Sure, concrete driveways work for life (at least that's what most people expect), still brick pavers are far better looking and really strengthen a home's resale value and appeal. Pavers may be used in many places around the house-- the driveway is the most popular, but they also look wonderful around the pool, on sidewalks and other walkways, especially in the garden. And while concrete and asphalt paving is the standard for most driveways, it certainly doesn't last forever, especially in harsh environments like Florida, where heavy rains and hot, sunny days can undermine and weaken full-slab paved surfaces.
With that in mind, Clearwater Paving Pros would like to offer a little practical information; things you'll want to know before you contact any paving service provider, to make sure your project will be done correctly, on time and on budget.
Installing a concrete driveway is rather uncomplicated: Just fence in the area with a wooden frame, and pour in enough concrete to fill the space. Level it out, add a finishing pattern and/ or surface, and the work is done. On the other hand, three different forces need to be aligned for a brick paver surface to work properly. Bricks must be aligned vertically, horizontally and have the proper rotation. All those different directions must be stable and secure for a brick installation to last for many years. An excellent, reputable paver contractor will be aware of this and take all those factors-- and others - into consideration for any new project.
Even with brick pavers, there are several ways of placing the new surface. Sometimes, it can be done over the top of an existing concrete or asphalt space, using thinner (usually one-inch thick) paving stones. While setting the thinner stones is easier and usually less expensive, there's no way to assure the stability of the subsurface (the old concrete/ asphalt underneath). A crack in the concrete or a slightly slopped area is a recipe for disaster-- the new pavers set on top of the old one will probably also shift. It's just a matter of time before the pavers break, or large gaps begin to show in the new surface.
For most systems, the most effective way to upgrade to brick pavers is to remove the existing concrete (or other surface) before installing the new bricks. As already mentioned, it will certainly be less expensive to put a smaller (thinner) brick paver system on top of an old driveway, but the long-term costs will probably add up to simply starting over, "from scratch." Over the years, bricks on top of an old surface will need repair and re-alignment, and that's going to be expensive ... the bigger the surface, the more likely of it needing repair, and the more it will cost, too.
Industry groups advise to always remove an existing full-slab driveway or other paves surface (sidewalk, pool deck, etc.) before putting down new pavers. For more information check out The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (online at: www.ICPI.org). Virtually 100 % of the time, it's better to take out the existing surface first ... and it's less pricey in the long run, too.
Moreover, the ICPI also offers a means to report less-than-reputable brick pavering contractors. If you have a negative experience, the ICPI web page provides resources that may be helpful. Keep in mind to check various online and local review websites (and other sources such as the Chamber of Commerce) to investigate any company you are considering dealing with. As always, being forewarned is being forearmed when dealing with any construction contractor.
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