Paving stones, or pavers, are becoming a popular choice for outdoor areas. They date back to the Romans, and stunning examples can be seen all over the world, like in the Great Wall of China. More recently, they’re being used by home-owners for driveways and patios.
What Does Interlocking Mean?
When interlocking paving stones are installed with paver jointing sand. The jointing sand locks the pavers in place and fills in the joints completely from top to bottom. This creates friction in the joints, which dispenses the weight load over a larger area. So, when you walk on the pavers, even if your foot is only on one stone, your weight is being supported by six or seven stones.
Pavers Aren’t Rigid
Other surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, are rigid, and can’t move as the earth below moves. This can cause cracks and chips in the surface. Pavers, however, don’t crack or chip because they are individual stones, and they can move with the ground. The jointing sand lets the stones stay flexible.
Repairs Are Easy
One of the biggest benefits of paving stones is that they’re easily repaired. A single stone can be removed and replaced. Concrete and asphalt are more complicated to repair. Damaged concrete needs to be cut out, and new concrete poured. This needs to be done by a professional, which is costly, and the new concrete is unlikely to blend in with the older concrete.
Paving Stones Have A Lower Moisture Absorption Rate
Air pockets in surfaces reduce the durability and increase the chances of cracks and damage. Air pockets increase the moisture absorption rate. Paving stones are quite dense, and the method of installation means that there’s very few, if any air pockets. It also means that they are suitable for cold and wet weather because as there’s less chance of water seeping in, the chances of expansion and cracking are also reduced.
When you’re making your decision between paver stones, asphalt or concrete, you should take into account that pavers are extremely durable, long-lasting, and absolutely beautiful.
