Ever wonder what a landscape design company does all winter? Well, apart from commercial snow removal, we do hardscapes. As long as we can dig the foundation before the ground freezes, we take advantage of days over 40 degrees to pour concrete, lay paver stones, construct decks, and build pools. We also do carpentry projects in the winter.
Ian celebrates finishing a paver stone driveway.
Patios
We build patios of all kinds during the winter. We specialize in using pavers and natural stone but also sometimes use concrete or even decomposed granite.
Pavers
Pavers are concrete molded to form different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. About 80% of our patios tend to be made with pavers. The advantages are the flexible pavement construction technique along with the endless variety of patterns and designs that can be used. Because each paver is set on a fine aggregate base, they can move more without cracking as the soil moves. Pavers can also be dug up and re-set or repaired without destroying them. The disadvantage is they do weather like solid concrete, so eventually they may fade in color or have aggregates that become exposed over time. The polymeric sand needs to be touched up and refreshed every 2-3 years to keep things looking tidy and prevent weeds from growing in the joints.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is the most expensive option for a patio. It is also the most durable and it will never go out of style. Like pavers, natural stones can be cut into a variety of shapes. Natural stone floats on a bed of fine gravel, so it moves without breaking. A natural stone feature can be expanded or moved easier than concrete if you want to expand the hardscape later and we can also set stepping stones to match and lead to or from your new patio through the garden.
Concrete
Concrete is the least expensive alternative for a patio. Concrete can also be poured into almost any shape. To install a concrete fixture, it needs to be above freezing for a few days. The disadvantage to concrete is that it is rigid. As the soil moves, concrete can’t, so eventually it will crack. Concrete is also the least permeable option, so it may not be as effective in certain situations where drainage is an issue.
Pool decks don’t have to be an expanse of white concrete.
Pool Decks
Pool decks used to always be just a sea of white concrete around a pool. Now, we can use concrete with an integral mixed color instead and even add texture and saw cuts. We try to avoid stamped concrete as it can be slippery when wet. Our favorite material for around pools are pavers or natural stone. Just because this area has to be hard and solid for furniture and function, doesn’t mean it can’t be both pretty and safe.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are designed to make areas level and to keep soil from washing down slopes. Retaining walls can be made of natural stone or concrete blocks as long as the base is built well and the drainage behind the wall is adequate, you can have walls that last for decades. We often see retaining walls around patios and backyards to make level playing areas for the kids.
Carpentry Work
We do a lot of carpentry work during the winter as well. We will build decks and outdoor rooms in the winter. Once we have the piers in place for the posts we can build above ground even in the cold. We also finish the inside work for our outdoor living areas we have already built and sometimes they even have built in heaters to keep us warm.
Design Work
We work with our customers designing all kinds of outdoor projects during the off season to be ready for installations when the weather breaks and plants become available. Sometimes we can start on the hardscape phases during the winter so that we can be ready for planting come spring.
A lot of people think that hardscapes, the solid surfaces of the landscape, don’t need any maintenance. After all, concrete and paver stones are hard as rock, right? To look their best, they do need some tender loving care.
Clear Debris
Sweep or blow your hardscape regularly. Leaves and other debris can keep your hardscape damp and cause stains to occur. Over time, the constant moisture begins to break down concrete and the finish of the pavers. At that point, the sand between the pavers can also wash out, destabilizing the stones. One tip is to clean your hardscape on the same day of the month every time, you won’t forget to do it.
Power Wash Your Patio & Driveway
Once a year, you should use a power washer to wash the hard surfaces of your property. Power washers force water out in a strong stream, so it washes off the dirt that has been ground in over the last season. Be careful not to direct the power washer on the joints between paver stones. You want to keep the water moving over the stones, not wash out the joints. Many tool rental stores carry power washers if you do not have one.
Chemically Clean and Seal
Every two or three years, your concrete and pavers need to be cleaned with special chemical cleaners to remove the particles that can be removed by the power washer. This step also prepares the pavers to accept the new sealer. You can do this on your own with a pump sprayer and scrub brushes, but the chemicals are harsh, and it is better to let a trained professional do this correctly and be safe. Once the patio is completely cleaned, you may need to touch up some of the sand joints. However, you will have to wait for it to completely dry again before applying any polymeric sand to avoid it sticking to the surface of your pavers. We like to use a wet-look sealer on most applications to bring out the colors of the pavers and give them a wet look.
