Why You Shouldn’t Build a Brick Paver Driveway on Top of Old Concrete
There are several options available in the market when it comes to building driveways. Among those choices, one of the most common is concrete. It’s easy to see why this is the first thing that comes to mind. Concrete can both figuratively and literally be called the foundation of modern society.
However, concrete may not actually be the best choice for your driveway. Though it can certainly last a long time, concrete’s plain appearance, tendency to get stained, and susceptibility to develop cracks are just a few of its shortfalls. This is why many homeowners in Oakland County are turning to brick pavers as the material of choice. Even those with existing driveways look to it as an upgrade from boring old concrete. However, you can’t just lay the brick pavers on top of the concrete. Though it may seem like a strong enough foundation, it’s better to hire an expert to ensure the durability and longevity of your upgraded driveway. They will know what materials to use and how to create a supported foundation.
Stability
Since a brick paver driveway is composed of many individual bricks, its stability is dependent on the balance of forces applied to it. The three forces acting on the brick pavers are vertical, horizontal and rotational. This means the brick pavers must be stable and secure in all directions.
If you simply place the brick pavers on top of the existing concrete, that bottom layer will not be secure enough to provide the stability needed. Imperfections on the concrete such as slight slopes, cracks, or any weak points that have previously developed will definitely affect the brick pavers above them.
Longevity
Every homeowner wants their property in Oakland County to last as long as possible. If you’re constantly worried about having to repair something, then you won’t be able to relax in your own home. Time takes its toll on everything but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to lessen its impact. However, the things that can help can usually only be done at the beginning.
It’s easy to make a freshly installed brick paver driveway look good on the outside. But if the underlying structure isn’t appropriate for its use, then it’s only a matter of time before that beauty fades away. As with most things, the things that last do so because they were built on good foundations.
Cost
One of the reasons some people consider building on top of old concrete is to save money. After all, if you don’t have to remove the existing driveway, that’s a lot of work you won’t have to pay for, right? Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The fact of the matter is that the cost of repairs down the line will offset any savings you thought you’d have. If the underlying cause of the problem is the base of the structure, then no amount of repairs will fix a brick paver driveway built on top of concrete. It will have to be redone, literally from the ground up. If that’s the case, it’s definitely better to do it right the first time so you won’t have to pay for it twice.
I Want the Best Brick Paver Company for Oakland County to Give Me A Quote on a Brick Paver Driveway!
Cutting corners is never a good idea for anyone, especially when it comes to building home structures. That’s why it’s never an option for PMS Brick Pavers. We’ll make sure the work is done right from start to finish. Get in touch with us today.