KB Articles Archive

The Best Ways To Take Care Of Porcelain Pavers

February 15, 2023

Porcelain pavers are one of the easiest hardscape materials to maintain. Beloved for being so low maintenance, they’re incredibly durable without requiring annual re-sealing or other extensive cleaning processes. However, care still needs to be taken to ensure that they last as long as possible. If you want to extend the lifespan of your outdoor porcelain pavers and keep them in their best condition, follow these simple tips for cleaning porcelain deck tiles.

Clean Dirt

Dirt and debris are inevitable in an area with foot traffic, so you’ll need to clean your outdoor porcelain pavers occasionally to avoid wear and tear. Dirt can become abrasive to the stone if not cleaned properly, reducing the lifespan of your investment.

To clean your porcelain deck tiles, brush them regularly with a soft bristle broom or brush. Avoid using metal or coarse scrubbers, as these can damage the paver’s surface. Periodically, brush your paving tiles with a mix of water and mild detergent to help remove any dried dirt or spills. Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry fully before proceeding with further maintenance, such as re-sealing.

Remove Stains

Porcelain pavers are non-porous, meaning they’re incredibly stain resistant. However, on the off chance that they do become stained, you can follow a few simple steps to eliminate stains and restore the appearance of your outdoor porcelain pavers.

Firstly, try cleaning the area with a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap. Never use bleach or ammonia, even on the most stubborn stains, as these solutions could irreparably damage your porcelain pavers.

If a soap mixture fails to remove the stain, try an alkaline detergent and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. For rust marks, use a vinegar or lemon juice solution and soak the area for five minutes before attempting to scrub out the stain. No matter what solution you choose, don’t forget to thoroughly rinse the area after you’re finished to remove any residue.

Eliminate Weeds

Weed growth is typically minimal on porcelain pavers that receive regular use, but areas with high humidity or areas that don’t get used often may see weed growth over time. If you notice any unsightly grass or weeds pop up, tear them out from the root and apply a chemical weed deterrent to prevent them from recurring.

Frequent mowing and the application of a mild herbicide are the most effective weed prevention methods for porcelain deck tiles. Adding stone edgers between your porcelain pavers and the rest of your yard can also help create separation and prevent weeds from invading your deck pavers.

Power Wash Your Porcelain Pavers

Power washing is a highly effective way to keep the surface of your porcelain pavers clean and well-maintained. However, always ensure that the power lance isn’t pointed directly at the joints while spraying. Instead, hold the lance at a narrow angle while continually moving it over the pavers’ surface.

Perform Seasonal Porcelain Paver Maintenance

With each season’s unique weather patterns come unique maintenance requirements. During fall, when leaves are falling onto your porcelain deck tiles, it’s important to remove this debris regularly by hand, vacuum, soft-bristle broom, or leaf blower. The longer this organic matter stays on your porcelain pavers, especially when wet, the higher the chances of permanent staining.

During winter, remove snow from your porcelain pavers to avoid the risk of slipping. You can safely apply de-icing products without damaging your deck pavers, so you can ensure a safe and dry environment for your family, guests, or clients.

Porcelain outdoor tiles are some of the most low-maintenance deck pavers on the market. If you want beauty, durability, and a return on investment, Tile Tech porcelain deck tiles are the premier choice for residential and commercial applications of all types. To find out more about porcelain pavers or to receive a free project estimate, give us a call today at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’d be happy to provide you with a free catalog or product sample and answer any questions you may have.

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Patio Pavers Introduction

February 15, 2023

With the steady growth of the aging population comes the shift in trends of favourite past times and hobbies. In America, more and more people are being hit by the cocooning wave. A growing number of Americans prefer to spend lots of time at home particularly on their own outdoor spaces. Porches, decks, and patios covered with concrete patio pavers have become the go-to places for personal relaxation, cooking and entertaining guests. It is not surprising to find backyards being transformed to luxurious extensions of a house. Among home improvement materials, patio pavers are becoming increasingly popular due to their aesthetics, durability and affordability.