Let Us Do The Work
As mentioned above, chemically cleaning and sealing pavers and concrete is best left to the professionals. At Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping, we have the right equipment and training. If you subscribe to our hardscape maintenance program, we will come power wash your hardscape once a year. Every two years, we will chemically clean and seal your hardscape. To take advantage of this affordable program, call our office at (816) 825-2524 or schedule a consult soon.
At Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping, winter is for construction which means hardscapes and carpentry. As long as we have dug out the foundation before the soil freezes, we can work through the winter building all kinds of stone and paver projects from retaining walls to patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. Winter is also a good time for us to work on carpentry projects, including decks and screened-in porches. We will build roofs and shade structures for outdoor spaces to be ready for the planting phase once spring arrives.
Patios
We build patios of all kinds. We specialize in pavers, or natural stone but can also offer concrete options as well. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Pavers
Approximately 80% of our patios are made of pavers. These are individual concrete shapes that are laid in a pattern to form the patio. Pavers come in all shapes and sizes. The flexible joints allow pavers to move with the soil, so they don’t crack like solid concrete patios. In addition, pavers can be dug up without destroying them if you need to access pipes or wires under them, they can also be repaired if settling occurs over time.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is another choice. It is the biggest investment but it will never go out of style since it comes from the earth. Stone can be many colors and can be cut into many shapes. It is laid on a base of aggregate or in a mortar bed on concrete. As with pavers, the flexible nature of the installation allows for the stones to be adjusted later for future phases or repairs as needed.
Concrete
Concrete can be poured if it is going to be above freezing for a few days. The advantage of concrete is that it is easy to work with and is less expensive than other materials. However, as the soil freezes and thaws, it moves, which will eventually cause concrete to crack over time.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are often necessary to terrace yards with slopes. They prevent erosion of the soil. Retaining walls can be concrete block or stone. Stone is more natural and everlasting, but concrete can be cast in any shape and it tends to be less expensive.
Pool Decks
Pools decks don’t have to be expanses of white concrete. We can create colored concrete patios around your pool. Another option is a walkway made of pavers or natural stones. We can make the area around your pool safe and pretty at the same time.
Planning For Spring
Now is an excellent time to plan for work you want done in the spring. We can come out on a consultation and talk to you about the work you want. We will draw up the plans and get them just the way you want them so that when the weather warms up, we can get started on your project.
For hardscapes to look their best, they need regular maintenance. Hardscapes consist of the non-permeable parts of the landscape like pavers and concrete. Lack of maintenance makes these features dirty and could even destabilize the pavers over time.
Sweep or Blow Clean Regularly
The first maintenance item is to sweep or blow clean your hardscapes regularly. We recommend at least once a month during the season. This removes debris before it has a chance to accumulate. When it rains, debris forms a wet spot that can lead to stains on pavers and concrete. Wet spots can break down the sealant on the paver joints, allowing the sand to erode over time.
Power Wash
The next level of maintenance is the power wash. We typically recommend it at least every year. Be careful when using a power washer on pavers to keep the washer moving and never focus on the joints, so you do not force the sand out of the joints. You want to wash the dirt off, not blow the joints out. Concrete needs power washing, too, to look its best. You can rent a power washer from a tool store if you do not have one.
Chemically Cleaning and Sealing
The next step is to chemically clean and seal pavers and concrete. We use chemical cleaners to clean and prep pavers for sealing or even to strip the old sealer off of the hardscape and really clean the pavers and concrete off. We let this dry, then we touch up the paver joints with new sand, if needed, as mentioned in the Paver Joints – Techniques and Expectations article. We then apply a sealer to protect the pavers from fading in the sun or stains. Most all our clients prefer the wet-look sealer to enhance the color of their pavers and give it the wet look. This process also stabilizes the joints around the pavers and makes the pavers shine. Our wet-look sealer also contains an anti-fungal agent to help prevent moss from growing on your patio in those stubborn shady areas. For concrete, the sealer makes the concrete shiny and silky looking while repelling stains.
We Can Help
Chemically cleaning and sealing pavers and concrete requires special chemicals and equipment to do it right. Since most people only need this done every two to three years, owning such equipment is not cost-effective. We have a program where we will power wash your pavers and concrete every year. We will chemically clean your pavers and concrete, touch up the joints, and seal the pavers and concrete every second year. We already have the specialized equipment and knowledge to do this maintenance safely, so you don’t have to. Contact Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping at (816) 825-2524 or schedule a consult to get on our schedule.
If you are having pavers installed, you will need something to fill the spaces where the pavers meet. We will educate you on the options and expectations for filling and maintaining the joints of your patio pavers.
