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According to Dave Peters of Pavestone Company, it is also an excellent way to increase your client base and improve your company's reputation.
"This form of customer service is one of the best ways to generate new leads and this practice is proactive in every sense of the word. In this regard we are behind our contractors100%! We frequently supply technical information and brochures to assist the landscaping contractor in keeping his customers informed and up-to-date," says Peters.
Routine Maintenance
One of the major benefits of concrete pavers is the relative ease of maintenance and minor repairs. For example, in cases where pavers have settled as a result of rainfall, severe weather, or repeated loads from heavy vehicles, it is a relatively simple procedure to remove the paving units in order to repair the base.
In addition to their remarkable durability, pavers are also easy to maintain. In fact, when properly installed using the correct materials, pavers generally require very little maintenance. However, regular maintenance does help to extend the effective service life and enhance the overall appearance of interlocking paver installations.
Routine Visual Inspection
It is recommended practice to conduct a routine visual inspection of paver installations at least once a year to identify any minor repairs that may be required.
Under most conditions, moss and/or lichens will not grow on pavers unless the area is subject to constant moisture and is heavily shaded.
If such growth does occur, the area should be scraped with a putty knife and then scrubbed with soap and a stiff nylon brush. Alternatively, the area can be treated with a weed killer applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Efflorescence
This material is the result of a temporary phenomenon that occurs naturally in products containing cement. It usually appears in the form of a white deposit on the surface, which shows up within the first year or two of intallation. Efflorescence is caused when soluble salts from the cement react with the atmosphere to produce calcium carbonate. It is important to note that it does not affect the structural integrity or durability of ICPs. It will normally disappear in time with exposure to the elements. If required these deposits can be removed by hosing down the area or by using cleaning products that are designed for this purpose.
High-Pressure Cleaning of ICPs
In some cases periodic pressure cleaning of pavers may be required at prominent entrance locations. Typically, a high-pressure sprayer with sufficient pressure to loosen dirt and effect cleaning will be required. [Note when using pressure sprayers the water should be applied at a 30-degree angle to avoid loss of joint sand.] For smaller areas, adequate cleaning can often be achieved without high-pressure cleaning equipment. For residential patios, walks, or small driveways cleaners can be applied with brushes to remove dirt. After scrubbing the pavers the surface should be cleaned and rinsed thoroughly with water.
Minor Repairs for ICPs
In some instances, the effects of extreme weather conditions, moisture, and loads from heavy traffic can result in a noticeable settlement of pavers. This often occurs near curbs, retaining walls or other locations where pavers join with other paving materials. This settlement is usually the result of insufficient compaction, heavy rainfall or a combination of the two. This settlement may also show up near downpours where water flows directly onto the pavers during rainstorms. Fortunately, the problem is easy to rectify.
When completing repairs it is necessary to remove the paving units, add additional base material, and then reinstate the pavers in their original position.
Replacement of damaged pavers
In cases where cracked or chipped pavers are noticed, replacement can be completed by carefully removing the individual pavers using a "paver extractor", a tool designed specifically for this purpose. This removal will be easier if you apply a small amount of water to the joints surrounding the paver.
By carefully adhering to the manufacturer recommendations and following the prescribed installation and maintenance specifications, ICPs can offer an attractive, and structurally rigorous building material for a variety of landscape surfaces. LCM
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