Monday, August 18, 2014

Why You Should Be Careful When Choosing Paving Materials

By Linda Ruiz


Pavements are part of landscaping structures in your business or home property. A well-manicured garden complimented with jet-black asphaltic pavement and concrete retaining walls can add a touch of elegance in a place. Premises owners will have a choice of different materials when they are paving their surfaces. The most commonly used materials are concretes and asphalt.

There are diamond shapes, octagonal, oblong, rectangular, and star shaped. The shape of the area that is being paved can determine which pattern to use. The real layout of a pavement surface can dictate the shape of the material to be utilized. It is wise to keep in mind the patterns you need to use. Choosing the correct pattern can assist in cutting back on costs.

Soon you have laid them, they will crack and this could cost you more in the long term through repairs. The cracks in concretes are inevitable, and as short as within 2 days, you may have your concretes cracking. Concretes shrink when they are created and therefore crack. The cracks are visible within the first days and the shrinkage will continue to occur over the time of that pavement.

The common patterns used for pavers are basket weave, herringbone, and stretcher bond. With the herringbone pattern, it can be designed in 45 degree and 90 degree angles for improved visual appeal. The designs are ideal for patios, driveways, and walkways. The right-angled designs are best suited for walkways and driveways.

You may have contractors who are experienced in handling asphalt material and others good at concrete pavers. The budget you have for installing pavements will determine the kind of material to use. In addition, ensure you understand the long-term implication of using a particular material. You may pay less in the initial cost only to be confronted with untimely and huge costs of repairs.

Clay is another material you may want to think of when installing pavements. Bricks designed of clay look natural. They are made from natural clay, which is heated in kilns to give them strength. Under high temperature, raw bricks are turned to fired bricks, which last for many years. The heating under extreme temperature ensures that ingredients are bonded properly and makes the pavers to be strong.

Because color can be added when you are producing these materials, it means they offer a choice for different colors. The pigments and dyes added in the manufacturing can help you create the desired hues and appearance. When you use pigments and dyes, you also need to use sealants on pavers in order to preserve the color and keep them looking vibrant.

Stones look natural and they can provide that unique appearance of pavements. Because of their cost, many property owners may not be able to afford them. When you use stone, you need to apply sealants because they may be affected by long-term exposure to moisture. Whenever you choose a material to use, determine whether you will meet the initial installation cost and the maintenance expenses.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment