Over 30 Years Experience In All Our Paver Projects

Brick Pavers Restoration, Repair, Cleaning, & Sealing

The brick pavers industry in Southeast Michigan during 2015 faced a lot of challenges and twists & turns.  After a record Winter, the Detroit Area had a prolonged ground frost that stalled the start of the brick pavers and other pavement projects.  As the ground finally thawed during mid April, the onslaught of severe rainy weather continued well into late Summer.  As Fall weather has been normal, we are finally back on

BEFORE

track as production stays on schedule and restored brick pavers steam ahead for customers looking to improve the safety and appearance of their patio, steps, walks, drives, etc.. .

As weather continued to pound on brick paver contractors and landscaper alike this Spring and Summer, Brick Doctor Bill and crew continued to provide timely and quality brick pavers services for pavers patios, walkways, driveways, pool areas, and more!  Cleaning, sanding, and sealing pavers was faced with many scheduling challenges that only a committed brick pavers full service company can meet.

AFTER

Brick Doctor Bill and crew have committed their resources and experience to providing after market brick pavers restoration services that best meets customer's budget and needs.   Brick pavers require routine maintenance and our company structure offers these services in a timely and affordable manner. Estimates are done within a week and quotes are quickly recommended and detailed.restoration services that best meets customer's budget and needs.

BEFORE

 
We have been a top brick pavers contractor on Angie's List and many other referral sites & services.  Fendt Builder's Supply and Unilock, Inc recommend our brick pavers services with confidence.  We do not print advertise as we receive many referral leads, as well as, internet exposure and reviews.  We are always committed to brick pavers restoration issues and educating you on the proper maintenance and care involved with pavers patios, walkways, driveways, pool areas, and more.

AFTER

We have serviced the Canton, Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Northville, Novi, and  Livonia areas for over 30 years. We only work with interlocking brick pavers application and our experience and expertise shows!  We are a perfect balance of quality & price and our follow up services are unmatched.  Take the right step in restoring the performance, appearance, protection, and structural integrity of your brick pavers today, call Brick Doctor Bill for you house call!

Brick Pavers repair, cleaning, sealing, & maintenance has sprung in Michigan!

Restoration of pavers patios, walks, steps, & driveways performed in Canton,Plymouth,Northville, and Livonia, MI

The ground is thawing in Michigan and the ever expanding nature of pavements, such as, interlocking brick pavers, begin to stress under this Spring occurrence.  Pushed to the limit, brick pavers will look wavy, pushed up, or contorted.  Our clients who we educate that this is a normal and natural event needs to exhibit some patience before getting discouraged about the performance of their brick paver patios, walks, steps, driveways, etc.. 

Easter is here and we will begin the inspection and bidding process later this week. To properly assess any need for paver repairs to damaged or failed brick pavers, the ground frost must have exited the ground below to make an accurate estimate.

Brick pavers maintenance is a growing need for our clients and we reward them (and us) by contacting them each March regarding our yearly brick paver services available.  We start every Spring by offering to service OUR CLIENTS first!  We contact our clients prior to doing any estimating of new business to allow them to get on our schedule.  Aside from touch-up repairs or the releveling of the pavers, we offer the following brick pavers services each Spring: 

We begin each Spring season offering our valued clients our Spring Sand Sweeping and Compacting service.  We re-compact their brick pavers using a plate compacting machine to help re-lock the brick pavers and hopefully knock back down any pavers left sticking up.  We then finish with sweeping regular paver joint sand over their pavers to help refill any voided joints from the Winter snow, ice, & thaw.  Keeping paver joints filled is the number one maintenance need of brick pavers to help avoid erosion, shifting, & weed growth.

The next popular service we offer each Spring is Cleaning, Sanding, and Compacting of our clients brick paver patios, walks, driveways, etc..  This valuable service just adds cleaning of the brick paver surface and joints.  Clients usually take advantage of this service every 2 years as dirt, moss, mildew, or vegetation growth may reappear.


Brick Paver Sealing is becoming our largest growing service over the last 5 years as customers want to restore the original look and preserve the appearance of their paver patios, walks, and driveways.

Cleaning, sanding, & compacting is always included in this sealing service, so basically, its a total restoration of your brick pavers. Sealing of brick pavers is usually performed every 2-3 years depending on your personal preference of  their appearance. 

