Benefits of Concrete Pavers
The major difference between stamped concrete and regular concrete is the aestheics. Stamped concrete will be more asthetically appealing at first, with the paver look. The installation techniques are very similar. There is no advantage to stamped concrete over regular concrete other than aesthetics. Concrete, stamped and regular, will inevitably crack over time at which point it can be patched or completely replaced. The cracks in concrete that put into concrete when initially poured are put there to encourage the cracking to neatly occur in those spots.
Properly installed pavers are not suppose to sink, settle or grow grass in the joints. Many people just assume that that is what happens to pavers overtime. This is not true. When properly installed none of that will take place. Read more to learn even more benefits of using pavers for your project.
Repairs
A concrete patch job will look horrible. Matching the new patches with the old concrete is nearly impossible, colors and patterns will almost always differ from the original concrete. A completely new concrete installation can be very costly (You already paid for it once why should you pay for it again in just a few years?). Pavers can easily be repaired or replaced.
If a paver were to crack or a section were to settle only that paver or that section would need to be addressed. To fix a cracked paver all that is required is to remove the damaged paver and replace with a new one. In order to address a settling issue all that is required is to remove the settled area fix the base and then re-lay the pavers.
Winter Weather
Salt has an adverse effect on concrete because of the numerous freeze thaw cycles that it puts concrete through as well as the high absorbtion rate of concrete. When the water on concrete is melted the concrete absorbs it and then when it freezes again it puts stress on the concrete causing cracks and flakes to appear.
Pavers have an extremely low absorbtion rate which make them very resistant to freeze thaw cycles.
Consistency
Concrete is made on site allowing for too many variables to create a consistent final product. Concrete is easier to work with when wet, but it is weaker as well. Many crews will add water to the concrete to speed up the installation so that they can just "get outta there."
Pavers are manufactured in a controlled environment and must meet certain requirements. Such requirements include undergoing a vigorous freeze thaw cycle test and a strength test. The pavers will actually increase their load capacity over time because the interlock of the pavers increases over time as they are trafficked.
Instant Gratification
Once installed pavers can be used immediately. No limitations. Concrete takes days to fully cure before it can handle traffic.
Click here for more information on pavers and concrete.
Here are some resources that can help you learn more about pavers:
- Building A Pavement To Last A Lifetime
- Comparison Brochure
- Consumer Guide
- Peak Performance
- Residential Tech Brief
- Who's Going To Install It?
Warranties
Concrete typically comes with no more than a 1 year warranty.
We offer a 3 year warranty on our hardscape installations and pavers themselves come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
