It's important to ask questions
about all aspects of the installation to make sure your contractor understands
what your goals are for the project.
Question:
My contractor excavated an area about 6"
wider than the actual paved area, why would
he do this?
Answer:When the aggregate
base is placed in the excavated area, the extra
width will help ensure stability of the base
at the edges, and provide space for the required
edge restraints.
Question:
How will the contractor grade the paver installation
for drainage?
Answer:By sloping the paved
area away from the house at minimum of 2%.
Question:
Will the aggregate base absorb or hold water?
Answer:No, when compacted
properly, its density will minimize deformation
and/or heaving of the paved surface during freezing
or thawing.
Question:
What should the base aggregate be?
Answer:The aggregate will
range in size from approximately 3/4" to
sand. This facilitates compaction to a required
density while allowing proper water drainage.
Question:
How will the aggregate base be compacted:?
Answer:In 4" layers
to achieve the maximum density and load bearing
capacity. Each layer will require several
passes of a compactor to achieve this
Question:
What kind of bedding do they place the pavers
on?
Answer:The bedding sand is
loosely screeded to a depth of 1", but
should be no thicker than 1 1/2" thick.
This loosely placed, even layer of washed, coarse
sand provides a setting bed for the pavers.
When the pavers are placed on the sand and compacted,
the sand moves up into the joints. This
causes the pavers to interlock and become level
after compaction. Limestone screenings and stone
dust should not be used for bedding sand.
Question:
How will the contractor assure an even color
mix of the pavers?
Answer:By taking pavers from
several bundles or pallets at a time.
Question:
Will an edge restraint be installed?
Answer:Yes, an edge restraint
around the perimeter of the pavers is essential
for eliminating horizontal creeping of the pavers
and loss of bedding sand.
Question:
Are the joints filled between the pavers?
Answer:Yes, with clean, fine
sand. The sand should be dry sand so it
will flow freely into the joints. The
pavers are compacted during and after filling
to begin interlock of the units and prevent
sand from washing from the joints.
Question:
Should there be inspection of the pavers after
their compaction?
Answer:Yes, the owner and
the contractor should inspect the pavement together
and confirm the owner's satisfaction.
Question:
Do I need to seal the pavers?
Answer:No, pavers are extremely
durable. Sealing, however, may enhance the colors
and may prevent staining. Allow a minimum
of 60-90 days after completion of the installation
before sealing. Consult New England Silica
for recommendations on cleaning and sealing.
