Choosing The Right Paver And Base Material

Choosing-The-Right-Paver-And-Base-Material2Choosing the right paver and base material is important when considering your outdoor project.  Key factors are water drainage, durability, and how thick you need the subgrade material to be.  Sand is one of the most common materials used as a paver base. It’s very accessible and can be spread out to fit most projects.

Discover The Difference With Nicolock® Paving Stones

Pavers with paver-shield™ have a tight, smooth surface texture and will not expose heavy aggregate as they wear. The ultra-dense surface has more color and more protection. Nicolock has color from top to bottom throughout the paver ensuring a lifetime of beauty. Iron oxide pigments are guaranteed not to fade!

Brilliant color can always be found in Nicolock pavers with paver-shield™. Rich vibrant colors are the hallmark of everything they make. With Nicolock’s paver-shield technology, colors stay rich and vibrant. When choosing Nicolock, you are getting pavers with color from top to bottom. The pavers will not expose heavy aggregate as they wear. The ultra-dense surface has more color and more protection, ensuring a lifetime of beauty.

Cherry Valley Country Club Nicolock Pavers With Twin Eagle Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Gappsi updated the outside areas at Cherry Valley Country Club located in Garden City NY.  We installed Nicolock Graphite Pearl Stone Ridge XL and Stone Ridge Regular.  Both pavers were used to pave the walkways, entranceway, and patio at the country club.  Gappsii’s team removed the old Hanover Paving Stone patio and added a new base of recycled concrete.  New Nicolock pavers were installed over one inch of fine sand. New pavilions and outdoor Twin Eagles kitchens with all new appliances were installed in the outdoor kitchen.

Choosing-The-Right-Paver-And-Base-Material3TYPES OF PAVER BASE MATERIALS

Your base will determine whether your pavers remain smooth and level or grow uneven over time. Qualities of a suitable base material include:

  • Proper water drainage allowance
  • Durability to support weight and endure time
  • Appropriate thickness for your subgrade material

Here are some things to know about the most common paver bases and their properties.

SAND BASE: Sand paver bases are one of the most popular options due to sand’s spreadability. However, sand is not an ideal base on its own. Over time, sand shifts and can create an uneven foundation. If your foundation is anything but level, your pavers will show it.  Sand is often used in conjunction with crushed stone for increased durability. Because sand comes in different fineness and coarseness, all types may not be suited for a paver base. Concrete sand, also known as bedding sand, is coarse and doesn’t trap excess moisture beneath the paver surface. This allows pavers to drain after heavy rain in addition they maintain their structural integrity.

STONE DUST:  Stone dust is a powdery mixture of finely ground stones that has a sand-like texture. Though it can be a helpful base ingredient when mixed with other materials, most professionals recommend that you never use stone dust on its own as a base.  Stone dust and finely ground stone or “screening” fall into a material category that has excessive amounts of dust particles.  This traps large quantities of water that prevent the base layer from adequately draining.   Did you know that water storage compromises a base’s ability to bear and distribute loads? To keep your pavers safe and prevent them from shifting, opt for a base material with a little more durability.

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CONTACT GAPPSI TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR OUTDOOR PROJECT

RECYCLED CONCRETE AGGREGATE:  Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is a crushed stone alternative with environmental benefits. Crushed stone is broken into pieces and sold. RCA is made by breaking down existing concrete into gravel. Though RCA functions similarly to crushed stone in a paver base, it is impossible to know the different rock mixtures it contains. This unpredictability may make RCA a less reliable base choice when compared to crushed stone.

CRUSHED STONE:  A crushed stone paver base is made of small stone pieces that have been broken and screened for uniformity. The most common rock types of crushed stone are – limestone, dolomite, and granite. Stone aggregate comes in a variety of sizes, but most experts recommend 3/4-inch gravel for paver bases.  Crushed stone makes a solid paver base because it allows water drainage and is easy to work with. Like sand, crushed stone comes in several varieties. The best aggregate for paver bases is a dense grade aggregate.

COMPACTED SOIL: Soil base compacted soil typically serves as the subgrade level underneath pavers. While you could technically lay your pavers directly into compacted dirt, this can cause issues, such as:

  • Poor drainage
  • Initial unevenness
  • Weather warping

Many of our clients ask us what is the difference between pavers and natural stone.  Unlike concrete, the colors of natural stones are not pigmented, which only adds to their beauty. They’re also not made from mixtures of composite aggregate like concrete pavers, so they can preserve their beauty as they age, mature, and fade.

Top 4 Benefits Of Natural Stone Pavers Vs Concrete Pavers

1. Timeless Elegance – Natural stone pavers come in varying types, from light beige sandstone if you want to get that tropical vibe to dark ebony granite for achieving a majestic feel to your patio.