Flexible Pavement System
First of all, it is important to understand that concrete pavers, in general, are designed to be installed as a flexible pavement system that will move with the ground as it moves. Most movement of the ground will come through freeze and thaw cycles where the ground can expand and contract depending on many variables such as moisture content, temperature, wind, and sun exposure. Most concrete paver systems are designed to be installed in a flexible way to allow for this movement of the ground in areas of extremely high and low temperatures.
Types of Fills for Between Pavers
There are two major types of fillers used between pavers.
Definitely Not Grout
Grout is not one of the two choices. Our clients often refer to the joint filler as grout, and this is inaccurate. Grout is typically designed to be used indoors between tiles, and it is always part of a rigid pavement system. Gout is NOT designed to be flexible, and if it moves, it will crack because of its rigidity. In some cases, an exterior grout can be used if the base is constructed in a rigid technique with footings below the frost line to prevent movement. This is not the typical standard of residential paver installation today, mainly due to being cost-prohibitive in most cases.
Sand
Regular builder’s sand or brick sand was often used for filling pavers up until the turn of the century. The problem with regular builders’ sand is that it quickly blows or is washed out from between the pavers. While this is an esthetic problem, it can and does look bad, and no one wants their nice paver patio to have gaps between the stones. If sand is used as a bedding layer, it can also become a structural problem if the bedding layer begins to wash away.
Polymeric Sand
In 1999 Techniseal introduced Polymeric sand to the market. This is sand that is mixed with a polymer that binds the sand particles together. This makes it last longer. It is not permanent, however. Over time, the polymer will break down, and the sand can wash or blow out, so it does require some maintenance. It typically will last at least three to five years before that is necessary to touch up or re-sand any areas.
Applying Polymeric sand
When applying polymeric sand, it is important to wear a dust mask as it can be harmful if inhaled. First, pour Polymeric sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. Compact the pavers to settle the sand with a rolling plate compactor or a hand tamper. Then fill and tamp again until the sand is 1/8th inch from the paver level and doesn’t consolidate any further.
Prepare for Watering
Blow sand residue from the top of the pavers. It is important to get all the sand off the top of the pavers, or you will have a haze on them. Use a leaf blower set on low and held about waist high to help.
Watering
You want to add enough water to activate the polymer but not so much that you float the polymer right out of the sand. Use a water nozzle turned to the shower setting. Water the joint until the sand just stops absorbing water. Pause and let the water soak in. Water again until no more water soaks in, but you do not see a milky white substance on top of the joint. Do 10 feet by 10 feet sections at a time. Once the polymer sets, you won’t be able to add more water.
Curing
The polymer will cure in 24-72 hours, depending on the temperature and dryness of the area. Polymeric sand in shade can be a bit more spongy than Polymeric sand in the sun, even after it cures. Do not let the sand get rained on hard until it is set. You may need to cover the sand with a tarp to protect it from rain. You should avoid excess foot traffic for 24 hours and any vehicle traffic for 72 hours.
Common Mistakes When Using Polymeric Sand
We see these mistakes over and over when clients use Polymeric sand.
Damp Pavers or Joints
If the joints and pavers are wet, the polymer will start to set up prematurely. This causes a haze on the pavers and leads to poor joints. The pavers and joints must be bone dry before you start. The sand will also stick to the top of the pavers and become a difficult mess to clean up.
Over or Under Watering
If you do not water the Polymeric sand enough, it does not activate the polymer. When this happens, a crust forms on the surface but the sand below this crust is not bound together. The unbound sand moves out from under the crust, which then collapses.
If you apply too much water, the polymer floats out of the sand and drains away. It can leave a haze behind on the pavers as it runs across them. You are left with sand between the pavers and a haze on them.
Leaving Excess Sand Behind
Sand that is left on the pavers will bind to the pavers and leave a haze on them, detracting from the beauty of the pavers.
Poor Drainage
The drainage under the pavers and joints must be good, or the water will back up and not filter through the Polymeric sand, allowing the sand grains to bind to each other. A very slight slope will aid drainage and help prevent problems. We have also shifted from a sand bedding layer to an open aggregate base that helps with drainage below the pavers, especially in dark and damp Northern exposures.
Overfilling the Joints
Too much sand can cause problems. It is important to keep the level of the sand in the joint 1/8th inch below the surface of the paver. If the sand is level with the paver, the water will back up over the paver, and the polymer will cause the paver to be hazy.
Too Narrow or Too Wide Joints
Joints should be at least 1/8th inch and no more than four inches. The joint depth should be at least one inch. If the joints are too narrow, the water cannot flow down and properly activate the polymer. If the joints are too wide, the sand will wash out before the polymer sets up.
