There are advantages to installing a brick paver driveways at your Ann Arbor home. First is the aesthetic advantage of knowing it adds distinctive curbside appeal to your property and home. Next is the knowledge that it is available for less than what the actual cost would be if you were using genuine brick, such as that used on homes, instead of brick pavers. The final significant advantage is that the pavers can be ordered in several colors and styles, including fully interlocking pavers that work well in soils that experience a great deal of shifting.
Clay and water are mixed together and fired in a kiln at higher temperatures than ordinary bricks. The result is a quality solid product built for endurance. Contractors and individuals can create their own shapes and designs, resulting in a unique display of eco friendly beauty. Unlike decorative concrete, which gets slippery when wet, brick pavers resist slipperiness during rain because of the rough surface derived in the kiln.
Is it Easy to Build a Brick Paver Driveway?
Brick paver driveways seem like a perfect DIY project. However, unless there is plenty of help and time to get it done, this is one of those tasks to pass on to professionals. Use your time for other projects around the house or yard. As we all know, the weather in Ann Arbor can be a little touchy based on the season.
Following are brief descriptions of the steps needed to design and build this type of driveway.
1.Check with local agencies in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas regarding underground utility pipes or lines in the area. Obtain a permit when necessary.
2.Decide where you want to put the driveway. Level ground and good drainage is very important.
3.Determine its length, width and shape. Stake out the area. Spray paint a line on each side to mark the edges of the driveway.
4.Dig down 12 to 14 inches, removing stones, roots and dirt. The debris must be moved or hauled away.
Brick paver driveways consume a great deal of time just for the preliminary work. You have spent hours with little to show but blisters and a sore back. More hard work lies ahead.
Creating the Finished Product
Compact the subgrade before adding the pea gravel base. Use a wheelbarrow to transport the base. Use a shovel and rake to spread the gravel. Brick paver driveways need space on each side and at the top of the base.
Heavy-duty black plastic over the base prevents weeds from growing between the pavers. Add a layer of sand to support the pavers. The plastic acts as a barrier to keep the sand from filtering through.
It is a tedious but easy task to place the brick spacers and brick edge retainer. Arrange the pavers in the desired pattern, tamping them down now and then. Use masonry sand to set them in place. After the cleanup is done, seal the project with paver sealer to reduce wear and tear.
Brick pavers are environmentally friendly due to the fact they are made from natural clay found in soil. When built properly, brick paver driveways bear the weight that is placed upon them without chipping or cracking.
So if you live in the Ann Arbor area and you want a brick paver driveway of you own just contact Twin Oaks.