Nothing is amazing, natural and so earthy as a well executed mortared in place brick terrace, walkway or patio. Nevertheless, lately the quality of setup has been dropping and significant problems are springing up that you must take note of if you want to have brick paving installed.
So debatable, why is brick paving? - That is a superb question and the answers will be provided by this article to that question.
Much like most problems in masonry it usually comes down to two things; design and installation. Brick paving construction may be the most prone to mistakes made by impatient or in experienced installers and here's why.
The freeze-thaw cycle might have the most crushing effects particularly when there is a substantial quantity of moisture existing in the region and temperatures changes are not infrequent above and below.
So that the range of the installer, the mortar along with the paving materials is extremely important if you wish to get the most out of your paving dollars.
What brick do I use? - That which you are seeking is a strong, dense brick designed for paving and preferably complete depth. Don't use any bricks meant for vertical applications. Seek advice from your provider and they will show you what they have available.
What type of mortar? - The setting bed mortar must be a cement-sand mix in a ratio of between 2 to 3 parts sand per 1 part cement. This will probably be a really rich mix which will give a great bite into the concrete substrate to the bricks and the setting bed.
Type S mortar is suggested for the joints between the bricks as it really is more elastic and better able enough to resist cracking but the cement mix could be used but may create other problems for the installer. (ask your contractor) you may even use Type N mortar which will be more suitable to areas of warmer climates where no anxiety about freezing is anticipated or rare.
This really is the most important element of the brick paving procedure that is whole and here's why. You see, all damage occurring in any mortared in place masonry can typically be traced back to freezing and water. So it's crucial to keep water from entering into the brick paving freezing and substrate there.
How is this done? The only way to accomplish that goal is by the use of full and complete head and bed joints in the paving. In other words there should be absolutely no voids, none, in virtually any area of mortar including the bedding mortar that the bricks are set in.
How is this achieved?
Most 'average' masons will attempt to provide you with a great job however they will not have the knowledge or the attention to detail which is essential to achieve the required result. Where the odds of excessive water infiltration is likely their workmanship may be excellent for vertical work, where water runs down the face of the material but sorely insufficient for paving.
Just how do I locate the correct installer? - The only way to hire a capable brick paving contractor is by references. Check your supply firms first and ask their views. Consult with them, next if you've got an engineer or architect active in the project. Remember though that their views are only that.
Once you have a couple names that sound promising, call them. Tell them what you're doing, that they're prospective contractors and question them for a number of installments they have done that are over 10 - 15 years old and tell them why.
Then go inspect those occupations. In case the setup was exceptional you will find that the paving continues to be in excellent condition. You'll see the tell tail signs of deterioration if it had been not.
Here's what to check for when inspecting their work.... - Any weeds or grass growing between the joints is bad. This suggests an inordinate quantity of water is below the bricks. Settlement or shrinkage cracks could possibly be clear due to slab move which might be beyond his control and may not the duty of the brick mason.
Pay careful awareness of the status of the mortar joints. If they are dark, recessed or moldy they might be ending their useful life. You would like to view joints flush with all the surface or 'tooled' concave and still showing cement content in the face of the joint.
This really is the strongest tool you can utilize to insure the best chance of success for your paving job. Yeah it's time consuming but the results will be well worth your investment of time.
Michael Olding now runs a repair and restoration business in Cincinnati, Ohio and is consultant and tradesman in the field of repairs and restorations. He is also a Master in the field of masonry construction, restorations and repairs.