Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the advantages of sealing my pavers?
Sealers can offer several advantages: they help resist stains and may enhance the color Sealers, however, are topical products and must be reapplied regularly (generally every 2 to 3 years).
2. What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
One of the advantages of pavers is that individual units can be removed and replaced in these situations. Remove the sand around the paver and then use two flat head screwdrivers to lift the paver out. Rocking the paver gently in a back-and-forth motion will facilitate removal.
3. Can I remove moss or mold from my pavers?
Try Clorox liquid bleach diluted in water (10 parts water to one part Clorox). Be careful not to get it on other plant material. Keep in mind that there is nothing that will keep it from growing back if it's in a shady, damp area. For a more permanent solution, you will need to correct the moisture and shade problems that are encouraging the moss or mold.
4. What is the whitish deposit I see on some paver installations?
You are probably referring to efflorescence, a natural and common occurrence in many concrete and clay brick products. Efflorescence is the result of naturally occurring mineral salts found in the materials used in the production of pavers or block and Low Country Pavers accepts no liability for its occurrence. When pavers become wet and absorb moisture the mineral salts are dissolved and are drawn to the surface of the paver with the moisture as it evaporates. This is not a product defect or harmful to the pavers and will usually weather away with time. While we recommend that you wait 6 months to a year for it to dissipate, if you don't want to wait for it to weather away, Techni-Seal offers an excellent cleaning product to remove it. Never use Muriatic Acid to remove efflorescence or clean pavers. It is too harsh and will damage the surface or the pavers.
5. How do I remove grease and oil stains from my pavers?
To safely remove grease or oil stains from concrete pavers use a product specifically designed to do just that. Sure Bond and Techni-Seal's both make an excellent Dirt and Grease Cleaner available at Low Country Pavers in Hardeeville. If you want to seal your pavers to help minimize future staining, we recommend sealers from SureBond. Before sealing your pavers you should do a general cleaning of the entire surface to remove any soils or surface efflorescence. A word of caution: make sure that the pavers are completely clean and dry before applying the sealer.
6. What are the advantages of Low Country Pavers.
LCPs are more uniform in thickness and in length and width dimensions, making installation faster and easier. Many natural stones also have inherent fractures, making them susceptible to cracking and spalling in freeze/thaw conditions.
7. Can pavers be installed on top of my existing concrete patio or walkway?
Yes, if the concrete is in good shape. Typically, a 30 mm paver is used for these applications and are installed over a thin bed of sand.
8. How long does it take to replace an existing driveway with a paver driveway?
Of course the weather and soil conditions play a big role in this but typically a driveway project with take two to three full days to complete.
9. Is American Paving Design a certified installer?
APD is not only certified but is the only Platinum Certified Installer for Lowcountry paver. APD is also a member in good standing with the International Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI).
10. Do the pavers themselves come with a guarantee?
Yes. Low Country Pavers has a 25-year limited warranty on its concrete pavers and American Paving Design has a 5 year warranty on it installation.
11. Does American Paving Design provide references?
Of course. We have many happy and satisfied and many of them have given us permission to use them as a reference. Just ask and we will provide the information.
12. Why do Pavers make the ideal pavement?
Pavers are the ideal product for all environments. Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is rigid, yet flexible. The joints between pavers allow the walkway, driveway, patio, etc. to move without cracking. In addition, they can be "unzipped" to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, pavers are virtually maintenance-free. By definition, concrete pavers have a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi (about 3 times stronger than regular poured concrete) and a maximum water absorption rate of 5%.
13. Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?
It is the system that makes them interlocking concrete pavers, not necessarily the shape. When installed properly, the combination of the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand causes them to interlock, allowing them to work as a unified, flexible pavement.
14. Does the color go all the way through the paver?
Yes, pavers have pigment throughout.
15. Can Pavers be used for my driveway?
Absolutely! For residential driveways, 8”of compacted base material is recommended. A standard 60 mm thick paver can be used for light vehicular (cars and pickup trucks) applications.
16. How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?
Patterned concrete pavements are merely slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. Therefore, they are prone to the same problems as poured concrete, namely cracking and spalling. Stamped concrete requires expansion joints every 10 feet or so, which are very distracting in some patterns. Also, unlike pavers, patterned concrete pavements don't allow access to underground utilities or the ability to make repairs. In many cases, decorated concrete coatings tend to degrade after several years. At virtually the same price per square foot installed, pavers are clearly a superior choice.
17. What are the advantages of sealing my pavers?
Sealers can offer a couple of advantages: a sealed driveway may make it easier to remove stains, mold, moss, and mildew and may enhance the color Sealers, however, are topical products and must be reapplied regularly (generally every 2-3 years). Sealing does not extend the life or durability of the pavers.
18. Is there a price difference between colors?
Yes. Typically, concrete pavers are manufactured using either a gray or white cement. The white cement is considerably more expensive but allows for lighter colors and more dramatic color variations. Selecting a premium color (white cement) usually adds 8% to 10% to the cost of the project.
19. What decisions do we have to make in considering a paver project?
Once you have decided to proceed and selected the best contractor (American Paving Design) you will need to decide upon the design, color(s), the body pattern, the border pattern, and the style (cobble or plantation). So basically, just four main decisions. Other considerations include widening the driveway, curving the walkway, flaring the walkway at the entry, using tumbled pavers, etc.
20. Is American Paving Design bonded and insured?
Yes and yes. We are licensed in both Jasper and Beaufort counties.
21. Will weeds grow between my pavers?
Weeds and grass result from seeds or spores blowing into, and lodging in, the joint sand. This can be minimized by using SuperSand when the pavers are installed. You can also use a pre-emergent granular weed killer (Preen) into the joints. If weeds do appear, a spot vegetation killer (such as Round-Up™) can be used and will not damage the pavers. Super Sand is the best choice in that it also prevents erosion of the joint sand.
22. What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
One of the advantages of pavers is that individual units can be removed and replaced in these situations. Remove the sand around the paver and then use two flat head screwdrivers to lift the paver out. Rocking the paver gently in a back-and-forth motion will facilitate removal.
23. I have an existing concrete walkway that's in pretty good shape. Can I lay pavers over it?
While not the preferred method, pavers can be laid on top of existing concrete walkways. Two issues must be addressed. First, the grade will be raised by about 1.2 inches. This is particularly critical if any doorways are involved. Second, if the existing concrete slab should raise or drop then the pavers will do the same. At American Paving Design we usually recommend the removal of the walkway and use full 60 mm pavers.
