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Pavers FAQ's

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1. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO GET CONCRETE PAVERS?

Click on the Calculate an estimate button to use our exclusive Project Cost Calculator It is easy to use, and you can get a price for your project INSTANTLY! This tool gives prospective clients the ability to evaluate pricing options to stay within their budget.

2. WHAT CITIES DO YOU PERFORM WORK IN?

Due to the large volume of calls and customer requirements, we limit our services to in and around the bay area. We are based in the Silicon Valley and work from Santa Cruz all the way through San Francisco. However, we do travel further depending upon the size and type of job.

3. I GOT A PRICE FROM THE PROJECT COST CALCULATOR. NOW WHAT?

Call us at (408) 262-1859 or e-mail us at info@ace-construction.net and you may schedule an ACE representative to come to your property and give you a formal quote.

4. CAN THE PRICE THAT I RECIEVED FROM THE PROJECT COST CALCULATOR EVER CHANGE?

Generally, the price recieved from the Calculator is accurate. However, that price strictly excludes any potential factors that may obstruct the smooth execution of the project. Factors such as access, drainage, utilities and need for base rock are some of the most common reasons that can cause an increase when an ACE representative gives you a formal bid subsequent to a vist to your property.

5. HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT TAKE FOR ACE TO FINISH MY JOB?

Typically:
500 SF ~approximately 4-5 days
1000 SF ~approximately 5-7 days
2000 SF ~approximately 10-14 days
5000 SF ~approximately 3 weeks
10000 SF ~approximately 6 weeks
These numbers reflect averages based on previous jobs. They can change based upon the complexity of your project.

6. HOW DO YOU INSTALL PAVERS?

The standard process of install interlocking concrete pavers involves the following steps: (Refer to the picture gallery for more information)

Remove existing concrete (if any exists)
Prepare ground for installing pavers (Excavate Soil/Grade/Level/Compact)
Install base (4"-8" of base rock and Screed 1.5" base of sand)
Install edge restraint (Either Pave Edge/Snap Edge or concrete footing)
Layout pavers (Install pavers, then saw cut around borders, circles and blockouts)
Plate Vibrate #1 (Plate vibrate sand into the pavers)
Sweep Sand (Sweep excess sand to get into the joints)
Plate Vibrate #2 (Plate vibrate sand into the pavers)
Clean Up (Clean up and wash down)


THREE BASIC SELECTIONS CLIENT HAS TO MAKE:
a.) Choose the paver type (Quarry Stone/River Rock/Hollandstone etc.)
b.) Choose the paver color
c.) Choose the paver arrangement (Layout)

7. DOES THE PRICE OF THE PROJECT DEPEND UPON MY PAVERS SELECTION?

Yes, the cost of pavers to us ranges anywhere from $2/SF - $5/SF. The total price of the project can change based upon your selection of pavers. Before preparing a formal estimate, ACE will help you in deciding what pavers are best suited for your project, and the estimate will incorporate the cost of your selection.

8. CAN I WALK/DRIVE ON THE CONCRETE PAVERS AS SOON AS ACE GETS DONE INSTALLING THEM?

You can walk and drive on the pavers as soon as they are installed. Unlike concrete, there is no waiting period for the area to cure.

9. HOW DO THE PAVERS INTERLOCK?

The term “interlock” comes from the friction of joint sand between paver to paver. This interlock provides pavement superiority in a multitude of ways. The pavers distribute traffic loading over a greater surface. The pavers remain flexible and can withstand minor and major movements of the native soils. Maintenance
and repairs (if required) are simplified because no mortar is used in the installation process.

10. CAN I INSTALL PAVERS ON MY EXISTING CONCRETE OR ASPHALT?

In a simple answer, Yes, you can (but under certain criteria). If the condition of the existing pavement is in poor state (major cracks, settling etc.) it may be a better solution to start over and build the base system up properly. Also, do you have enough threshold clearance to accept a 2 3/8 thick paver plus the 1 sand bedding course? (a total of almost 3 ) Another consideration is how will you adjoin the pavers to meet other existing pavements? (garage surfaces, sidewalks, etc.) If you find your existing pavement meets these conditions, then pavers can be installed on your pavement with a few modifications to the installation process.

11. DO PAVERS NEED TO BE SEALED?

No, sealing is just an option. But sealing the pavers does have some advantages. Sealing your pavers will make clean up of stains easier, help prevent vegetation growth, and will darken and brighten the color pigments in your pavers.

12. DO WEEDS OR GRASS GROW IN THE JOINTS?

If the pavers were installed properly, with the recommended materials and installation methods, you have created a sterile environment to allow weeds to grow through the pavers. There will still be times when seeds can blow into the top of the joints and start growing in any organic material that has built up in the joints. If this happens, you can normally pull them out very easily or remove them with a topical weed killer spray.

13. WHAT IS THE WHITE STUFF ON MY PAVERS?

Occasionally, some pavers may have a whitish residue upon them. The whitish colored residue is called efflorescence. Efflorescence is a natural by-product from the cement hydration process and can be found in any concrete or mortar product. Calcium oxide inside the paver reacts with water in the capillaries and forms calcium hydroxide. This seeps to the surface, and reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, a whitish residue. When moisture on the surface evaporates, the white efflorescence becomes visible. If efflorescence is present, it will wear off over the course of time with traffic and the elements.

14. WILL MY PAVERS EVER CRACK? WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT IT FROM CRACKING?

Unlike concrete, pavers will almost never crack. Pavers are 8000 psi (about 3-4 times stronger than concrete, stone or asphalt). Pavers will never crack or chip unless abused, but over long periods of time, there can be some settling/shifting. ACE prepares the subgrade to the ASTM standards to restrict any shifting/settling.

15. WHY CHOOSE ACE CONSTRUCTION FOR YOUR PROJECT?

We are a company run by engineers for engineers. We are the only Construction company offering a web-based tool for an instant quote! Our prices are extremely competitive due to the efficient way we run our business, and we never compromise on quality. Our Mission Statement - "Our number one priority is customer satisfaction. If you choose ACE Construction you will get a high quality result at a very competitive price!!"