June 2017 - Stamped Artistry

Interlocking concrete pavers add some creativity and classic appeal to any ground. They work on streets, patios, near pools, driveways, and beyond. They are resilient and attractive, all at once. As with any material, they are not without the small potential for occasional problems. Those problems have solutions, however.

Shifting Pavers

Pavers are laid on a sandy bed that is over a more compacted base. This is done to allow for expansion and contraction. Though it may seem like soil is generally stable, it changes. Temperature and moisture alter the soil regularly. Pavers are made and installed to allow for these changes, while remaining smooth and firm.

Of course, even if the pavers are laid well, the soil can expand more than is normal with moisture and freezing temperatures. Then, when the soil contracts again, the pavers may not be able to settle in the same position as before. In other instances, the soil is washed away at the edges by rain or excess water, and the pavers settle in an uneven way, or sink at the edges of the structure.

In most cases, your pavers do not need to be replaced; interlocking pavers are very resilient and should not crack. They may need to lifted, however, and the soil beneath changed. These changes will depend upon the nature of the problem. The layer over the base may need to be of a different substance, such as processed gravel. This makes for a more compact layer that is less easily shifted.

For cases in which only the edges have shifted or sunk, it may be possible to address only the edges. This can often be prevented by using a fabric beneath the base layer to filter and maintain the sides of the area. If you have the problem later, adding the fabric is a solution.

Are you having trouble with interlocking pavers? Do you want them installed? Call us at Stamped Artistry.

Pools all over the U.S. will open soon, if they haven’t already. That means fun in the sun and the water. It also means people will be on the deck, including running children, and that means concern for pool owners and parents. If you own a pool and you are ready to open it for the summer, you may want to consider making sure the deck is slip-resistant.

Slip-resistant pool decks are often standard. Whether you have stamped concrete, tile, stone, or wood, your deck is made to resist high levels of water damage over long periods of time, and slipping. This does not mean, however, that pool decks never get damaged or slippery. Where there is water, there will be some loss of friction.

So, evaluate the deck area. How long has it been since you last treated the deck? If you have never done so since the pool or deck was installed, then it is most certainly time to have it done. Sometimes, you can buy materials and do this yourself. If you do this, it’s essential to make sure you get the right solution for your deck.

There is never any harm in calling a professional, too. You can have them look at your deck and evaluate it, and offer you options. If your pool deck is particularly old, you might consider having it completely re-done. You can choose from a wide variety of materials to suit your home and your tastes, and your deck will be sealed with slip-resistant solution as part of the process.

If your swimming pool area is too slippery, you want to revitalize your old deck, or you want an entirely new one built, call us at Stamped Artistry now. Don’t wait until summer is already upon you. Choose from stained or stamped concrete, and more, and have the slip-resistant pool of your dreams this summer.