Paving stones, also called concrete pavers or interlocking pavers, are rectangular bricks made out of a mixture of concrete, rocks, sand, and water. These bricks are installed in many places in the house and business, including walkways, driveways, patios, and pool areas. There are also other related uses, like retaining walls, fire pits, and waterfalls.
Pavers have a long history, though concrete pavers are of relatively new origin, seeing their first application in Holland in the 1940s (ergo the name “Holland stones” for the most popular shape). The new style of pavers brings in the advantages of concrete: it is very strong (concrete paver installations are four times as strong as concrete), nearly maintenance free, and easy to customize with different colors and designs.
The strength of interlocking pavers rests in the “interlocking” action. Each paver is bound to its neighbors by the small recesses in the brick which interlock, increasing the friction between the brick. This “static friction” makes the entire whole resistant to environmental stresses. This strengths is further increased due to the use of sand or other joint material in between the joints of the pavers. This sand helps fill in the recesses and holes in the sides of the brick, further increasing the total friction. The whole is further strengthened when it is compacted and edged with proper material. If installed correctly, paver driveways, walkways, etc. can last for decades with little maintenance.
With the variety of paver colors, shapes, and designs available, installing concrete pavers in the backyard or front yard of a home can match nicely with the decor or theme that the homeowner desires. Paver installations can serve both as a nice place to enjoy company with friends and family while also serving as a great financial investment: concrete pavers increase the appraised value of the home. While installation of the paving stones is initially somewhat expensive, the project will pay off over time.
No related posts.