We offer these valuable services to ALL clients, old and new.  Once you have become one of our clients, you will get priority each Spring to have your brick pavers maintained and preserved to your liking for many years to come!  This is our goal and this is our business!

Pavers Patio Restored to Original Beauty!

Patio repair, cleaning, sanding, and sealing is performed

This past month we performed a complete restoration of a pavers patio in Livonia, MI.  Due to some neglect and severe Winter frost damage, this paver patio had seen better days.  The homeowner contacted us to see if we can restore this brick pavers patio and paver steps to their original beauty and performance.

BEFORE

We began by performing repair to the brick pavers around the perimeter of the wall block caps and reset
them flush.  The paver steps needed some releveling and adhering of caps to make them safe & functional.  We also ran the power plate compactor over the entire pavers patio to help relock loose brick pavers.

AFTER

Upon completion of the brick paver repairs, we power washed and cleaned all the paving stones, paver joints, wall blocks, and caps.  We resanded the paver joints with regular paver joint sand.  It is highly recommended not to use any poly or bonding sands when sealing your brick pavers.

We returned a couple days later when we where confident all was dry, touched up the paver joints with sand as needed, and applied an approved brick paver sealant.  This customer choose a "wet look" glossy sealer.  We also offer a "matte" satin finish sealer for those customers who do not want the gloss look. Paver sealants will last approximately 2-3 years but most of our repeat customers like to reseal every 2 years to get a fresh new look.

With routine Spring sand sweeping of joint sand and touch-up repairs & plate compacting of the brick pavers, this newly restored pavers patio will remain in pristine condition for a long time.  The performance and appearance will benefit the customer for many years to come!

Brick Paver Patio Repair & Redesign in Canton, MI

One of our biggest request this year from homeowners who seek repairs to their brick pavers patios is to redesign the patio to be more functional.  In the past, multi-level raised paver patios were designed with aesthetics in mind but not always functionality.

This brick paver patio in Canton, MI needed some extensive repair to it's settling wall block & cap retaining wall and sunken brick pavers.  The homeowner was also frustrated with the design because it functioned like 2 small patios instead of one large one.  After placing their patio furniture and outdoor accents, they found flow of traffic very difficult.  When entertaining friends & family, most people had to
co-mingle in the yard.

My recommendation was for us to raise the lower ground level area of the paver patio to the raised or elevated portion.  We re-used most of the current paver products and obtained additional wall blocks, caps, and some more paving stones to complete this redesign.

Repairs and releveling was performed to the elevated portion of this paver patio and the new raised patio area was made flush to create one larger and functional outdoor living space.  The homeowner was very happy with the final product and immediately ordered some new patio furniture so they could entertain and enjoy Summer sunsets.

One of the major advantages of brick pavers is it's versatility and opportunity to make changes or repairs without any obvious signs or flaws.

The "Interlock" in Interlocking Brick Pavers

High Density Concrete Paving Stones were developed to achieve proper Interlock

Brick pavers made from high density concrete have been a popular paving option for almost 35 years in the United States.  Pavers were first widely used as walkways or paths.  They quickly evolved into functional and aesthetically pleasing patios.  As pavers have matured in the market place, the use of residential driveways and municipal city scapes & parks have grown exponentially.

Today, I am still amazed how many homeowners and even contractors, do not understand how interlocking brick pavers work.  Often I go on estimates where homeowners do not believe they actually have interlocking brick pavers, when in fact they do.

 Most homeowners believe that the only interlocking brick paver is the one that are key shaped or has several angled sides.  They believe that they lock together like a jig saw puzzle piece. The most popular shape for brick paver installations is the traditional 4" by 8" rectangle shape.  Laid in a herringbone pattern offers the best performing interlock or lock-up.

The simple truth is that the "Interlocking"of brick pavers is achieved by the method they are installed.  Below is a definition of "Interlock" described by the Intelocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI):

"Frictional forces between paving units that prevent them from rotating, or moving horizontally or vertically in relation to each other, also defined as the inability of a concrete paver to move independently of it neighbors.  The friction forces enable load transfer among the paving units." 

