Ground Level Brick Pavers Patio, Step, and Walk Restored

Neglected for over 12 years, these Pavers are Restored by Repairs, Cleaning, & Sealing

Last week in Canton, Michigan, my team and I completed a total restoration of a ground level Brick Pavers Patio, Step, & Walkway. Daily I see these interlocking brick paver patios & walks that have been neglected & ignored until they become unsightly & unsafe.  Since these pavers have been installed over 12 years ago, no pavers maintenance or joint sand sweeping had been performed.  The pictures to the right is the results that you can expect from neglecting your brick pavers.

We started by performing necessary paving stone repairs that had sunk, lifted, and gapped.  Due to riding lawn mower damage, we also reset the outer 2 rows of paving stones for the entire paver patio & areas of the pavers walk that had tilted.  It is important to keep riding lawn movers off your paving stones. You or your hired lawn service contractor needs to weed whip approx. 1ft out from the outside edge of pavers to keep the mower tires off. Also, sprinkler heads need to be adjusted to keep water from spraying over or onto the paving stones.

The most immediate need was to repair the small curved Paver Step at the doorwall. This was not only an eye sore, but it had become unsafe for foot traffic.  We completely rebuilt the Paver Step by re-using the same materials but with a stronger construction.  As soon as Step caps or blocks come loose, it is important to address the issue before it quickly deteriorates.

After performing touch-up repairs to the paver walkway, we cleaned & power washed all paving stones and paver joints freeing them of moss, dirt, weeds, and grass.  We completed the process by sweeping in paver joint sand after the paving stones had dried. We cleaned up the job site and scheduled our return for Sealing all the pavers.

A few days later when all the pavers & paver joints where dry, we returned and applied an approved brick paver sealant over the pavers patio, step, and walkway.  The transformation of this interlocking paver project was tremendous!  The homeowner was ecstatic and I took the time to educate her on the minimal maintenance requirements for long-term performance & appearance.

This total restoration was just under $1,300 which included the repairs, cleaning, & sealing costs for this particular size & needs.  I explained the importance of keeping the paver joints filled with joint sand each Spring and if she did not have the time or inkling to perform, we offer seasonal  paver sweeping services at an affordable cost.

It is important to not blame brick pavers for failure, in most cases I see like this one, it was homeowner's neglect. It's not always the homeowner's fault because they were not properly educated by the installing contractor.  This is why it is important to select a brick paver specialist who offers ongoing advice & maintenance services.  Address the issues early to avoid high costs of repair and frustrations.

Brick Paver Patio Steps Repair

Paver Patio Steps need some expertise performed by a brick paver specialist

One of the most common Paver Patio Step repairs that we perform is the restoration & releveling of Brick Patio Steps.  Pavers Steps require knowledge & expertise to be installed or repaired properly. Every day I am amazed by the inferior layout and construction by inexperienced landscape and brick paver contractors.

Brick Paver Steps require a sound design for strength and longevity. After properly designing a safe & sound layout, the execution of properly installing is crucial.  The set of Patio Steps above where installed only 3 years ago and required us to totally rebuild them from the ground up.  The wall blocks had leaned, the coping caps where gapped and loose, and the brick paver inlay had drastically sunk.

Upon reconstructing these Paver Patio Steps, we noticed the lack of using filter fabric materials, lack of filling all holes & gaps of the blocks, the lack of compacting in 4inch lifts, and the use of inferior adhesives for the caps. These block steps & caps never had a chance to properly perform.

This all resulted in this homeowner having to get a qualified brick paver specialist to repair.  The most disappointing thing for the homeowner was that the original installing contractor was not interested in servicing his needs.  The homeowner was thankful he was able to contact us and get his Paver Step repair done correctly and in a timely manner. Brick Doctor Bill and crew are restoring "one step at a time!"

Brick Paver Porch & Steps Transforms Curb Appeal!

