One of the best things you can do for your business is to install outdoor spaces that stand the test of time, so that your customers will remember you fondly for many years to come. Nothing is more frustrating for homeowners than to notice that their patio doesn’t look as fresh as it once did. They want assurance that their investment is a good one. Here’s how to ensure that patio pavers last in Lancaster, PA.

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Planning and Site Prep

Poor or rushed site prep will almost inevitably result in a patio that settles and shifts. A good patio design takes into consideration the unique challenges of each landscape, including existing structures, utilities, trees, soil conditions, and poor drainage. Tight spaces and poor accessibility mean that concessions may have to be made with regard to accessibility and equipment, but that doesn’t mean that any site prep steps can be skipped. To ensure a long-lasting hardscape, proper site prep includes excavation, debris or landscaping removal, grading and leveling, and utilities installation.

Installation of Patio Pavers

Patio base preparation and installation aren’t cookie-cutter processes. Every patio installation project is different, and proper installation is the key to a patio’s longevity. Prevent settling, shifting, heaving, and cracking in your patios by properly installing a base that can stand up to the intended uses and factors in heavy elements like outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, or hot tubs. Special considerations should be taken for permeable paver installations.

Proper edging, careful cutting and shaping, and meticulous paver leveling (¼” drop per linear foot) will ensure a stable and durable surface. Cutting may be tedious and time-consuming, but careful cutting will ensure that pavers will fit snugly together and won’t shift (it’s also one of those details that really sets the pros apart).

It’s also advisable to never skimp on edging, no matter how small the project. Unrestrained edges can break loose, settle, and cause a ripple effect of more pavers coming loose and breaking. Finish the look with the right jointing compound for the pavers you’re using (permeable versus non-permeable); for specific uses, our friendly experts can help you choose among the various types of non-permeable jointing sand suitable for the project.

The Right Pavers

High-quality patio pavers are known for lasting longer than cheap ones. We can assist you in choosing the right pavers for your customers’ intended uses, design style, and budget. You may want to suggest the application of surface sealant immediately upon installation. Educate your customers that if they do opt for sealing their paver surfaces, resealing should be done every three to five years to maintain the original look.

Ongoing Maintenance

Whether you provide landscape maintenance or not, your customers should be educated in the proper care of patio pavers. Regular sweeping will keep leaves and other debris from collecting in corners and joint lines. Occasional power washing can be used for hard-to-clean areas or stubborn stains. Jointing compound should be reapplied if it has washed out or worked itself loose. 

Pride of workmanship really shows on a patio that gets used every day. People may not always notice the details that go into a successful installation (they’ll simply enjoy the finished product), but they will always notice when those details have been omitted. 

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