Frequently asked questions
How much will a typical installation cost?
Depending on the scope of your job, your price per square foot could be as low as $5 or as high as $15 (Including all materials, delivery, and area preparation). The location of your job, the size, soil composition, unique attributes, and products selected affect this price range. Each job is bid to the specific requirements of the client.
How long do installations normally take?
We strive to complete most typical residential applications such as driveways, walkways, and patios in one or two days. Pools, retaining walls and other larger jobs can vary. Many factors can affect job timeliness including weather, material availability, job access and conditions.
How long after installation can I use my patio or driveway?
Immediately after all of the installation steps are completed, including compaction and the sweeping in of jointing sand.
Can weeds grow through my patio or driveway? How do I get rid of them?
Weeds can not grow up from below the pavers surface. The growth of weeds and grasses results from airborne seeds. A household weed killer can prevent this if necessary.
Can I replace individual pavers if something was to chip or damage them, or I need access beneath them?
A paver or group of pavers can be removed and replaced if needed with minimal disturbance to the rest of the surface; we will leave extra pavers with the client.
Will the paver colors fade?
V&M Paverscape uses only extremely high quality products. Unlike some pavers that have a thin “topcoat” our pavers are colored throughout the entire paver. Because of the suns ultraviolet rays some mild overall fading may occur over time.
I have an existing concrete walkway that is in good shape. Can I lay pavers over it?
Pavers can be laid on top of existing concrete walkways provided it is in good condition. This process will raise the grade by about three inches (this includes the bedding sand plus the thickness of the paver itself). Doorways are a particular consideration using this method.
What are thin pavers?
Thin pavers are manufactured to a similar look of pavers with a 1 inch thickness. These can be used in limited applications such as overlay on an existing concrete surface in good condition. Thin pavers are not suited for vehicular traffic, and do not provide the same interlocking properties as traditional thick pavers.
Can V&M Paverscape install pavers that I buy myself?
Depending on the characteristics product and the intended application, we may be able to install your pavers. Please keep in mind pavers available at hardware stores are typically thinner- 40mm rather the 60mm or 80mm ICPI standard and may not conform to other ASTM standards. Most store bought pavers are not recommended for high traffic and vehicular applications. We pass our contractor volume discounts on to the client and buy pavers at very good prices.
How do concrete pavers compare to stamped or patterned concrete?
Patterned and stamped concrete is merely poured concrete stamped topically with a pattern. It is susceptible to all of the cracking, durability and maintenance problems as is regular concrete or asphalt. Stamped concrete also requires expansion joints every ten feet or more. These expansion joints can be very distracting in various patterns. Concrete interlocking pavers create a more uniform, durable, and aesthetically pleasing surface
Do your products come with a guarantee?
We only use the highest quality of interlocking brick pavers and retaining wall products in America that meet or exceed ASTM standards. We provide a 25 year guarantee on the strength and structural integrity of our products.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon that causes a white lime deposit on the face of any concrete product. It has to do with leaching of salts out of the concrete matrix and depositing on the surface when the water evaporates. It is not considered a defect of the material. It has no adverse effect on the physical structure of the product, and will normally wear away naturally within a few days or weeks. It can be cleaned off with a number of commercial cleaners. It should not be confused with hard water stains, although both may require the same weathering or cleaning to eliminate.
Should I seal concrete pavers?
Sealing is not essential in many applications but it offers some benefits like making spills and stains easier to remove. Liquid sealers are applied after the pavers are installed and are cleaned. We can recommend cleaners for concrete pavers. Once applied, the sealers soak into the concrete and into the joints. The sealers in the joints help keep the joint sand in place and prevent weeds and ants.
Does V&M Paverscape offer “the cheapest prices in town”?
Not always, however V&M Paverscape can offer you the best value for your money. We are able to beat many competitors’ prices and back it up with excellent service. There are many ways to cut corners and shave cost off your project- from not using a suitable thickness of underlayment, to not installing a proper edge restraint, to using “seconds” or sub-par pavers. We do not practice any of these methods. We always get calls from customers whose paver contractor has “bailed out” on their bad installation and refuse to honor their warrantee.