People often shy away from installing a brick patio or walkway because they have seen or had a brick patio/walkway that has failed or settled. Many times the reason for a failed brick patio/walkway is not the actual brick pavers but instead the type and quality of base material that was installed. An older patio/walkway will often be installed on a sand base which can lead to problems. The process and techniques used when installing a patio/walkway base have changed to make a brick patio or walkway stronger and able to stand the test of time.
The base begins by excavating the area to prepare for the base material. Once the proper grade is set, the earth is then compacted to prepare for traffic bond. Traffic bond, a mix of crushed limestone chips and fines, is then added on top of the earth and compacted in lifts to form a hard, dense surface. Next a thin layer of crushed limestone sand is added and the pitch of the patio/walkway is set. Once the base is completed, the brick pavers and a paver restraint are installed with beveled stakes to hold the pavers in place. Lastly, a variety of sand materials can be added to fill the joints of the pavers to complete the patio or walkway. The more time, energy, effort and expense that is put into the patio or walkway base, the better the outcome will be. Just like a house, a patio/walkway is only as strong as it’s foundation.
Another potential failure for a patio/walkway, brick or concrete, is improper pitch. If you notice standing water or pooling on a patio or walkway surface after a rain, then the patio/walkway was not engineered correctly. Water can have a very damaging affect on patios/walkways due to the freeze/thaw that occurs in our Wisconsin climate. Over time, the freeze/thaw can cause a patio/walkway to lift, crack or settle. A patio/walkway should always be pitched to allow water to run off to a designated area.
If you would like to watch how a patio is built from start to finish, click here to see how its done.
Our team at Integrity Landscape Services have installed hundreds of brick patios and walkways, each of which is engineered and built with a proper, strong base. If a brick paver patio or walkway is the right choice for you, allow our team to install the new hardscaping at your home today!
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