Once coined ugliest Porch & Steps in town now is the envy of the neighborhood

The challenge for homeowners these days is the tremendous need for repair & replacement of dilapidated Porches & Steps. Much like the process 50 years ago, a new age of construction has emerged for the every popular need for function & curb appeal...the Brick Paver and Modular Retaining Wall Porch & Steps.

Before

This past week, my team and I performed a complete transformation of a Porch & Steps in Ann Arbor. As you can see in the "before" picture, the curb appeal of this home was lacking.  We designed and installed a beautiful, functional, & safe Porch, Steps, and Front Walkway that the homeowner could now be proud of. The "after" picture shows just one possibility of the curb appeal your home can experience.

After

There are a few ways to approach the transformation of porches and steps. In an earlier post on this Blog, Porch & Steps replacement, I explain the major options for improving the appearance, function, and curb appeal of porches. Every porch & step project is custom & unique so different applications need to be considered. A cost / benefit analysis is determined so a homeowner can make the best decision for their needs.

Before

Porch & Steps replacement, overlay, and enclosures are on the rise and so far each week in 2011 we have performed this porch repair service throughout Ann Arbor,Canton, Plymouth, & Ypsilanti.  Most porches and steps were and are an after thought in the design & construction of homes.  I am finding that homeowners who are building or buying a new home for the second time, are aware of this past neglect and more proactive in addressing the need for a functional & appealing porch & steps. The winter freeze thaw cycle that is so prominent in the Detroit Metro Area also poses long-term challenges.

After

In this blog post, I wanted to show you the "before & after" pictures to give you a visual of the extreme transformation that brick pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps can perform. The long term benefit of this brick paver system is that repair costs in the future are minimal and the appearance, properly maintained, can last for several decades.

Before

Porch & Step replacement, overlay, or enclosures are best performed by a qualified & experienced brick pavers contractor who's sole business is installing, repairing, and servicing brick pavers and modular retaining walls.  Anybody can lay flat work but Porch & Step applications require foresight, experience, and knowledge of the building codes.

After

Make sure your brick paver contractor has a valid Michigan's Builder License when performing your Porch & Steps project.  Most porch improvements or replacements do not require a permit but the codes set forth some guidelines to insure safety & proper function.  An experienced and building code educated contractor will give you the best construction and attention to detail.

New Life for Raised Brick Paver Patio

Raised Paver Patio in Canton Restored

Each day we are restoring Raised Brick Paver Patios in Canton that need immediate attention. Mainly due to the lack of routine long-term maintenance by homeowners over the last 15+ years, these interlocking paving stone patios have shifted & loosened over years of neglect & lack of joint sand sweepings. My team and I not only perform repair, cleaning, & sealing services, but we take the time to educate the homeowner on avoiding future costly repair costs.

If the paving stones, wall blocks, and caps are loose or drastically shifted, then the paver patio is in much need of attention.  Often the first sign of trouble is lack of paver joint sand in the paving joints. Weeds, dirt, moss, and grass take over the joints which are the most important function of interlocking brick pavers.

Another sign of distress is the "leaning out" of modular retaining wall blocks & caps that retain the patio.  Much of the "leaning" is caused by the settling of the paving stones behind the cap. When these paving stones settle below the top of the cap, water flowing over the patio begins to channel behind the wall blocks.  This slow long-term erosion and freeze thaw cycle pressure puts alot of hydrostatic pressure on the strength of the wall.  Mother nature will always win out so it is important to address these signs in a timely manner.

But not all is lost!  This particular raised paver patio in Canton was restored by my team and I for just under $2,000. We had to completely relay ALL the paving stones inside the wall blocks & caps, adjust an area of wall blocks, adhere all loose caps, and reconstruct the step at the doorwall.  We power wash cleaned the entire paver patio and swept in regular paver joint sand to prep for sealing with an approved brick paver sealant.

