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Frequently Asked Questions |
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General Questions:
1. Why do Nicolock pavers make the best pavement?
2. Does the color go all the way through the Nicolock pavers?
3. How do pavers compare with patterned concrete?
Paver Installation Questions:
4. Can pavers be installed over a poured concrete base?
5. How much stone base and sand setting bed material will I need?
6. What is polymeric sand and what are its advantages?
7. Can Nicolock Pavers be used for my driveway?
8. How about using Nicolock Pavers on my pool deck?
Wall Questions:
9. I have a rotting railroad tie wall that is falling down. What can I do?
10. What is geogrid and when should it be used?
Paver Care Questions:
11. I have white deposits on my pavers/walls, what is it?
12. What are the benefits of sealing my pavers?
13. What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
14. How do I do a basic cleaning of my pavers?
15. How can I remove moss or mold from my pavers?
16. Will weeds grow between my pavers?
17. Can I shovel and plow my pavers?
18. What should I use to melt snow and ice on my pavers?
Answers:
1. Why do Nicolock pavers make the best pavement?
Not only are Nicolock pavers beautiful, but they provide the best pavement solution in freeze/thaw conditions, when installed over a compacted aggregate base. Installation over a compacted aggregate base results in a pavement that is strong, yet flexible enough to move as the ground shifts without breaking apart, rutting or heaving. In addition, they can be "unzipped" to allow for repairs or access to utility lines. Unlike asphalt and other surfaces, pavers are virtually maintenance-free. And, by definition, concrete pavers are about 3 times stronger than regular poured concrete.
2. Does the color go all the way through Nicolock pavers?
All Nicolock pavers have color throughout. Those manufactured with our exclusive Paver-Shield™ process have an extra concentration of cement and pigment on the wear layer providing deep rich colors and a smooth, dense wear layer.
3. How do pavers compare with patterned concrete?
Patterned concrete pavements are slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. Therefore, they are prone to the same problems with freeze/thaw cycles, namely cracking and spalling. Also, unlike Nicolock pavers, patterned concrete pavements don't allow access to underground utilities or the ability to make repairs. At virtually the same price installed per square foot, Nicolock Pavers are clearly a superior choice.
4. Can pavers be installed over a poured concrete base?
Absolutely, provided certain steps are taken. Care must be taken so that water does not pool underneath the pavers. Drainage holes should be drilled in large slabs and filled with pea gravel and covered with landscape fabric. Edge pavers must be restrained to keep joints from opening up.
5. How much stone base material and sand setting bed material I need?
One half ton of modified stone or sand will cover about 100 square feet at 1” thick. Using a 10' x 10' (100 square feet) patio as an example, you would need 1/2 ton of sand for the setting bed (1” thick) and 3 tons of modified stone for the base (6” thick). You'll need about 5% more sand for the joints between the pavers. The thickness of the base material depends on the application and subgrade soil conditions (use a thicker base for poorly drained soils). As a rule of thumb, you’ll need 4” to 8” of base material for walkways and patios, and 8” to 12” for driveways and parking areas.
6. What is polymeric sand and what are its advantages?
Polymeric sand is a high-tech mix of graded sand and binder, specially formulated for filling joints between pavers. When installed properly, polymeric sand will remain in the paver joints and inhibit weed growth and insect infestation.
7. Can Nicolock Pavers be used for my driveway?
Absolutely! For residential driveways, 8” to 12”of compacted base material is recommended. A standard 2-3/8” thick paver can be used for light vehicular (cars and pickup trucks) applications. A herringbone pattern is most suitable in these situations.
8. How about using Nicolock Pavers on my pool deck?
Not only do Nicolock Pavers make an attractive pool deck, but they also provide a slip-resistant walking surface. Pavers actually are better than poured concrete around pools from the standpoint that the joints will take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler under foot. Like all products that are used outdoors, lighter colors will tend to stay cooler as they reflect the sunlight. Furthermore, our Fullnose and Pool Coping Pavers are ideal for the pool's edge. Make sure the base material around the pool is well compacted before installing pavers. Safety covers can also be installed over pavers with the use of special anchors.
9. I have a rotting railroad tie wall that is falling down. What can I do?
Our segmental retaining wall systems provide an excellent solution to this problem. They are strong and will last a lifetime. Nicolock offers several different wall systems to meet your needs.
10. What is geogrid and when should it be used?
As a rule of thumb, all walls over 3’ high should be reinforced with geogrid. Geogrid is placed between the layers of block at different intervals to stabilize the soil behind the retaining wall and secure the wall face to the earth behind it. The height of the finished wall, soil characteristics, and the pressure on the wall caused by slopes, structures, and/or paved areas all affect the proper placement and lengths of geogrid.
11. I have white deposits on my pavers/walls, what is it?
You are probably referring to efflorescence, a natural and common occurrence in many concrete products. Efflorescence occurs when natural salts come to the surface and leave behind a white deposit that can normally be brushed off. This is not a product defect or harmful to pavers and walls and Nicolock accepts no liability for its occurrence. It will usually weather away with time. There are also cleaners available.
12. What are the benefits of sealing my pavers? How long do I need to wait before I apply a sealer?
Sealers help resist stain and may enhance the color. Some can also bind the sand in the joints to make it difficult for weeds to germinate. As a rule of thumb we generally want you to wait at least six months to allow any efflorescence to appear. Prior to the application of any sealers, the pavers must be cleaned with an appropriate product to remove dirt and efflorescence. For more information about cleaners and sealers, click here.
13. What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
Special products are available to clean stains from concrete products. If they are exceptionally stained or are damaged, individual units can be removed and replaced. Remove the sand around these pavers and use two flat head screwdrivers to lift the paver out. Rocking the paver gently in a back-and-forth motion will facilitate removal.
14. How do I do a basic cleaning of my pavers?
The best way to clean pavers is to use hot, soapy water and a stiff bristle scrub brush. We recommend that you use a liquid, acid-free soap. Simple Green, sold in many grocery, hardware, and home center stores, is also very effective and non-harmful to plant life and other vegetation. After scrubbing, wash the dirt and debris off with clean water. If you use a hose, again be careful to not loosen or spray away your joint sand.
Pressure washers are not recommended as they can remove the cement paste from the surface causing scarring and can also remove joint and bedding sand. Mechanical cleaners with rotating brushes have been found to be effective.
15. How can I remove moss or mold from my pavers?
Try liquid bleach diluted in water (10 parts water to one part bleach). Be careful not to get it on plant material. Keep in mind that there is nothing that will keep moss and mold from reappearing in a shady, damp area.
16. Will weeds grow between my pavers?
Weeds and grass between pavers occur when seeds or spores lodge in the joints between pavers. They will not grow from underneath. This can be minimized by using polymeric sand or mixing a pre-emergent granular weed killer into the joint sand. If weeds do appear, a spot vegetation killer (such as Round-Up™) can be used and will not damage the pavers.
17. Can I shovel and plow my pavers?
Pavers can be plowed and shoveled just like asphalt, concrete and other pavement materials. In fact, snow and ice will normally melt faster because of the joints around the pavers. A plow blade with a rubber edge is recommended when needed. Do not use sharp objects to chop ice as they can damage the pavers.
18. What should I use to melt snow and ice on my pavers?
Any chloride products—sodium (rock salt) or calcium—will remove snow and ice but can harm the pavers and any concrete surfaces if used excessively. Nicolock’s exclusive Paver-Shield™ provides superior protection against corrosive chloride products. |
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