Patio pavers is a collective term used to refer to any type of paver, such as concrete patio pavers, that is utilized in the construction of an outdoor patio deck. These materials add vibrancy and elegance to patios, making them more inviting and relaxing spaces.

In general, patio pavers are classified into three main categories based on the type of raw material used to manufacture them. Concrete patio pavers fall under the concrete pavers category. As the name suggests, these are pavers made from concrete. Brick pavers collectively refer to pavers that are made from clay, while stone pavers refer to pavers made from natural stones such as granite and sandstone. These pavers are available in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes to suit any design concept or impart a particular mood.

Concrete patio pavers, brick pavers and stone pavers can be cut and laid in any form to achieve certain patterns. Some popularly used patterns in laying pavers are the following:

Herringbone – This is considered the most popular and the most formal pattern. It has a zigzag type design and is ideal for covering irregular areas
Running Bond – This is a simple yet versatile design. Pavers such as concrete patio pavers are laid at an angle to recreate a curve pattern
Basket-Weave – In this pattern, pavers are laid vertically and horizontally to replicate the basket weave design. This is ideal for casual settings.
Circle – Brick, stone or concrete patio pavers are laid to form a circle design. This pattern is very popular yet it can be difficult to install. The challenging part of this pattern is the formation of the curves.
Fan – A pattern of gentle arches is used to replicate the fan. This pattern is typically applied to walkways and driveways.
Random – This pattern uses four different sizes of pavers in one application.
Mixed – This pattern uses three to four different shapes of pavers and is commonly used as borders of the Circle and Fan patterns.

Using patio pavers will potentially enhance outdoor spaces. Create more visually appealing environments to complement outdoor spaces with these materials.

What Are Patio Pavers?

“Patio pavers” is a generic term given to describe any regular type of paver that is specifically used for the construction of an outdoor patio deck.

Patios are constructed primarily for the enjoyment of outdoor living spaces.

Three main materials for Patio Pavers

Generally speaking, there are 3 main types of raw materials that are used for manufacturing regular paver products and they all can be used as patio pavers:

Each of the above paver groups has a multitude of paver products that are manufactured in an endless selection of colors, shapes, patterns and sizes that would be suited for patio paving applications. Therefore, just about any type of pavers can be used for building a patio. In essence, any regular paver product can be used to make a patio and as such is described as being a ‘patio paver’.

PATTERNS and DESIGNS

When it comes to installing your chosen Patio Pavers, there is a variety of patterns and designs to consider.
Herringbone

This is the most formal of the patterns available and the most popular, it is a zigzag type if design and is ideal for the cover-up of irregular areas.

Running Bond

This is a simple yet versatile pattern type. It is also very popular for use on Patios and small areas. Pavers are laid at an angle to create a curve pattern.

Basket-Weave

The Basket-Weave pattern is suitable for casual applications. This pattern is often used with another type of design, or it can be used alone. Pavers are laid vertically and horizontally in pairs.

Circle Design

This is a popular and sometimes difficult design to install, where pavers are laid in a circle design, creating the curves can be challenging.

Fan Design
This design brings a pattern of gentle arches, and is generally applied to walkways and driveways also.

Random Design

This design involves the use of about four different sizes of patio pavers for the one application, creating a bold effect. It is also used for walkways and driveways.

Mixed Design

This design involves the use of about three to four different shaped pavers, often used for borders, the Circle design and the Fan design.

Driveway Pavers Introduction

February 15, 2023

A driveway is the first thing you and your visitors see from the street, so it’s an opportunity to make a lasting first impression. With a bit of time and energy you can give your home curb appeal with a driveway that compliments your home and yard. An attractive driveway can add value to your home much the same way a bathroom or kitchen makeover does.

New Driveway Paving Material – Interlocking Pavers

To compliment new and existing homes, companies have come up with a host of new driveway paving materials. It’s no longer just a limited choice between concrete and asphalt. Interlocking pavers are growing in popularity for all sorts of driveway paving applications.

What Are the Important Driveway Paver Considerations?

Anyone faced with the task of choosing what type of driveway they would like to install for their property will be faced with a slightly difficult decision, as there are a number of issues to consider prior to undertaking the driveway construction project. The aim of this article is to identify these issues and provide some guidelines to make an informed decision about building a driveway.

Main Driveway Paver Issues

Driveway Edging

When considering and planning the installation of your driveway, it is also important to consider installing Driveway Edging. By installing Driveway Edging, you are strengthening and supporting your driveway for life.

The benefits of Driveway Edging include:

Driveway Edging provides a functional and aesthetic purpose to your current or new Driveway installation. Edging is also available in many materials from; Brick, Concrete to Natural Stone. This means you can either match the Edging to your driveway material, or create a contrast with a combination of two types of materials.

Pool Deck Pavers Introduction

February 15, 2023

What are pool pavers and how can they enhance the appearance of a home or other establishment’s swimming pool area? While these pavers come in various sizes and shapes, a pool paver is typically a rectangular paver that is used especially for an outdoor swimming pool area’s construction. These pavers can be organized to compliment various design concepts due to the pavers’ various sizes, colors, and shapes.

A lot of shapes, patterns, and colors of pool pavers are available to people with various needs and aesthetic preferences. However, one must make sure to choose pavers that are slip-resistant. The most common materials used to make these pavers are stone, brick, and concrete. Brick and concrete pavers are man-made. This means that they can be produced in various shapes. These pavers are also versatile, meaning they can be used in applications in the landscaping of external poolside areas.

The colors of pool pavers that are best suited for one’s pool area are the medium shades. These shade include tan, golden copper, apricot, camel, rust, and sandstone. Combining 2 or 3 of these colors can create a dynamic effect. This combination of colors can blend with surrounding features like water features, backyard designs, and gardens.

When using pool pavers made of concrete, it is important to seal them properly. Unlike most natural stones, concrete is porous and the pigment in the concrete is known to fade because of excessive water damage and sun exposure. Moreover, if color pavers are utilized for pool coping, sealants are also needed.

Once a person has made the decision to add pavers around the pool deck, the next step is the selection of paving pattern, color, and the shape. There are many designs of pool pavers to choose from, ranging from basic patterns to the more intricate and unusual designs. Some pavers’ shapes include rectangular, square, circular, oblong, star, hexagon, diamond, triangular, and irregular. Various patterns and designs can be derived using these shapes. However, for customers who want to have more quirky designs and patterns, they can have their pavers custom-made.

Another kind of pool paver is the interlocking paver. Aside from interlocking pavers’ decorative value, they are also valued for their safety attributes. They are designed so they interlock with one another securely during installation as the sides of interlocking pavers have edge lip wedges. If a homeowner would want to beautify his or her pool area, it is wise for the homeowner to invest in pool pavers that are also slip-resistant.

What are Pool Pavers?

A “pool paver” refers to any regular type of paver that can be used specifically for the construction of an outdoor poolside area. Pool pavers can be arranged to compliment many types of design schemes because of their large variety of shapes, colors and sizes.

Paver versatility

The variety of patterns available for pool pavers offers a wide range of choices for consumers. These different patterns create interesting effects when landscaping outdoor poolside areas.

Pool Paver Stabilization Treatment

During the early periods of the swimming pool industry and up until the recently there had existed a hesitation to recommend pavers for poolside applications. This concern was founded upon the fact that paver joint sand washing into the pools and causing pump abrasion or harmful bacteria developing in the sand. However, this issue has been resolved during recent times, with the introduction of a stabilizing sealer. Make you have your pool pavers treated with a stabilizing sealer and these problems will be overcome.