This particular homeowner inherited this distressed raised paver patio a few years ago when he purchased the home.  Had the original homeowner been diligent in maintaining the patio over the years, the enormous cost of repairs could have been minimal. Like any outdoor structures or pavements, touch-ups and routine maintenance is required.

If properly installed & maintained over the years, Brick Paver Patios still outperform wooden decks and stamped concreted.  A half hour of your time or paying as little as $50 each Spring to have paver joint sand swept in the paver joints can save $1000's and years of frustration & angst.

If you are experiencing the same signs or results of this once distressed paver patio, call a brick paver specialist, not a landscaper, before the winter freeze to avoid unnecessary costly repairs. Do not lose hope that your brick paver installation whether it be a patio, walkway, driveway, or porch can be restored to its original beauty & function!

Brick Pavers and Steps Create Usable Space

Interlocking Pavers & Modular Retaining Wall Steps improve Landscape

Unsightly areas of your Landscape can be transformed to a beautiful & functional space. This client in Ypsilanti had a unsavory area that grass would not grow. They needed access to their garage side door and as you can see, their existing RR Tie Steps had deteriorated and where unsafe. The client contacted us for an economical & appealing solution to the problem.

We designed this space using Fendt Holland Paver laid in a simple basket weave pattern and framed with a soldier course row of pavers. The client wanted a "traditional" laying pattern and for them, the herringbone pattern was a bit too busy. Though I am an advocate of selecting a blended color, this client wanted a solid "Copper" color of paving stones that matched the clay pavers in the front walkway.

The Steps leading into the garage side door where replaced using Fendt Country Manor wall & cap system. Steps are the biggest challenge for brick paver contractors and nothing can replace experience & knowledge.  Often the cost of constructing Paver Steps is more because of the due diligence and time required to construct them properly. Steps are the biggest failure of inexperienced landscape contractors.

I often receive calls from potential clients who "can not grow grass" in a area and want to have brick pavers installed.  Unless you are going to functionally use this newly created paver patio or walkway area, it does not make financial sense to use brick pavers.  Mulch or creating a landscape bed would be a more reasonable economical solution.  Using a simple "Cost / Benefit" analysis should be considered before selecting paving stones for unsightly & un-kept spaces in your yard.

Brick Paver Raised Patio Restored in Canton

Paver Patio Walls and Paving Stones repaired & cleaned for new life!

After 15 years, this Raised Brick Paver Patio in Canton was in much need of restoration. The homeowner was not the original owner but the need for using their paver patio became a priority when they began to work out of their home.  With some aggressive repair techniques & surface cleaning of the wall blocks, caps, and paving stones, my crew and I where able to renew this homeowner's passion for morning breakfast on the patio.

In so many reconstructions of raised paver patios, the wall blocks & caps needed stretches rebuilt to retain the pavers properly.  The wall caps were removed, cleaned of glue & dirt, and re-adhered after we completely re-leveled the wall blocks that had dipped and leaned out. 

We removed all the paving stones, removed any contaminated base, re-compacted the existing base material, and added additional base as needed.  We relaid the pavers in the same herringbone pattern and then power wash cleaned them.  We finished as always by sweeping in paver joint sand, compacting, and then sweeping again.

The new homeowners were amazed by the transformation.  They had just avoided using this raised paver patio for the last couple of years due to its state of distress.  Embarrassed to have family or friends over, it was time for them to take action.
There is no reason to be discouraged, embarrassed, or scared to use your brick paver patio.  There is no reason you can't enjoy morning coffee on a pristine pavers patio that can be newly restored.

