Concrete VS Pavers

Concrete

Concrete (along with asphalt) has traditionally been one of the most common paving materials used. It's low cost per square foot makes it the natural choice of many homeowners as it initially seems to be a relatively inexpensive option. In reality, the inevitable cracking of concrete leads to a long-term cost that's far greater than installing brick pavers, without providing any of the benefits pavers offer.

Cracked Concrete Driveway

It is almost inevitable that concrete will crack at some point in time. Common causes of cracking are when the base moves due to settlement, roots or heavy equipment. Concrete can also crack as a result of the expansion and contraction caused by changes in the weather. The reason contractors place joints in concrete pavements and floors is to encourage the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line at the joint. But this doesn't always happen, and cracks can appear at random anywhere across the surface of the concrete.

Cracked Concrete with repairs

As these cracks form one by one, year after year, it is often difficult to exactly match the color and composition of the original material each time a repair is needed. As such, a concrete surface gets uglier and uglier with each repair. The alternative to repairing the concrete is to replace the entire structure when the cracks become unbearable. By the time it's dismantled and properly disposed of, it will likely cost eight to eleven dollars per square foot each time you have to replace existing concrete!

Stamped Concrete

Stamped Concrete with Cracks: "Stamping" concrete is a common way of trying to achieve the attractive patterns associated with actual paving stone material. The stamping is done after the concrete has been poured and before it begins to harden. Stamped concrete is usually tinted (colored) before it is poured. There are standard colors that can be added to the concrete as it goes into the truck.
Unfortunately, the problems associated with maintaining concrete are compounded with the addition of pattern and color. Patching cracks with regular gray concrete means creating unsightly scars, while trying to replace a cracked portion of concrete with a new piece that exactly matches in pattern and in color is nearly impossible.

Brick Pavers

Interlocking Pavers create an impressive Driveway

Interlocking pavers solve all of the problems described above, and are appropriate for any paving application including patios, pool decks, driveways and walkways. Because pavers are individual units or "bricks," the natural joints between each paver will "give" with pressure, expansion and contraction, eliminating the cracking inherent to conventional asphalt and concrete pavement.
Installed over a base of sand, pavers actually increase their structural capacity over time. With a minimum rating of 8000 psi, paving stones are one of the strongest materials available.

Pavers give Walkways and Steps a more custom look

One of the biggest advantages of pavers is that if a repair ever does become necessary, pavers are manufactured to be uniform and can therefore easily be replaced without leaving ugly patches or scars.
Brick Pavers come in a wide variety of surface finishes, colors and shapes that will complement and enhance the architectural style of any home. Moreover, a skilled installer can create a variety of laying patterns, further expanding the customization possibilities.

Other advantages of Brick Pavers

•    Pavers do not require time to cure. Unlike concrete, which can take 3 to 5 days before being ready for traffic, paver structures can be used immediately after installation.
•    The high number of joints in the surface facilitates the drainage of water. This enhances skid resistance and decreases nighttime glare. If deformation or sinking should occur due to shifting of the base, the structure can easily be repaired by removing individual pavers, re-leveling, and then reinstalling the same pavers.
•    Traditional concrete, asphalt, brick and gravel pavements clearly pale in comparison to the beauty, durability and easy maintenance of brick pavers.

 

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Paver Mac
885 US 41 Bypass S
Venice, FL 34285

Office: 941-497-4012

Paver Mac

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Your home improvement specialists. 

Our Service Area

Serving commercial and residential customers across the following Florida counties:

Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte & Lee

Florida State Licensed Contractor - CBC #1259570

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