01
How long do brick paver patios last in Burnaby's climate?
In our experience, a professionally installed paver patio in Burnaby can last for 30 to 50 years or more. The key to this longevity is the quality of the base preparation. Burnaby's frequent rain and freeze-thaw cycles demand a deep, well-compacted aggregate base that allows for excellent drainage. When the subgrade and base are properly engineered, it prevents the heaving and sinking that can destroy a hardscape. The individual brick pavers themselves are incredibly durable and resistant to de-icing salts. With minimal maintenance, like topping up jointing sand every few years, the surface will maintain its integrity and appearance for decades, far outlasting poured concrete or asphalt.
02
What are the main advantages of pavers over a poured concrete driveway?
The primary advantage is flexibility and repairability. A concrete driveway will inevitably crack over time due to ground movement or tree roots, requiring either unsightly patches or a complete replacement. With brick pavers, if a few units sink or get stained, we can simply lift them, repair the base, and replace the same pavers for a seamless fix. Pavers also offer superior aesthetic appeal with countless colors, shapes, and patterns. Furthermore, the joints in a paver system allow for slight movement, making them more resistant to cracking from freeze-thaw cycles. Finally, options like permeable pavers offer environmental benefits by reducing stormwater runoff, a significant issue in our region.
03
Is sealing brick pavers necessary for our local weather?
While not strictly necessary, we highly recommend applying a quality sealant to brick pavers in the Metro Vancouver area. A good sealant provides two main benefits. First, it creates a protective barrier that makes the pavers resistant to stains from oil, grime, and organic matter like wet leaves. Second, it enhances the color of the pavers and can provide a 'wet look' or matte finish, depending on your preference. Most importantly for our climate, sealcoating helps to lock the jointing sand in place, preventing it from washing out during heavy rains and inhibiting weed and moss growth. We typically suggest re-sealing every 3-5 years to maintain this protection and keep your hardscape looking its best.
04
How do you prevent weeds from growing between pavers?
Weed growth is a common concern, and we address it with a two-part strategy during installation. First, our thorough base preparation and compaction create a sterile, stable foundation that is inhospitable to plant life. Weeds don't grow up from the soil; their seeds land in the joints and germinate. To prevent this, the second and most critical step is our use of high-quality polymeric sand. This is a special sand blend with a polymer additive that, when wetted, hardens to form a firm, flexible joint. This hardened sand creates a durable barrier that makes it extremely difficult for weed seeds to take root. This paver interlocking method is far more effective than using regular sand for your brick pavers.
05
Can brick pavers be installed on a sloped driveway?
Yes, absolutely. Installing brick pavers on a sloped driveway is very common and completely safe when done correctly. The process requires special attention to the base preparation and the use of a secure edge restraint system to prevent any downhill movement. We ensure the drainage grading is meticulously planned to channel water away from the house and garage. For steeper slopes, we may use a deeper base and a more robust concrete toe at the bottom edge for extra stability. The interlocking nature of the pavers provides excellent traction, often better than smooth concrete, which is an added safety benefit on a sloped surface during wet or frosty conditions.
06
What is the typical timeline for a paver installation project?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. For an average-sized patio or walkway, the entire process from excavation to final compaction usually takes our crew 3 to 5 days. A larger, more complex driveway with intricate patterns or significant grading work might take 5 to 8 days. Weather is the biggest variable; we cannot lay pavers or apply jointing sand in heavy rain. We always provide a clear project schedule upfront and maintain open communication throughout the installation of your brick pavers, ensuring you are aware of our progress and any potential weather-related adjustments to the timeline. Our goal is to complete the work efficiently without ever compromising on quality.