 "The three kinds of load transfer are vertical interlock, horizontal interlock, and rotational interlock.  Vertical interlock is achieved by shear transfer of loads to surrounding units through sand in the joints. Horizontal interlock is primarily achieved through the use of laying patterns that disperse forces from braking and accelerating vehicles.  Rotational interlock  is maintained by the pavers being of sufficient thickness & density, placed closely together, and being restrained by a stationary edge restraint on the borders."

  To achieve the above  interlock or lock-up needed for a high performing paving stone pavement, the method of installing brick pavers is essential. It is the installation process that achieves interlock. Without boring you with all the minor installation details, below explains how we accomplish the three "Interlock" load transfers with brick pavers.

First you install a compacted crushed stone base to the proper specifications recommended  for the particular paver installation  (patio, walk, driveway, etc..).  A strong base will aid in Vertical interlock by transfering "load" back to the paver units.  A strong base will keep the paver units from settling or sinking into the ground and allow the paver units to spread the load between them.

Second you install a sand bedding or leveling course by spreading it over the compacted base approx. 1-1.5" thick.  You will then "screed" (level) the bedding course with the proper heights & pitch that is needed for the final product. You will then lay the paver units over the bedding course in the design & laying pattern determined. After all cut ins are complete and the edge restraint is installed, joint sand will be swept into the joints.

Then the most important step in installing brick pavers will be performed.  You will run the power plate compactor over the paver units in several passes and angles.  Here is where Horizontal interlock occurs.  As the power plate compactor runs over the pavers units, if vibrates several pavers down at the same time.  As the paver units are pushed down into the bedding course..."Jet up" or lock-up of the pavers will occur.  This locks the brick pavers horizontally keeping them from shifting side-to-side.


The final step is to finish sweep all the paver joints with more joint sand.  Rotational interlock is accomplished by butting pavers up to each other, not leaving an excessive gap between each paver units.  This will avoid any "rocking" back and forth of an individual paver unit.  It is also accomplished in the planning stage of selecting the proper thickness, laying pattern, and density of pavers. Specifying the proper paver unit , design, & laying pattern for the particular application is essential.

In summary, the shape of your brick paver unit does not exclude it from the interlocking brick paver application.  The methods of installation will allow any shape or composition (clay, concrete, rubber, asphalt) of pavers to "interlock" into place.

Brick Paver Patio Sealed in Ann Arbor

Sealing Brick Pavers should be performed by a Qualified & Experienced Contractor

We completed this Brick Paver Sealing of a paver patio in Ann Arbor this past week.  This paver patio was installed by another brick paver contractor only a year ago. The homeowner was frustrated with the original installing contractor because they had no interest in cleaning and sealing the patio they installed.

With a little prodding by the homeowner, the original installing contractor finally gave them a quote that was twice the cost of our quote.  The homeowner was fully aware that the contractor was not interested in performing this service and just tossed out a high quote.  We were here again to meet a homeowner's need at a very reasonable price!

 I see this all the time where a brick paver or landscape contractor is only interested in installing brick pavers and do not offer affordable & timely after services that homeowner's need.  Oh, they will do the job if you are willing to pay the high quote they throw out there! 

True brick paver contractors will not only give you a competitive quote, they will schedule your brick paver repairs, cleaning, sanding, sealing, etc.. like any other project.  They will also offer a seasonal maintenance program that will offer long-term performance and appearance of your brick pavers.  For homeowners on a tight budget, they will educate their clients on how to perform these paver maintenance services themselves.
 
This brick paver patio needed a general cleaning and the removal of one stained area in the middle.  The paver patio was re-sanded and we returned a day & half later when all was dry.  We carefully applied an approved brick paver sealant to this paver patio including the bordering sitting walls & pillars.

Fall is still a good time to clean & seal brick pavers.  Our pricing for these paver services are typically 15-20% cheaper than our Spring prices.  As long as temps are over 50 degrees, sealing pavers can be performed safely.  Other than budgeting for paver services, there is no advantage in waiting until Spring.

Pavers Patio Replaces Old Concrete Patio in Canton, MI

Brick Pavers create a new Beautiful & Functional Patio and Step

The number one request we receive when installing brick pavers is replacing old, cracked, sunken, and deteriorated concrete patios, steps, and walks.  In Canton, MI this month we replaced this unsightly cement patio that drastically sloped back to the house, resulting in water problems around the foundation.  Because the cement patio had sunk, the rise on the cement step was over 12" and causing a safety issue.  It was time for the homeowner to address this unsightly and unsafe outdoor living space.