Paving a salt water poolside

It is important to remember that a salt resistant paver should be selected when determining which type of paver to use for a salt-water pool pool area. The reason being is that salt can affect the durability of the paver and so this must be avoided. Quite a few brick manufacturers have such pavers, consult your local paver retailer and ask for pool pavers that are salt water resistant.

Pool Coping

Pool Coping is the term used to describe the capping of the pool shell wall. Coping protects the actual structure from water damage. Pool Coping can also protect those using the swimming pool, for it caps the edges of the pool with a rounded finish. This prevents people from injury when getting in and out of the pool.

There are several materials that can be applied to Pool Copings:

Precast Concrete

This choice of material for Pool Coping is very easy to install, for it is available in uniform thicknesses, unlike natural stone. Precast Concrete Coping is also available in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns.

Natural Stone or Brick

Natural Stone and Brick Pool Copings offer an aesthetic appeal, with warm textures, along with the strength of the stone. There are many choices; granite, limestone, sandstone, clay brick, all with the guarantee of lasting a lifetime.

Poured Concrete

Poured Concrete has the advantage of making the Coping one whole unit, and taking it right to the edge, so there is no break. It can give the deck clearer lines and make a small edge around the pool pavers look a lot wider.

Paver Pedestal System Advantages

February 15, 2023

Construction of residential and commercial buildings involves practical considerations to ensure lasting performance. The following are the advantages of Paver Pedestal System that homeowners and contractors should

highly consider before spending a large amount of money using a less practical method in terms of paving.

Easy to Install

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One of the Paver Pedestal System Advantages is its quick and easy installation with the use of plastic pedestal system. This method offers a great advantage in terms of installation over decks and

waterproofed layers. Also, it allows easy removal providing access to the underlying layers when repairs need to be done. It also provides good protection and drainage for the waterproofing membrane.

Water Damage Prevention & Energy Reduction
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With the Paver Pedestal System, water entrapment is prevented. Thus, paver damages and membrane deterioration are avoided. Part of the Paver Pedestal System Advantages is the reduced heat conductivity due to the elevation of pavers and air circulation. As a result, the membrane is kept from expanding and the insulation thermal efficiency is maintained.

Durable Concrete Pavers
Paver Pedestal System makes use of durable concrete pavers that last for a lifetime. These concrete pavers are available in different colors, shapes and textures which can beautify and make unused spaces functional.

Roof Garden “Green Roof”
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Whether an environmentally-friendly design using the “green roof” concept, or a functional, aesthetically-pleasing “roof garden”, new and renovated rooftops. Using the principles of Paver Pedestal System while applying the green roof concept in constructing or renovating rooftops offers the following advantages:

Cost of Concrete Pavers

February 15, 2023

Concrete pavers provide beauty and functionality at an affordable price. There are a lot of choices in terms of design allowing you to exude your creative finesse. But of course, you should take into consideration the concrete pavers cost and the over-all cost of the installation. In choosing a concrete paver for the promenade, driveway, patio, terrace, pool surround, etc, long-term costs involved should also be highly considered. You should decide whether you would go for low cost installation but with the need for extra maintenance, repairs or replacement over a period of time, or for a higher cost of installation but with a lower maintenance cost and offers longer service. Basically, the most important consideration in selecting a type of concrete pavers is the balance between performance, aesthetics, and price.

When considering a Landscaping project today, there are so many more design options available than in the past, which allows you to exude your creative flair freely. But of course there is always the limitation of the budget, how much you can spend, how much should you spend, and of course how much will it all cost in the end. When choosing the Paving product for your new driveway, patio, walkway, pool surrounds or courtyard, always take into consideration the long-term costs involved. For example, a cheaper Paver may bring the cost of installation right down, but that particular Paver may need extra maintenance or perhaps it will need repairs or replacement over time. Hence, you should consider not only the installation prices of the Pavers you select, but also consider the life-cycle costs.

At the end of the day there must be a balance of aesthetics, performance and the price, when selecting the type of Paver material for your Landscaping project.

The Best Ways To Take Care Of Porcelain Pavers