You’re rearing to roll up those sleeves and install your brand new porous paver. Before you get too excited, wouldn’t it be great if you had a checklist on the things to avoid and mistakes to beware, just to be sure?
The technology behind porous pavers has come leaps and bounds. Constructed from 100% recycled plastics and certified as environmentally neutral, whilst retaining incredible load-bearing capacity, we now have a variety of great looking porous paver solutions, available at our fingertips.
Porous pavers are a robust and affordable solution for creating areas such as access routes, loading bays and carparks. They come into their own, displaying impressive sturdiness, in environments where there may be high levels of pedestrian or car traffic or heavy vehicle loads.
As a bonus, they’re also a visually appealing product that complements landscape that you’re trying to create.
Our porous pavers demand relatively low attention and maintenance. But as with any investment, the preparation and installation can be critical.
Take note of these ten handy, watertight, installation mistakes to avoid.
- Fail to carry out a site survey. Existing drainage blockages and steep slope gradients need to be assessed before laying down the system.
- Forget to assess the soil type. Compare the soil on the surface, with that which is 200mm or so below, to assess if there are non-porous layers that may trap water.
- Neglect to check for underground utilities. Call your utility companies to identify if there are any underground lines, wires, pipes, etc.
- Overlook a drainage plan for surface water. Consider whether to build a slight slope into your surface to help surface water runoff during high rain periods.
- Guess at and underestimate the amount of surface material. Don’t be a few metres short of frustrating your efforts.
- Be too ambitious with your project timeline. There are sequential installation steps that need to be followed from the excavation of the current site through to laying down the paver, which you cannot short-circuit. Plan the project over a few weekends, to avoid rushing yourself.
- Assume that your eyes alone can gauge a straight line. Use pins to run a string from wall-to-wall, to save yourself from starting on a crooked line.
- Start a new row before completing the first. To set the pavers accurately, it is advised to complete each straight row sequentially.
- Fill paver pockets or cells with uniform-sized pebbles. A mix of 5mm to 20mm stones is best for filling the voids.
- Filling paver pockets with round pebbles. Sharp angular pebbles are recommended.
- Not wear gloves. It can be abrasive work, dealing with jutting stones and sharp tools. Save your hands for a refreshing cold drink after your hard work.
There you have it, plus a bonus tip for the road.
A few basic installation and planning watch-outs can secure your porous paver system for many years to come.
All Stake Supply’s pavers are premium products made from fully recycled materials, tested and certified to meet environmentally neutral standards.
Let us help you plan your project, whether it be residential or commercial. Speak to any of the All Stake Supply’s experts by calling 1300 130 123 or email us on [email protected].