The homeowner was referred to us by a couple of clients that we had installed pavers patios for over the past few years.  The homeowner did get a couple of quotes from other brick paver contractors in the local area but they did not compare to us in ideas, dependability, and confidence.  Our price was in the middle of the 2 other contractors but the homeowner had complete confidence in our expertise and professionalism.  We did not disappoint!

After removing the old concrete patio & step, we prepped the base material and established the new height of the pavers patio and step.  Not only did we create the proper pitch from the house foundation, but we built the new pavers patio slightly above grade (yard level) to allow proper drainage off the patio.  Using extra base material to set the height, the patio had the appearance of a raised pavers patio without the cost of installing a retaining wall block & cap.

We transitioned the height of the pavers patio with the existing lawn height by stripping an additional 3-4ft of lawn.  We installed topsoil from the outside row of pavers gradually down to the lawn height. This created a new raised landscape bed for the customer to plant dwarf bushes, perennials, or annuals and cover with an organic mulch or stone mulch.  We also installed some flagstone paths off the pavers patio through the landscape beds to allow access into the yard.  You can just install grass, sod or seed, instead of a landscape bed but keep in mind it will have some slope.

The new pavers step was constructed with solid modular retaining wall block & caps.  This helps prevent any ongoing repair to brick paver inlays.  The only drawback is your paver steps or landing must be rectangular and not curved.  We created comfortable and safe 7" rises from the doorwall down to the paver block step and from the paver block step down to the pavers patio.

The homeowner took advantage of increasing the size of the new pavers patio to better facilitate there outdoor living space needs.  The popular "kidney" shaped design met their needs while softening the angles on the home.  The actual size of the patio was determined by placing all the furniture, grill, fire pit, etc.. out and outlining the needed space.  The outline can be executed by using marking paint, stakes, or the garden hose.

We properly installed this new pavers patio and step by meeting or exceeding all industry specifications of installing brick pavers.  The design was both aesthetically pleasing and functional.  The homeowner was educated on future maintenance requirements to insure long-term performance.  The end result was a completely satisfied homeowner and a proud brick pavers owner & crew!

Brick Paver Patio Restoration in Ann Arbor

Pavers Repair, Cleaning, Sanding, and Sealing brings back the beauty of patio

Neglected Pavers Patio

One of the biggest rewards in this brick paver industry is the satisfaction of pleasing homeowners who have given up on their pavers patio, walks, drives, porches, etc.. .  Most homeowners are despair and overwhelmed by neglected and deteriorated paver installations.  This Brick Doctor is here to make House Calls!

We like to offer a pavers restoration package that includes options for brick pavers repair, cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing with an approved brick paver sealant.  Sealing of brick pavers is the one option that customers toil with after I explain the pro's & con's of applying paver sealer. 

Restored Pavers Patio

To restore some of the original beauty & function of the brick pavers requires professional repair, cleaning, and re-sanding.  With some simple maintenance education, homeowner's can now maintain a rewarding outdoor living space for years to come.  A true brick pavers contractor will also offer follow-up maintenance services to better serve homeowner's who are busy and seek professional help.

Pavers Patio Sealed

This pavers patio in Ann Arbor is a perfect example of the many patio restorations we perform on a daily basis.  The homeowner had no idea what to do or where to go until they contacted us for services.  We completed the repairs, cleaning, and sanding in one day and returned in a couple of days to apply the proper paver sealant.  Time to enjoy the backyard as this pavers patio was intended!

Brick Pavers Repair, Cleaning, & Sealing Peaking this Summer

This past week we completed some intricate brick pavers repair, cleaning, and sealing jobs that restored some of the original beauty & function. Each of these brick paver installations have been installed over 10 years.  After we completed our restoration service, they all looked like they had been installed yesterday!

With high school graduations, weddings, and parties an integral part of Summer events, restoration of brick pavers patios, walks, driveways, and pool areas are at an all time high request for us brick paver contractors.  Balancing needs with budgets is always a challenge for homeowners but an optimum plan of attack has always been manageable.