2. Low Maintenance – Natural Stone pavers don’t usually develop cracks. If for some reason they do, they are easy to repair and replace. Simply remove the paver with cracks and replace it. That’s it! Plus, they also have smaller joints. That means their sand joints are less likely to encounter seed germination. And the best thing about natural stones? They’re effortless to clean!

3. Ages Beautifully – There is no doubt that stones look even better as they age and have a very long lifespan. Unlike concrete, the colors of natural stones are not pigmented, which only adds to their beauty.  And they will look as beautiful as the day of their installation even after hundreds of years.

4. Investment – Utilizing natural stones on your landscape will add more value to your home. It’s an investment that will pay for itself in the long run. They are also regarded as materials with high value and quality. Traits like prominence, elegance, and sophistication are connected to them as well.

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Concrete Pavers And Natural Stone Pavers Installation

Concrete pavers and natural stone pavers both require a fair amount of preparation and skilled labor.  When properly installed and maintained, natural stone pavers will stand the test of time and look great. It’s one of the reasons why people are so attracted to natural stone. However, if natural stone isn’t installed properly, the paving stones can shift over time and even crack prematurely under extreme circumstances. This is especially common if natural stone is set into concrete; poured concrete slabs are notoriously susceptible to cracking caused by fluctuations in the ground underneath. This kind of damage can be extremely expensive to fix.

Concrete pavers also offer outstanding longevity; they can last for many decades even with heavy traffic and wear. One benefit of concrete pavers over natural stone pavers is that it is much more affordable to repair a cracked concrete paver and it’s also very easy to re-level a dislodged concrete paver that isn’t grouted.

Whatever your dreaming of natural paving stones or concrete pavers for your next hardscaping project but wishing there was a more affordable option? Gappsi can meet your paver patio needs.

So, if you’re looking for elegant handcrafted pavers and excellent service, contact us to request a quote today.

SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY WITH GAPPSI

View Gappsi’s YouTube channel for videos of Choosing The Right Paver And Base Material

 

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Nicolock and Cambridge Concrete Pavers – How to Maintain Them

Concrete Pavers by Gappsi
Driveway Concrete Pavers by Gappsi

Nicolock and Cambridge concrete pavers are both excellent choices for your property. However, taking the paver technology into account is as important as taking their feel and look into consideration. Each brand has a lot to offer, from amazing technology to several design options for your property, making decision-making even harder. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each, along with tips for their maintenance.

Nicolock Paving Stones

Nicolock paving stones use its paver-shield technology to manufacture beautiful concrete paving stones. They also manufacture segmental retaining wall systems, precast concrete products, and paving slabs. Thanks to the paver-shield technology, these pavers have a richer and denser surface. They also have a bright, vibrant appearance that just doesn’t fade.

Cambridge Paving Stones

Cambridge pavers have ArmorTec technology that does a wonderful job of improving your home’s appearance. This extra-dense concrete has a rich appearance which also keeps your surface smooth and skid-resistant. There are a number of possibilities when it comes to using them for different designs. The cherry on top is that there are numerous colors and shapes available.

At Gappsi, we make sure to connect you with the best suppliers for Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, NY.

Nicolock and Cambridge Concrete Pavers – How to Maintain Them

When it comes to cleaning and sealing, you want to make sure you’re doing it right. The first step involves getting the stones ready. Start by removing any items touching the pavers, such as toys, chairs, tables, etc. Then, if you notice any weeds, pull them out gently. You want to ensure that you’re working on a clear surface. You can also use a broom to scrub any other growth away.

At Gappsi, our installers and applicators make sure to do the job right, so you do not need to touch the pavers for any form of maintenance for a long time. While there are basic ways to maintain your concrete pavers without professional help, they might not work every time.

What Types of Cleaning Solutions Should You Use?

There are numerous cleaners for pavers. However, you want to stick to an effective and long-lasting solution. Before you take your pick, make sure to test the solutions on a single stone first to record its reaction to the color.

Swimming pool concrete pavers
Backyard Concrete Pavers in Long Island, NY

Diluted Bleach

You can remove a number of stains by using bleach diluted with ten parts water. The stains this solution can easily remove are tobacco stains, wood rot, and beverage stains.

Water And Soap

Sometimes, hand soap or dishwashing soap is also effective in removing moderate stains and grease. You can make the solution easily by mixing some warm water with soap.

Simple Green

The best cleaning solutions for pavers are those that are chemical-free. You want to ensure that you’re using the least number of chemicals when working with any outdoor structure.

There are a number of retailers across the country that sell cleaning solutions for pavers. However, you want to make sure you’re purchasing the one with the least number of chemicals involved.

Hire Gappsi Contractors Today To Clean And Seal Your Pavers!