Raised Pavers Patio Reconstructed

Elevated Brick Pavers Patio is Restored, Redesigned, and Upgraded from ground up to its original beauty

Recently in Ann Arbor, my crew and I were confronted with a collapsed & dilapidated Raised Paver Patio that was installed by a landscape contractor 8 years ago. The quality of work & design was inferior and poorly executed.  This multi-level pavers patio became unusable & unsafe to use, and unsightly to look at. This homeowner desperately needed help and we were here to help.
                                                    Here are some BEFORE pics:

 We started by totally tearing down this raised paver patio to the ground, removing & disposing of the paving stones & wall caps. The modular retaining walls blocks were in perfect structural condition and just needed to be power wash cleaned and reused for the patio walls. Any contaminated base was removed and additional base material was added as needed.
                                      Here are some TEAR DOWN pics

 

During this brick paver patio reconstruction, the homeowner took advantage of the opportunity to redesign the overall layout.  I recommended we make the raised patio all one level to increase the usable & functional space. We bumped the patio walls out and softened the sharp curves that served no purpose.  We created a functional landing & paver step out the doorwall and installed a curved paver step off the patio to the yard.

The homeowner also wanted to replace the original paving stones with a tighter fitting paver. I recommended a Holland paver laid in a herringbone pattern and bordered with a soldier course row. It is always a good idea to lay a full paving stone behind wall caps and not small cut pieces.  I then recommended we replace the old weathered wall caps so the total surface of this raised paver patio would be new.

                                 Here are some RECONSTRUCTION pics

Design & compaction are the biggest keys to a successful raised paver patio performance.  Constructing strong bonds, installing geo-textile blankets, and filling gaps tight will help insure long-term success.  By installing level walls & caps, performing quality cuts, and paying attention to detail, this brick paver raised patio turned out spectacular.  Our homeowner was so thankful and their Summer enjoyment began as soon as we packed up the trucks and left. 

                                 Here are some FINISHED PAVER PATIO pics

Brick Paver Walkway Restored in Ann Arbor

Even after 15 years of neglect, Brick Pavers Walkway looks like new again!

When I first approached this brick paver walkway in Ann Arbor, I knew my team and I could bring it back to life.  The homeowner believed she had to replace the paving stones with a new paver. I assured her that I could make her walkway look new again!  She trusted my recommendations and we began the transformation.

We started by lifting up the entire Holland paver walk since it had dips, gaps, and uneven lines throughout the entire length. We cleaned off the top layer of base that had been contaminated with soils & silt and re-compacted the rest with a plate compactor. We added new additional base as needed and began re-installing this paver walkway in like size, dimensions, and shape.

Upon completing the re-installation of paving stones, we replaced the old PVC edge restraint that had severely lifted with a hidden cement bead. We cleaned the surface of the paving stones with a power washer & mild general cleaner. After this paver walkway was dry enough, we swept in paver joint sand, compacted with a plate compactor, and then finished with another sweeping of paver joint sand.

A couple days later after everything was dry, we touched up the paver joints with sand, blew off all excess with a blower, and then applied an approved brick paver sealant. We instructed the homeowner to block off and stay off the paver walkway for at least 24 hours and then enjoy! This once eye sore has now brightened the view & curb appeal of this home.


 The results were dramatic and this homeowner saved over $1,000 by not replacing the paving stones. Not all cases of paver restorations will get the same results, but the majority of our projects do.  It takes time, experience, and detailed knowledge to get this type of repair, cleaning, and sealing results. It is usually best to let your brick paver specialist perform these services for your brick paver patio, walkway, driveway, and more.

Paver Patio Steps Repair in Belleville

Raised Paver Patio Steps needed to be reconstructed to be functional & safe to use

My team and I reconstructed some poorly designed & executed Paver Patio Steps leading into this bay doorwall this past week.  An inexperienced landscape contractor originally installed these paver steps so poorly, they had almost completely collapsed. Not only where these paver steps unsightly, but became dangerously unsafe to use. This has been an ongoing issue in the brick paver industry for over 25 years.

When it comes to bay (overhang) doorwalls, Paver Steps need a "back wall" constructed with the same blocks & caps to support the structure.  For many years now, unqualified & inexperienced contractors attempt to "box in" the bay doorwall overhang.  This is a recipe for failure. It is not only impossible to properly compact the base under this "overhang", it is not advised to close in this area from airflow. There can be long term problems with flooring inside the house that is directly above this overhang due to moisture & rotting wood.

