick paver structures.

Unsafe, unattractive borders

Poor paver work is quickly noticeable if there are no edge restraints. Whether it’s intentional for cost-saving reasons, remiss of lack of knowledge, or simply an oversight, the lack of edge restraints is a sure sign of low-quality work. Borders need continuous pressure; without it the borders are unsightly and dangerous because people are more apt to trip and fall.

Improper water runoff

When brick pavers are built correctly, they are slightly tilted. Even though they look and feel flat, they have a slight slope which aids in the runoff of water. If the slope is not correct, water accumulates and you’ll see puddling.

You’ll also see water accumulation in the form of puddling if sections of soil below the surface are loose. Eventually, they’ll compress, the surface will become uneven and when there’s water around – from rain or a hose as an example – puddles will form.

Lack of polymeric sand

If you ask homeowners with substandard brick paver work what bothers them the most about them, their answers will likely be weed growth. Chances are the brick paver companies that deliver brick paver jobs resulting in weeds growing between the bricks don’t know or don’t care to know that the way to prevent weed growth between paver bricks is to make sure the surface has polymeric sand.

Brick Pavers – Are they the Finest Landscaping Material?

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

They’re certainly highly popular. In fact, brick pavers are considered the most popular when it comes to outdoor landscaping. Used for everything from driveways and patios to walkways and pool decks, they’re versatile, durable and look great.

So, it’s easy to see why many – in and out of the industry – claim that brick pavers are the best of all the materials used in landscaping. Accepting that means taking a quick look at brick pavers’ “competition”.; namely wood and concrete as well as other such materials used in outdoor building.

From there, it’s easy to point out how the 3 primary characteristics of brick pavers give them clearly distinctive advantages over all other outdoor building materials.

The 3 main distinguishing features, advantages and characteristics of brick pavers are:

What they’re made of, how they’re made, and how easily damage can be repaired.

Let’s look at each one.

What are brick pavers made of?

Using concrete aggregates or clay, brick pavers are made at temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees. This process at that temperature is why they are so strong and durable. They’re much more resistant to cracks and stains and are quite steadfast in extreme weather conditions.

Poured concrete is often stained and cracks can begin to appear in as little as a few years.

How are brick pavers made?

One key distinctive feature of brick pavers is that molds are used to make them. Molds offer many options in terms of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the mold process makes the brick pavers easier to install which inspires many more creative, individualized outdoor designs. These designs can include use of different textures casting the appearance of a variety of different surfaces such as natural stone.

How are they repaired when damaged?

Even though they are known for their impressive durability, brick pavers can still become damaged. They “reside” in the elements and all sorts of things occur – without warning or avoidance – in the elements.

Fortunately, since a brick paver structure is composed of many single bricks, damage to the structure is usually in only one smaller area.

So, instead of having to replace an entire structure, typically damage is minimized to a few bricks that need to be replaced. And the entire structure looks like new again.

Convenient, strong, durable, and flexible, brick pavers are a wise, practical choice when deciding how to elevate your outdoor living areas.

Brick Pavers – Are they the Finest Landscaping Material?

July 19, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

From there, it’s easy to point out how the 3 primary characteristics of brick pavers give them clearly distinctive advantages over all other outdoor building materials.

The 3 main distinguishing features, advantages and characteristics of brick pavers are:

What they’re made of, how they’re made, and how easily damage can be repaired.

Let’s look at each one.

What are brick pavers made of?

Poured concrete is often stained and cracks can begin to appear in as little as a few years.

How are brick pavers made?

One key distinctive feature of brick pavers is that molds are used to make them. Molds offer many options in terms of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the mold process makes the brick pavers easier to install which inspires many more creative, individualized outdoor designs. These designs can include the use of different textures casting the appearance of a variety of different surfaces such as natural stone.

How are they repaired when damaged?

Fortunately, since a brick paver structure is composed of many single bricks, damage to the structure is usually in only one smaller area.

So, instead of having to replace an entire structure, typically damage is minimized to a few bricks that need to be replaced. And the entire structure looks like new again.

Convenient, strong, durable, and flexible, brick pavers are a wise, practical choice when deciding how to elevate your outdoor living areas

How to Choose Between Brick Pavers and Concrete

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

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!

Upsides and Downsides of Concrete Pavers

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

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.

How Pavers Increase Home Value

March 1, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

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!

Preparing Your Warren Yard For the Winter Months

November 11, 2018 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

You may think it’s too late to prepare your Warren yard for the winter months because the cold is already upon us. That simply isn’t the case because there are still certain steps you can take to prepare and protect your yard this winter. The weather is only going to get worse and leaving your yard unattended can cause problems for you in the spring and summer months. If you haven’t prepared your Warren yard for the winter yet, that’s all the more reason to act with a sense of urgency and start preparing your yard now.