At Gappsi, we understand how overwhelming the task of maintaining your pavers can be. For this reason, we have a number of skilled professionals to do the job for you. Whether you want to restore the pavers on your walkway or pool patios, trust us to do the job in both Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, NY.

After all, preventive maintenance of Nicolock and Cambridge concrete pavers is essential to keep their quality intact for the long run. Our professionals will apply low-pressure hot water to clean your pavers to ensure that all the grime and dirt have been removed.

Then, they will refill the joints with polymeric sand before using a specialized machine to apply vibration. Then, they will mist using a garden hose before applying a urethane-based sealer.

Thanks to this product, you won’t see yellow or peeling pavers for a long time. This sealer does not give the stones a shiny appearance, but it makes up by adding a deeper tone to the color. Furthermore, our team will also guide you about ways to clean and seal the pavers yourself.

Preventing Pavers From Fading

It’s important to acknowledge that sooner or later, your outdoor pavers will fade. This is usually because of prolonged exposure to UV rays. With time, you may notice that the aggregate is no longer accepting the color pigments, which will make them appear gray or white the more the color fades.

The good news is there are a few ways to slow down fading. One way is to seal them appropriately. This way, the pavers will be able to resist wear and tear for a long time. However, the benefits of sealing don’t end here. Sealing also prevents Nicolock and Cambridge concrete pavers from water penetration, weather conditions, cracks and damages, moss, mold, weeds, and ants.

Concrete pavers for backyard
Top-quality concrete pavers by Gappsi

In a nutshell, no matter what type of pavers you have, sealing them will do wonders in keeping their look and quality intact. All you have to do is leave the work in the hands of our experts, who will take care of your investment with due diligence. With years of experience under its belt, Gappsi knows how to serve you best.

How Frequently Should You Opt For Sealing?

At the time of installation, our installer will make sure to apply a sealer to prevent the fading of your pavers. However, doing it once is not enough. As a rule of thumb, you want to go for it every three to five years. If the sun is intense, you want to go for it every three years to maintain the rich appearance of your concrete pavers.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today

No matter how many stores you visit to get the best possible cleaning solution, it won’t ensure that the results are long-lasting. Contact Gappsi for a consultation and a free estimate for cleaning and sealing your pavers.

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Gunite Pool Contractor | Sag Harbor NY 11963

Gunite Pool Contractor | Sag Harbor NY 11963Gunite Pool Contractor, serving Sag Harbor NY 11963 and all of east end on Long Island. Gappsi Provides functional swimming pool designs and quality construction of gunite swimming pools for all residential and commercial sites including Southampton and East Hampton. This 20×50 gunite swimming pool was built in Sag Harbor overlooking the bay on this prime waterfront property. This gunite swimming pool is equipped with many amenities, and it is very functional, beautiful, and entertaining. Stepping out of the backyard sliding doors is just 2 steps down to get to a bluestone patio built in combination with a wood deck inlay. The swimming pool was built raised out of the ground with one side exposed to create an infinity edge. This creates the illusion of the pool water falling into the bay a few yards away.

Gappsi is a Gunite Pool Contractor that offers many options, this gunite swimming pool also includes a built in spa, a sitting bar area with stools on the inside of the pools and chairs on the outside lower area, a 50 long trough collecting the water that flows over the pool’s negative edge, the front of the exposed pool wall is veneered with quartz ledge stone veneers, and the pool coping is Pennsylvania bluestone. The swimming pool is also equipped with a safety auto-cover, a gas heater, salt chlorine generator, an ozone system, multiple VS pumps, LED Lights, and a full automation system that allows the home owner to totally control all the pool features from his or her smart phone.

Gappsi is a Gunite Pool Contractor with vast knowledge in swimming pool design. If you are looking for a Gunite Pool Contractor in Sag Harbor NY, Gappsi can offer you assistance with designing, construction of your swimming pool, and also with the masonry and landscaping. We supply manufactured concrete pavers, as well as natural stone and porcelain pavers in a large selection of styles and colors. You can come and view all pool patio pavers, coping, and veneers by visiting the Gappsi showroom at 1015 West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown NY.

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Is it necessary to seal pavers and why

Best Long Island Paver Restoration CompanyIs it necessary to seal pavers and why

Yes! Concrete pavers should be sealed. Paving stones are manufactured with the highest quality cement, but cement is a corrosive material that wears under natural elements.
The sun, rain and cold, can easily wear the surface of pavers, and a good sealing job with the right sealing product, applied by a professional technician of sealing, will create a layer of protection over the paving stones making them water repellent and weather proof. This will protect the concrete surface from corrosion.
A good sealer penetrates the paver surface and stays there for many years, even if the look of the sealer goes away, the color and texture of the pavers will stay new.

 

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