Each paver restoration project this week required some extensive and touch-up repairs of areas that had failed or where neglected over time. Each project was power washed & cleaned and paver joints were restored. 

The  "coup de gras" was each project was sealed with an approved brick paver sealant to enhance the color and give the brick pavers the much popular "wet look" appearance.

 Each homeowner has committed themselves to a routine maintenance program that will insure long-term performance and appearance.  Minimal routine paver services will help avoid any costly future restoration needs. We educated these homeowners about simple steps to take to maintain the appearance of their pavers and explained the need to observe the signs of distress that may lead to future expensive repairs if not addressed early.

Pictorial of Transformation from Old Wooden Deck to Brick Pavers Patio

Raised Pavers Patio with Landing, Steps, and Planter Creates Beautiful Outdoor Living Space

In Ann Arbor this past Spring, we created this backyard transformation from an Old Wooden Deck to a beautiful Outdoor Living Space.

Designing & building a raised brick pavers patio with a paver landing & steps made the most of the space available. The pavers patio encompassed a duel Planter / Sitting Wall application that created not only some landscape beauty, but useable sitting area for entertaining.

Usually I will go through a stage-by-stage description of the process of installing a uniquely designed paver patio. This post will give you a visual pictorial of the stages of production that lead us to the spectacular conclusion to this project. Pictures will tell the story this post. Enjoy!

Paver Steps Leading Down to Patio are Rebuilt

Poorly designed & installed Brick Paver Steps are our number 1 repair request

These set of Paver Steps in Ypsilanti where not only poorly designed but also poorly installed.  The inexperienced landscape contractor that the homeowner hired used an inferior garden block to construct these paver patio steps.  These garden blocks where not intended for paver step construction but more suited for landscape walls around plant beds.

Upon evaluating the cost of replacing the existing paver steps with a more appropriate engineered block & cap system versus reconstructing the pavers steps using the same products, the homeowner elected to have us reconstruct using the same products.  Due to budget and other household priorities, the repair cost made more sense for the homeowner at this time.

 Aside from the fact that these paver block steps may violate a few building codes, the attention to detail for construction was ignored too.  The end result was a set of paver steps that slowly deteriorated and became extremely unsafe for the homeowner & their guests.  The paver steps where sagging, separating, loosening, and collapsing quickly.

 Upon reconstruction we used the proper adhesives and geotextile fabrics inside the structure to reduce future erosion & settling.  We took every step to maximize the performance of these paver blocks & caps.  We instructed the customer to keep an eye on any future failure and make sure it is addressed immediately to avoid the same adverse situation they had just experienced.


There is no guarantee that these garden blocks will perform properly in the long-term because they are not intended for this particular application.  It may require routine touch up repairs, but for some homeowners weighing the cost for total replacement, this is the "cost/ benefit" chance they are willing to take.

Pavers Patio and Walkway Restored after 25 years

Brick Pavers are resilient and offer the best long-term pavement solution

 
We recently restored this Pavers Patio and Walkway in Ann Arbor that was originally installed 25 years ago.  The homeowner gave up about 5 years ago removing weeds from the open & gapping joints. I assured the homeowner that we could re-use the existing brick pavers and re-install the paver patio and paver walkway to their original dimensions, design, and appearance.  Aside from the normal effects of weathering, the original function of the paving stones would be restored.

We completely lifted up the brick pavers, removed any organic matter, re-compacted the original base material, added additional base as needed, and reinstalled the paving stones in the original shape, size, and design.  We cleaned the pavers and re-sanded with regular joint sand.  We then returned a week later when all was dry and applied an approved brick paver sealant.  The main purpose for sealing was to protect the paving stones from any further weathering.


  The homeowner was never instructed by the installing contractor that they needed to keep the paver joints filled with joint sand. The installing contractor at the time told them that "brick pavers are NO maintenance" and they " will never move".  This was a constant theme I encountered through the early years of brick pavers in Southeast Michigan. 

At the completion of this brick paver restoration project, we spent the much needed time educating the customer of the minimum maintenance requirements of interlocking pavers.  Spring sand sweepings of the paver joints and periodic spot repairs of any settled pavers will insure endless years of beauty and function.