Question 1

How long does a typical paver installation take?

Accepted Answer

In our experience, the timeline for a paver installation project depends heavily on the size and complexity. A straightforward 200-square-foot paver patio on a level site might take our crew 3 to 5 days from start to finish. A larger, more intricate driveway project could take 7 to 10 days. The first day is typically dedicated to excavation and the initial layers of the aggregate base. The following days involve laying the pavers, making cuts, installing edging, and the final compaction and jointing. Weather, particularly heavy rain, can sometimes cause minor delays, but we build contingency time into our schedules to ensure we complete projects efficiently and to the highest standard.

Question 2

What is the best base material for pavers in our climate?

Accepted Answer

For Burnaby's wet climate and freeze-thaw cycles, the best base material is a well-graded, crushed angular stone, often referred to as '3/4 inch clear crush' or a similar road base aggregate. This material is crucial for a durable paver installation. The angular shape of the stones allows them to lock together tightly when compacted, creating a stable and strong base course that resists shifting. Unlike rounded river rock, it provides excellent load-bearing capacity. This type of aggregate also allows for proper drainage, which is essential in our region to prevent water from pooling beneath the pavers and causing heaving during winter freezes. We never cut corners on the quality or depth of the aggregate base.

Question 3

Do my new pavers need to be sealed right away?

Accepted Answer

We generally recommend waiting at least 90 days and up to a year before sealing a new paver installation. This waiting period allows for a process called efflorescence to occur, where natural salts from the concrete pavers migrate to the surface and can be washed away. Sealing too early can trap this white, hazy residue beneath the sealer. While sealing is not strictly necessary for the structural integrity of the pavers, it can enhance their color, make them easier to clean, and provide added protection against stains from oil or organic matter. When the time is right, we can recommend high-quality breathable sealers suitable for our climate.

Question 4

How do you prevent weeds from growing between pavers?

Accepted Answer

The most effective method for preventing weeds is the proper use of polymeric sand in the paver joints. After completing the paver installation and final compaction, we meticulously sweep this specialized sand into every joint. When activated with a light mist of water, the polymers in the sand harden to form a firm yet flexible bond. This creates a durable barrier that deters weed growth from below and prevents seeds from taking root from above. A solid, compacted aggregate base and secure edging also contribute by minimizing soil contact and movement. This integrated approach is far more effective than simply hoping weeds won't grow.

Question 5

Can you install pavers over an old concrete patio?

Accepted Answer

While it is technically possible to install pavers over an existing concrete slab, we rarely recommend it, especially in our climate. The main issue is that the underlying concrete slab must be in perfect condition, with no major cracks or heaving, which is uncommon. Any movement or cracking in the concrete will transfer directly to the pavers above, leading to an uneven surface. Furthermore, this method often creates drainage problems, trapping water between the concrete and the pavers. For a truly long-lasting paver installation, the best practice is to remove the old concrete and build a proper aggregate base from scratch to ensure optimal stability and drainage.

Question 6

What's the difference between interlocking and permeable pavers?

Accepted Answer

The primary difference lies in how they manage water. Standard interlocking pavers are installed with very tight joints filled with polymeric sand, creating a largely impermeable surface where water runs off according to the grade. Permeable pavers, on the other hand, are designed with larger gaps or 'lugs' on their sides. These wider joints are filled with small, clear-crushed stone instead of sand. This design allows rainwater to pass directly through the surface into a specially engineered, open-graded aggregate base below, where it can be stored and slowly absorbed into the subsoil. A permeable paver installation is an excellent solution for managing stormwater runoff on properties in Burnaby.

Question 7

What is the process for repairing a sunken paver area?

Accepted Answer

The process for an uneven pavers fix involves more than just lifting the low stones. First, we carefully remove the pavers in the affected area and set them aside. Then, we excavate the sand bedding and the aggregate base beneath it to identify the cause of the sinking, which is almost always a poorly compacted or insufficient base. We then add new aggregate base material in compacted layers to bring the area back to the correct height and stability. After re-compacting, we screed a new layer of sand bedding, reinstall the original pavers, and perform a final compaction. To finish the cracked paver repair, we sweep new polymeric sand into the joints to lock everything back in place.

Question 8

How does your team handle utility lines during excavation?

Accepted Answer

Proper utility location is a critical safety step in every paver installation we perform. Before any excavation begins, we contact BC 1 Call to have all registered public utility lines (gas, electric, communications) on the property professionally located and marked. For private lines, such as irrigation or landscape lighting, we work directly with the homeowner to identify their locations. Our team is trained to respect these markings and hand-dig carefully when working nearby to avoid any damage. This diligence protects your property's essential services and ensures the safety of our crew and your family throughout the paver driveway installation process.

Paver Installation in Burnaby

About Our Paver Services in Burnaby

Our Paver Installation Process

Site & Design Consult

Excavation & Base Prep

Paver Laying & Edging

Compaction & Jointing

Why Choose Legacy for Paver Installation?

How Much Does Paver Installation Cost in Burnaby?

Recent Paver Projects in Burnaby

Paver Installation FAQ in Burnaby