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Paver and Wall
Build Basics
A truly successful project is built from the ground up. While the finished surface captures the eye, the long-term performance and durability of your pavers and walls are fundamentally determined by the quality of the unseen work beneath the surface.
Below is a general overview of the installation process for typical paver and wall projects. When you’re ready to proceed with confidence, trust a Unilock Authorized Contractor to deliver exceptional results and lasting quality. Connect with a Unilock Authorized Contractor near you.
A proper base ensures that your pavers and walls won’t shift during freeze thaw cycles.
1. EXCAVATION
All outdoor projects should begin with the removal of grass and topsoil. The depth will be determined by two things:
- Soil Type: Sandier soil requires less excavation than clay-based soil.
- Use: Patios and walkways, which take lighter loads should require less excavation than driveways and retaining walls, which require deeper excavation.
Depth of excavation can be reduced significantly if a layer of DriveGrid is placed at the bottom of the excavation before gravel gets placed. Loose subsoil should always be compacted prior to installaling DriveGrid and gravel.
2. GRAVEL BASE
All gravel base is placed into the excavated area. Ideally, this gravel base will need to be:
- Strong enough to support the weight of anything placed on the surface.
- Free draining to allow water to escape the base and enter the subsoil. A perforated drain pipe in the gravel base may be necessary for retaining walls in order to direct water away from the wall’s base.
- Extended at least 6” (150mm) beyond the finished paver surface’s edges.
- Compacted in several layers, using the proper equipment.
3. BEDDING LAYER
On top of the firm gravel base, a 1” (25mm) layer of sand or tiny stone chips is spread out and smoothed. This layer enables the levelling or sloping of paver or wall units for drainage and smoothness.
Some contractors may recommend a poured concrete surface over a standard bedding layer, which is acceptable if the concrete is carefully poured and rests on a solid, well-drained base.
Note: Once concrete is poured, the height of paver or wall units can no longer be adjusted.
4. RESTRAINT SYSTEM
To prevent pavers from shifting, a concrete edge will be constructed or an edge restraint fixed with long metal spikes. For walls, adhesive can be used to secure rows of blocks together. Larger retaining walls may require geogrid every few layers to secure the wall into the soil that is being retained.
5. JOINT MATERIAL
There are three types of joint material to choose from:
Basic Jointing Sand: Years ago, this was the only joint material available. As it wears away, issues with weeds could arise. If you decide to choose basic sand, we advise using a joint stabilizing sealant and be ready to top up the sand as necessary.
Polymeric Sand: This special sand is blended with a binding ingredient to help it stay in place longer. Check with your local Unilock Dealer for the best jointing sand/compound for your project.
Resin Sand: Resin sands are the strongest jointing sand available, and have been proven to have the longest lifespan of any jointing sand. Different resin sands are available for various uses.
6. SEALING
Unilock pavers will be durable with or without a sealer. Some homeowners may choose to apply a sealer to enhance paver color, while others choose to appreciate the color of the pavers as they are. If you decide to seal, be prepared to re-seal your pavers every 3-5 years.
Factory-Sealed Products
Elegance® pavers and Unilock® pavers manufactured with EasyClean have been pre-sealed at the factory. To clean and brighten the surface at any time, a gently power washing of the surface is recommended. If you wish to re-seal, wait a minimum of three years before applying sealant. Use only solvent-based sealants on factory-sealed products.
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