Landscapers & inexperienced brick paver contractors usually do not have the expertise or knowledge to tackle these challenges.  Some will be reading this blog to finally gain some insight. Last week alone I had 2 calls from Landsapers who wanted to pay me for an on-sight visit to instruct them how to install some paver steps. Boy, if only their customers knew they hired someone who was "learning" on their job. 

This homeowner's paver steps not only where designed wrong, but the contractor used some cap units (not blocks) as riser units within the structure. Also, this modular retaining wall & cap system, Fendt Country Manor, requires fiberglass pins to lock them together. There were no pins any where throughout the structure. They just glued the block units together.

The biggest issue facing these block steps & caps was the collaspe under the bay doorwall which compromised the entire step system.  There was NO back wall to support these paver steps and therefore they were doomed to fail. It took 6 years before they were completely unusable, but signs of failure where evident to the homeowner after the first year.

When this landscape contractor returned for warranty work, they simply and wrongfully plugged gaps & holes with caulk and plastic bags!  Yes, they stuffed plastic bags in gaps & holes!  Due to the failure of this contractor performing professional work, this homeowner had to spend $1,150 to completely rebuild these Patio Paver Steps.

My team and I not only constructed the proper "back wall", but we used the required fiberglass pins for this wall & cap system, wrapped the interior with a geo-textile fabric, and installed the proper corner units to solidify this step structure.  We also increased the foot tread to 12" wide to allow for more safety by using a better cap unit then the previous installation.

The one area that separates the good brick paver contractors from the bad is the capability to design & install quality paver steps.  Paver steps are never really cheap because they require expertise, time, and attention to detail to give long-term success.  Paver Steps are always custom designed & installed.  Make sure your contractor can handle the challenge when it comes to patio, walkway, or porch steps.

Polymeric Sand....Oversold?

Being touted as the "savior" for Brick Pavers is not true

The marketing machine for Polymeric Sand for brick pavers is in full force. Homeowners are embracing  the use of polymeric sand as the savior of brick pavers. Though there are some very good benefits, Polymeric Sand is NOT going to eliminate or prevent the need for ongoing paver maintenance.

Back 25+ years ago, I was frustrated with the perception that unqualified contractors gave homeowners...."Brick Pavers are NO maintenance !".  This could not be further from the truth and I had to spend needless appointment time explaining the myths these contractors created.

Polymeric Sand touting is the new frustrating "myth" that I have to spend countless time explaining the benefits and limitations.  Just this past week, I was frustrated with a customer who repeatedly said she wanted polymeric sand in the paver joints ..."so her bricks will never move!".

If she wanted to greatly reduce the chance of weeds or grass growing in the paver joints, if she wanted to reduce the chance of tracking any joint sand into the house, if she wanted to reduce the amount of sand sweeping each Spring of the paver joints, if she wanted to greatly reduce the erosion of any base material from rains, snow, & ice, then Polymeric Sand is a viable solution. In cases of extreme slope or water run off requires the use of bonding sand or permeable pavers.

But to keep your brick pavers in place for all time to come, well you are greatly misinformed. If that were true, we would fill all our road cracks & potholes in Michigan with Polymeric Sand and you would have a smooth ride from Detroit to Sault St. Marie.

Polymeric Sand is definitely beneficial in reducing the negative aspects of paving stones but you need to weigh the cost & benefits of it's use. If you can spend a half hour each Spring sweeping paver joint sand into open joints of your patio & walk, then Polymeric Sand is not necessary. Keeping paver joints filled already reduces weed & grass growth, loose pavers, and erosion damage.

Polymeric Sand requires patience and in most cases should be installed by a qualified brick paver contractor. Done wrong or sloppy, polymeric sand repair or removal can become a costly & tedious experience. Once winter frost goes through your brick paver paito, walk, driveway, porch, etc.. you will still need to touch-up areas each Spring.