Installing pavers is not difficult, but it does require a certain level of skill. If you have some experience with concrete and brick work, then the installation process will be fairly easy for you.
Pavers are square or rectangular stones that can be used as a decorative element on your driveway, sidewalk, patio, walkway, pool area, or any other outdoor surface.
A paver consists of four parts:
- Paver – The actual stone or block
- Mortar – A mix of cement and sand
- Joint compound – A powdery mixture of fine aggregate and water
- Dripping – An adhesive made from either water or oil
If you want to have a good unikivi paigaldus for your foundation then there is lot of things which you have to keep in mind. After considering all those things you have to install this for your foundation. As if you take it without having proper knowledge of it then it would become very tough for you. So for that read this article thoroughly for better understanding of it.
The following guide will help you install pavers in just 5 steps.
- Prepare the Substrate
There are various types of soil available for installing pavers. You should choose one that is suitable for your purpose. Asphalt, gravel, concrete, clay, and compacted earth are some examples of various substrates.
When selecting a substrate, you need to consider the weather conditions and climate where you intend to place the pavers. For instance, if you live in an arid region, then you should go for a porous soil like gravel or asphalt. On the other hand, if you live in a humid climate, you might prefer using concrete or even clay.
Also, when choosing the type of substrate, make sure that it has enough space between each paver so that there is no chance of cracking during heavy rainfall.
If possible, you should also use a substrate that has a low moisture content. This way, the mortar will dry quickly and stay flexible. If the substrate is too moist, then the mortar may crack while drying.
Finally, before starting to install the pavers, you need to remove vegetation such as grass, weeds, shrubs, and any other unwanted growth from the area where you want to place the pavers. It is important to do this because roots can become embedded in the substrate and damage the pavers.
- Clean the Paved Area
First, you must thoroughly clean the paved area to ensure that there are no contaminants such as dirt or debris left behind by previous users.
You should also remove all loose material such as pebbles, rocks, and sticks. If the area contains a lot of these materials, they could get stuck between the pavers and cause them to sink into the substrate.
Next, you should lay down several sheets of newspaper on a flat, hard surface outside the building site. This is to protect the freshly laid pavers from getting wet due to rain or sprinklers.
- Measure the Pavers
Before laying out the pavers, you need to measure the paving area carefully. Using the measurements you obtain, you can get an idea about how many pavers you need to buy. Make sure that you purchase the right number of pavers considering the size of your paved area.
Another factor to take into account is the size of the stones. If you select smaller ones, then your finished project will look more natural and less crowded. However, if you select larger stones, then you won’t end up having a big gap between them.
- Lay the Pavers
Once you have measured the paving area and calculated how many pavers you need, it is time to start laying them out. Start at one corner and move in a straight line until the entire area is covered.
It helps to use a tape measure or chalk line to mark the exact location of each paver. To avoid damaging the pavers, you should always put the stones at least two inches away from the edges of the paved area.
To prevent the pavers from shifting during transport, you must always drive the pavers into the ground so that their tips are flush with the surrounding soil. This way, you don’t have to worry about having uneven surfaces.
- Mix the Mortar
Now that all the pavers are in place, it is time to start mixing the mortar. First, you must soak the joint compound in water for 30 minutes to soften it. Once the joint compound is soft, pour it onto the joints between adjacent pavers.
After spreading the joint compound along the sides of the paver, use a trowel to smooth it evenly. When you finish applying the joint compound, allow it to dry completely for a few hours.
In addition to smoothing the joint compound, you must also spread a thin coat of joint compound on top of the paver itself. This will serve as a protective layer against traffic.
Once the mortar is dry, you can apply a thin coating of joint compound over the entire paved area to hide the roughness caused by the pavers. Make sure to add another coat of joint compound after waiting 24 hours.
You should allow the second coat to dry completely before applying the third coat. While waiting for the third layer of joint compound to dry, you can start setting the pavers.
- Set the Pavers
Set the pavers in place by gently tapping them against the paving blocks or the mortar bed. After setting a single paver, let the mortar slightly set in before setting the next one in its place.
This allows the mortar to get firm enough to support the weight of the next paver without cracking. After the last paver gets set in place, wait a day to allow the mortar to cure completely. Then, finish applying the final coat of joint compound.
- Finish Touches
Last but not least, you must touch up the finishing touches. You can do this by painting the pavers with paint or stain. This would give your paving an attractive appearance.
If you plan to use a dark color, then you should first prime the area to allow the paint or stain to adhere better. Use a roller or brush to cover the entire area with primer. Allow the primer to dry completely prior to painting or staining the pavers.
If you plan to use a lighter colored paver, then you should skip priming and simply spray the area with paint or stain. The paint or stain will then stick well on the unpainted surface.