01
How do you stop pavers from shifting in Airdrie's climate?
Preventing paver movement in our climate comes down to a robust foundation and proper edge restraint. In our experience, the freeze-thaw cycles are the primary cause of heaving and shifting. To counteract this, we build a deep, multi-layered base, typically 6-8 inches of compacted gravel, which is significantly more than standard. This base provides a stable platform that can absorb ground movement. We also install high-quality edge restraints around the entire perimeter of the patio, anchored with 10-inch spikes. Finally, we use polymeric sand for the joints in our paver patio installation. When activated with water, it hardens like mortar, locking the pavers together and creating a single, unified surface that resists shifting.
02
What kind of base is best for a paver patio?
The best base is an 'open-grade' base built to ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) standards. We start by laying a woven geotextile fabric over the compacted native soil. This fabric separates the soil from the gravel, preventing mixing and maintaining the integrity of the base. On top of this, we install a minimum of 6 inches of 3/4" crushed, angular gravel. We compact this gravel in 2-inch lifts to achieve 98% proctor density, ensuring there are no air pockets. This meticulous process for a paver patio installation creates a highly stable and permeable foundation that provides excellent drainage and prevents settling or heaving over time.
03
Can a paver patio fix my backyard's drainage problems?
Yes, a properly designed paver patio can significantly improve backyard drainage issues. When we plan a paver patio installation, addressing water management is a top priority. We start by carefully planning the site grading, ensuring the patio has a minimum 2% slope (a 1/4 inch drop per foot) that directs water away from your home's foundation and into a safe runoff area, like a lawn or garden bed. For properties with more severe landscape design drainage issues, we can integrate more advanced drainage systems, such as French drains or channel drains, directly into the patio design. This proactive approach turns a potential water problem into a manageable feature of your new hardscape.
04
How long does a typical paver patio installation take?
The timeline for a paver patio installation depends on the size, complexity, and weather conditions. For an average-sized patio (around 200-400 square feet) with straightforward access and design, our crew can typically complete the project in 3 to 5 full working days. The first day is usually dedicated to excavation and base preparation, which is the most critical and labor-intensive phase. The following days are for laying pavers, making cuts, and finishing the joints. Larger or more complex projects with features like retaining walls, steps, or intricate patterns may take longer. We always provide a clear project timeline in our proposal so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.
05
What is the difference between concrete pavers and natural stone?
The main differences are appearance, durability, and cost. Concrete pavers are manufactured to be extremely dense and uniform in size and shape, which makes for a straightforward installation and a consistent look. They come in a vast array of colors, styles, and textures. Natural stone, like flagstone or slate, offers a unique, one-of-a-kind appearance with natural variations in color and texture. It is often more expensive and can be more challenging to install due to irregular shapes. While both are durable options for a paver patio installation, concrete pavers often have a higher compressive strength, while natural stone offers timeless, organic beauty.
06
Do I need to seal my new paver patio?
Sealing is not strictly necessary, but we highly recommend it. Applying a quality sealer to your patio provides several key benefits. It protects the pavers from stains caused by spills, leaves, or dirt, making them easier to clean. It also enhances the color and finish of the pavers, giving them a richer, more vibrant look. Most importantly, a good sealer will help lock the polymeric sand in the joints, preventing it from washing out and further reducing weed growth and insect activity. We typically recommend waiting at least 30-60 days after a paver patio installation before sealing to allow any efflorescence (a natural white haze) to dissipate from the pavers.
