Building an Home Extension

Bricks are a great alternative to your concrete walkways, driveway and patio. They provide an attractive solution that is not only durable but has low maintenance as well. They can also act as an alternative to your timber patios that require high and expensive maintenance. Bricks can also be used on walls if you want unique designs. Read on to learn more about brick pavers. 

1. Factors to Consider Before Laying and Choosing Bricks

Before bricks are laid, various factors have to be considered:

Strength/Versatility: Are you laying driveway bricks? What is the maximum weight of the vehicles that might drive on your brick driveway? Your bricks and the base the bricks will be laid on require to be strong enough to withstand the weight. This means that your brick contractor might need to use reinforced bricks and also reinforce the surface area. You don't want to use weak bricks that can get crushed by your vehicle. You might incur some future expenses if you have to replace the weak bricks with stronger ones.

Aesthetics: What brick colour and design/pattern complement your surroundings? You might need a designer to help you figure out such aspects so that you do not go wrong and later have expensive changes or modifications.

2. The Brick Installation Process

Bricks should be placed by a qualified and licensed contractor. You may already know that bricks are purchased ready-made; they are then arranged on a surface in a way that they fit together like a puzzle. This should be done by a professional to ensure quality work is done. The joints formed after placing the bricks should be filled with sand to avoid the growth of moss or weeds. Such growth can damage the aesthetics of your brick pavement or even damage the bricks themselves.

It is recommended to apply a sealant on the surface of the brick pavement, driveway or patio to guarantee longevity and improve aesthetics. A wet look and siloxane-based can be used.

3. Brick Pavement, Driveway and Patio Maintenance

Your brick paver contractor will inform you of the steps you need to take to maintain your brick pavement, driveway or patio. However, this is what you can generally expect:

• Pressure-wash the brick pavement, driveway and patio.
• Inspect the area for cracks or damage.
• Repair any damages. 
• Reapply the sealant if it does not look fresh or aesthetically pleasing.

Let a professional brick pavement specialist show you how to apply the maintenance needs mentioned above. Afterwards and when you are sure of yourself, you can do it yourself.