Areas to Focus On

Many homeowners minds are already on snow removal and winter maintenance tasks. But if you haven’t prepared your yard for the winter, those maintenance tasks will be that much harder. Here are some areas to focus on when preparing your Warren yard for the winter.

Focus on any areas with cracked or damaged brick pavers. It’s important to have any broken brick pavers replaced before the winter hits. Cracked brick pavers can split as water turns into ice and extends the cracked surface. Not only will the winter months exasperate the damage, but the inclement weather associated with the winter can create fall risks on uneven surfaces.

Have your sprinkler system winterized. One area of your yard you don’t want to forget is your sprinkler system. It’s important to have your sprinkler system winterized to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze and burst. Repairing or replacing your sprinkler system can become costly, especially if those repairs could have been prevented.

Protect your trees. Protect your trees this winter by covering the base of your trees with mulch. Mulch works much like a blanket to protect the roots of your trees from the harsh cold of the winter. By having mulch spread around the base of your trees, you not only create a clean look for your yard, but you also help your trees survive the harsh weather.

Clean leaves and debris from the surface of your hardscape. Letting leaves and debris become covered with ice and snow can create dirty surfaces in the spring. Decomposing leaves can stain the surface of your hardscape and cost you time and money to remove those stains. Even though brick pavers are stain resistant, debris that is left to rot in the winter months will need to be pressure washed to restore your hardscape to its previous glory.

The One Stop Shop For Your Warren Yard

Here at JJW Brick, we’re known for our beautiful additions that we create for homes using brick pavers. However, that isn’t all that we can help you with. We are experienced with landscaping, hardscaping, design, and maintenance options. This means that if you haven’t prepared your Warren yard for the winter yet, you can call the one shop stop to get great results. See for yourself what we can do for your Warren yard by giving JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Selecting from the Best Variety of Hardscape Materials

October 26, 2018 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

We know that hardscape elements are just as essential as softscape elements in your garden. With just the right balance of both the elements, you can enhance the whole look of your garden.

The hardscape in your garden can be light or heavy, informal or formal, small or big, natural or man-made. The point is, there has to be some hardscape in your garden in order to add dimension to it and for decorative purposes. A garden without hardscape looks as if something vital is missing. With a patio, pool surround, walkway, gazebo, and a variety of rocks and stones, your garden can become a highlight of your neighborhood.

When it comes to choosing from the variety of hardscape materials, homeowners often get confused. However, this article will help them select the most ideal variety for their gardens.

1. Bricks

Brick is the oldest hardscape material used to make walls, structures, and pathways in gardens. With bricks, homeowners can give their gardens a vintage look. The best thing about using brick hardscape is that it can make the surface look formal or informal. It means homeowners can use bricks to provide either formal or informal look to their gardens.

2. Composite Decking

Decking that’s not made of either wood or aluminum is called composite decking. The best feature of this type of decking is that it’s highly durable. Aside from that, composite decking has other benefits as well, like it resists mold growth, it is insect repellant, it won’t splinter, it provides perfect traction, and it doesn’t have to be sanded. This eco-friendly hardscape material is made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, which is why it can be expensive for homeowners on a budget.

3. Concrete

Nobody wants the plain gray colored concrete in their gardens. Our suggestion would relate to stained, textured, and stamped concrete that can be embedded with a variety of other materials like sea glass and pebbles. All in all, concrete can provide a high-end look to your garden if that’s what you’re looking for. Don’t make the mistake of thinking gray, plain concrete is the only option.

4. Small Stones

Small stones actually fall under the category of loose hardscape material, which also includes recycled glass, gravel, pebbles, and Mexican river rocks. Mostly used for decorative purposes, stones, and rocks can make your garden look extremely elite.

5. Natural Stone and Flagstone

Flagstone and natural stone is an amazing variety that can add value to courtyards, patios, and other outdoor areas that need hardscaping. Neatly cut and geometric shapes of flagstone provide the exterior of a house a more formal look, while irregular pieces provide a more artistic look.

6. Tiles

Tile is also a hardscape material that has been around for centuries. Tiled patios and courtyards are quite common because of the unique look they provide, especially if you’ve used small tiles with artistic designs.

7. Wood

Homeowners love to build outdoor decks with wood. The variety of wood available is quite diverse. You can get local wood that is more affordable than the imported variety of exotic hardwood. If you want to add a rich and warm look to the exterior of your house, then nothing works better than wood.

These seven hardscape materials can provide distinct looks to your garden, and all of these looks are appealing. Depending on your unique taste, you can choose from these hardscape materials to add a touch of class and beauty to your garden. For more details about hardscape materials, contact JJW Brick today. Please give us a call at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

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