Why are Mutual Materials pavers the ideal pavement solution?
Proper installation of our pavers results in a pavement surface that is strong, yet flexible. The joints between the pavers allow your driveway, walkway, patio, etc. to move without cracking. In addition, pavers can be removed for utility repairs or access. Our pavers all have a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi (about 3 times stronger than poured concrete). Finally, our pavers are available in a wide range of colors, shapes and textures to fit all your design needs.
Why are they called Interlocking Concrete Pavers?
It is the system, not the shape, that gives them their name. When installed correctly, the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint, and joint sand all interlock, working as a unified, flexible pavement.
What are Durafinish, Standard and Roman texture?
Durafinish texture pavers gain their smooth appearance from the fine aggregates used on the top surface and have color only in the top 1/4 inch or so - you will never wear through this layer in the lifetime of the pavers (30 years or so). Standard texture pavers are colored all the way through and have a slightly rougher texture. Roman pavers are standard texture pavers that have gone through a special process to give them look of old fashioned cobblestones.
What type of gravel should I use for the base rock?
Use either 5/8 minus or 3/4 minus crushed rock. It is available in bags from your local Mutual Materials' location or distributor or it can be bought by the yard from your local gravel pit.
What type of sand should I use for the bedding layer?
The materials for the bedding layer should be coarse sand. Do not use stone dust or screeding sand, it does not allow the pavers to seat correctly. Do not use sand with concrete or cement in it - this makes the system too rigid, and cannot be cleaned off of the pavers. Do not compact the bedding sand.
How do pavers compare to stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete is just a concrete slab embossed with a pattern. It is prone to all of the same issues as regular concrete, including cracking and spalling. Stamped concrete requires expansion joints approximately every 10 feet, these are very distracting from the pattern and can be unattractive.
What type of maintenance will my pavers require?
Concrete pavers require minimal maintenance. Simply pressure wash or use a leaf blower on them approximately once per year. You may need to sweep more sand into the joints after pressure washing your pavers.
Will weeds grow between my pavers?
Weeds and grass may start to grow between your pavers from seeds and spores blown in by the wind. Sealing your pavers can help prevent this. Or use a spot weed killer such as RoundUp - it won't damage the pavers.
Should I seal my pavers?
Sealers offer several advantages: they help prevent stains, they enhance the color, and they help keep weeds from growing. Sealers are topical treatments and must be reapplied every 3 - 5 years.
What do I do if my pavers are stained or chipped?
One of the great benefits to concrete pavers is that the individual stained or damaged pavers can be removed and replaced. Remove the sand around the paver(s) and then use two flat-head screwdrivers to lift them out. It's a good idea to keep a few extra pavers in your shed or garage for just this need.
Can Mutual Materials pavers be used in my driveway?
Definitely. Any of our concrete paver shapes is suitable for use in your driveway. Be sure to use 6 inches of base rock under your pavers.
What about snow and ice removal?
Pavers can be plowed and shoveled the same as concrete and asphalt. Do not use sharp objects to break up ice they can damage the pavers. Do not use sodium chloride (rock salt) or calcium chloride to melt ice and snow they will harm the pavers and any other concrete surface.
I have an existing concrete walkway/patio in pretty good shape. Can I lay pavers on top of it?
This is definitely not the preferred method of installation, but it can be down if three issues are addressed. First, the level of the pavement will be raised by about 3" (the thickness of the pavers and the bedding sand). This can be an issue if there are doorways opening onto the pavement. Second, holes must be drilled through the concrete slab in the lowest points to allow water to drain. Third, if the existing concrete slab settles, heaves, or cracks, the pavers will do the same.
Can I use Mutual Materials' pavers on my pool deck?
Mutual Materials pavers not only create beautiful pool decks, they also provide a slip resistant surface to walk on. Like all pavement surfaces, lighter colors tend to stay cooler. Make sure the soil around the pool is well compacted before installing the pavers.
Will my pavers lose color over time?
Dirt, normal wear, and weathering will appear to change color over time. Cleaning and sealing the pavers can restore and enhance most of the original color.
What is the white powdery substance that sometimes appears on pavers?
The white powder is probably efflorescence, a reaction that occurs normally in all concrete products. Surface moisture draws out the salts in the concrete. Efflorescence is not a symptom of a flawed product and will disappear over time. The best way to deal with it is to allow weathering to remove it from the pavers. Or you can remove it with specially designed chemicals that treat the surface salts. However, these cleaners do not stop the process and it is likely that the salts will reappear. If you decide to use the chemicals, please be sure to follow the instructions closely so you don't damage your pavers. For appropriate cleaners, please contact the Mutual Materials branch nearest you.
Does a low spot in my patio or driveway indicate defective pavers?
No. Settlement is usually a result of inadequate soil or base compaction during installation, or poor drainage. This can be repaired by removing the pavers, correcting the issue, and reinstalling the pavers.