Polymeric Sand Maintenance
As mentioned, polymeric sand does require some maintenance. Regular cleaning with a blower and/or a hose will help keep the pavers and joints in good condition. You can power wash your paver patio if you are careful not to blow out the sand. Keep the power washer moving and never aimed directly at the joints. Periodically, you will need to chemically clean and re-seal the pavers and joints. You may then need to sweep new Polymeric sand into the joints to fill any low spots. Just make sure it is completely dry first.
Customer Expectations
When it comes to paver joints, polymeric sand is often seen as the gold standard. And it is the best solution we have for filling joints in a flexible pavement system, and it does a great job. However, like any construction material, it is far from perfect and is definitely not maintenance-free. The ground will move and over time the sand will move, crack, wash or settle and will need some maintenance. It is critically important that consumers understand the history, design, and intent of this product to ultimately have a successful paver project for both the client and the contractor.
Our Paver Maintenance Program
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping has a paver maintenance program. We have options that include Spring clean-ups, as well as regular cleanings (blowing, power washing, and chemical cleaning), along with regular re-sealing of pavers to enhance the color and sheen. To sign up for our paver maintenance program, schedule a consultation now before the spring rush hits.
Have you ever heard a friend, neighbor, or even your spouse say “There is another crack in the concrete. It just looks terrible! We need a new patio”
Soil is hard on concrete. It shifts and swells, breaking the concrete into smaller pieces. You are left with a spiderweb of cracks, uneven walking surfaces, and other problems. Modern paver patios don’t have these issues, as they are already segmented and most often built in a flexible construction method.
Flexible Pavement vs Rigid Pavement
Concrete is designed to be rigid. It is poured in place and strengthened with rebar. When large parking lots are poured in concrete, gaps are left and filled with a malleable substance. These are called expansion joints and let the concrete move a little with the seasons. Most residential patios don’t have expansion joints, and these large areas of concrete will crack over time.
Pavers are different. These are small pieces that are laid together, like a mosaic. These pieces are called pavers and they are set on an aggregate base that provides a strong foundation. As the ground freezes and thaws, the pieces move together with the ground. The overall patio will not crack as its many joints allow for movement with the freeze-thaw cycles.
Paver Base
We started installing paver patios decades ago. At that time, the industry-standard was to use crushed limestone as a base and then put a bedding layer of sand on top of it. The pavers were installed on top of the sand. Over time, the limestone could get spongy as the dust in that layer collected moisture. The sand would sometimes wash out over time as the particles of sand could be smaller than the joints in the patio. Both these problems slightly compromised the structural stability of the patio and could lead to settling in spots.
We now use an open aggregate base so that it drains well and is more stable. We use washed gravel that helps hold things in place. This prevents the washout of materials and keeps the patio surface more stable over time. The washed gravel also provides pore space for moisture to move through the patio and drain.
Paver Styles
Pavers can come in a wide variety of styles. These pavers can be small, old-fashioned Holland Stones that are 4” X 8” or new modern paving slabs as big as 20” X 30” and anywhere in between. You can also choose a variety of natural stone pavers. These come in many different sizes, shapes, and textures.
There are many paver manufacturers, and they all have a variety of styles to choose from. A couple of our favorite local paver companies are Belgard and Unilock. They tend to have the best quality products as well as customer service in our KC market. You can check out their sites to learn more.
Paver Sand
To finish off the installation of your pavers, we use special polymeric sand and sweep it between the pavers to fill in any gaps. The polymer in the sand helps to bind the sand particles together to lock them in place. The regular sand used a decade ago would wash out much sooner and require more frequent maintenance.
Polymer sand joints last 2-5 years or more. The joints may need some touch-up after that. If the sand does wash out or settle, the patio is still usable, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing. It is a good idea to plan on some paver maintenance every few years just to make sure everything is tip-top and looking as good as possible.
Paver Sealers
Paver sealers are a good way to help lock the joint sand in longer. The sealant also holds the color of the pavers longer and protects them from fading in the sun. Our favorite sealer is the “wet look” type because everything tends to look a little better when wet. The colors pop and the space looks new and clean.
There is an art to installing pavers. Even if you follow the industry standards as far as the base, buy the pavers from a reputable place, and seal them well, you may find yourself disappointed in how they look. It takes a lot of practice to get them “just right”.
At Royal Creations, we have planned and installed hundreds of paver patios over the years. We can help you choose your pavers, install them for you, and seal them so they continue to look good for years. We will even do the periodic maintenance required to keep them looking their best. If you want to put in a paver patio, contact Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping today to schedule a consult and get the ball rolling.
