Knowing your Paving & Sealing Contractor

Just knowing something about a contractor isn't enough. In order to ensure a quality installation, you should ask questions of the contractor like:

• How long have they been installing or sealing pavers?
  

• Have they been trained by a manufacturer or by the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute -  "www.icpi.org" ?
  

• What percentage of their total business consists installing concrete pavers?
  

• Will they provide you with three references, not only recent ones, but from past jobs?
  

• Can you contact their references and inspect the jobs?
  

• Do they have a portfolio of photos and letters to qualify themselves?
  

• Are they in good credit standing?
  

• Do they have a current liability insurance certificate? While the contractor is on your property, they should be insured for any damage and injuries that may occur. Check your homeowner's insurance policy for coverage of the contractor while on your property.
  

• Do they provide a written, itemized estimate outlining the scope of work and terms of payment? It should include starting and completion dates, demolition and excavation, paving and base materials, and taxes.
  

• Do they warrantee their work for one year? Will they return in a year to inspect it?
  

• Are they members of the ICPI or other associations?
  
  
  

Will your contractor do a Quality Job ?

The following  is a Pavers Consumer Guide to Interlocking Concrete Pavement Installation will help you understand how pavers should be installed properly.  This inform,ation was obtained from the Ontario Pavingstone Manufactures and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (www.icpi.org) for Consumers. As a conscientious owner, you want assurance that the contractor you hire will do a quality job. Asking questions can help. Several are listed below for your convenience. It is important that you take time to ask questions about all aspects of your project with a qualified contractor.

Will the excavated area be a minimum of 6" (150 mm) wider than the actual paved area?

Answer: Yes, when the aggregate base is placed in the excavated area, the extra width will help ensure stability of the base at the edges, and provide space for the required edge restraints.

How will the contractor grade the paver installation for drainage?

By sloping the paved area away from the house at a minimum of 2%.

Will the aggregate base absorb or hold water?

No, when compacted properly, its density will minimize deformation and/or heaving of the paved surface during freezing or thawing.

Will the base be aggregate, ranging in size from approximately 3/4" (20 mm) to sand?

Yes, this facilitates compaction to a required density while allowing proper water drainage.

How will the aggregate base be compacted?

In 4" (200 mm) layers to achieve the maximum density and load bearing capacity. Each layer will require several passes of a compactor to achieve this.

How will the contractor assure an even color mix of the pavers?

By taking pavers from several bundles or pallets at a time.

Will an edge restraint be installed?

Answer: Yes, an edge restraint around the perimeter of the pavers is essential for eliminating horizontal creeping of the pavers and loss of bedding sand.

Are the joints filled between the pavers?

Answer: Yes, with clean, fine sand. The sand should be dry sand so it will flow freely into the joints. The pavers are compacted during and after filling to begin interlock of the units and prevent sand from washing from the joints.

Should there be inspection of the pavers after their compaction?

Answer: Yes, the owner and the contractor should inspect the pavement together and confirm the owner's satisfaction.

Do I need to seal the pavers?

No, it is not mandatory,  pavers are extremely durable. Sealing, does however, enhance the colors and may prevent staining. Allow a minimum of 90-120 days after completion of the installation before sealing. Consult your supplier for recommendations on cleaning and sealing.