We at Bosun believe in doing things right the first time around. Therefore we thought it best to compile a list of a few factors to keep in mind when it comes to installing paving. This will help you as the Homeowner to expect nothing less than the best from your paving.

Choosing the right paving installer

• It is very important that you deal with a reputable paving installer, the best way to make sure of this is to get at least 3 quotes from different companies, this enables you to:
  • Make an informed decision that relies on many factors like price, and the professionalism and knowledge of the installer
  • Get more ideas
  • Get expert advice on practical issues like water flow and product selection
• Some things to look out for when making the final decision on a paving installer:
  • Make sure that rubble removal is included in the quote
  • look for warranties or guarantees that they provide on their workmanship
  • Ask how long the company has been in business
  • Ask for 3 referrals so that you can speak to other people that have used the same contractor
  • Ask for sites that the paving installer has done in your area so that you can view the quality of the workmanship

Things to discuss with your Paving installer before the job is started:

• Commencement and completion date
• The installers plan regarding the earthworks
  • How is he going to make the area as level and compacted as possible?
• Water Drainage plan
  • How is he going to ensure that water doesn’t pond on your paving or drain into your house after a rainfall, taking drainage pipes into account as well?
• Show the contractor the space that you have allocated for product delivery and rubble
• Communicate any building plans that you have for the future, he might have some suggestions on how to plan the paving job to suit your future needs
• Discuss the planning of edges and boarders around the paving
• This is a very good time to ask your paving installer questions about the paving installation process that you might not understand

You have chosen a Paving installer - now how do you know that he is doing the job right?

• Product handling:
  • It is imperative that the pavers are handled with care before they are installed
  • Pavers should not be thrown on top of one another in a big pile
  • When Pavers are transported in wheel barrows they should be carefully loaded and unloaded as concrete chips easily on corners
  • Ideally the pavers should be delivered to an easily accessible area where they can be installed from directly
• Site preparation:
  • A paving installation is only as good as the earth that it is laid on, so it is essential that all pavers are laid on a level and well compacted area
  • Compaction of the substrate should be done using a heavy roller or heavy duty compactor
  • The ground should be as smooth as possible before bedding sand is placed.
  • Make sure that your paving installer is sticking to the water drainage plan, as confirmed before commencement of the project, and levelling out the site accordingly
• Bedding Sand:
  • A sheet of plastic SHOULD NOT be laid down underneath the bedding sand. Previously, paving installers laid a plastic sheet to prevent weed growth, but weeds grow from seeds that lodge themselves in the jointing sand on the surface and not from the soil below. The use of plastic can cause the paving to move and causes water to get trapped between the paving and the plastic, this causes many problems. It is not only ineffective to use a plastic sheet but, it is bad for the environment too.
  • There are a rare number of weeds that do grow from the soil below the pavers, in order to prevent this Bosun Brick recommends that the paving installer:
    • Makes use of good quality bedding sand that does not contain any vegetation or seeds
    • Sprays the bedding sand with an organic weed killer
  • Make sure that your paving contractor does not use mine sand, it is recognized by its distinctive yellow colour. Mine sand contains sulphur which is absorbed by the pavers and creates marks on the surface of the pavers. Mine sand is also out of specification regarding grain size and will therefore prevent proper drainage
  • Bosun recommends that only river sand is used as bedding sand
• Laying of paving:
  • Make sure that the design you want is the design being laid by the contractor
  • All lines must be straight and parallel. Walk around the site and check the lines from all angles
  • Are the edges and borders being installed neatly and according to plan?
  • There must be tiny, regular gaps between the pavers. (2.5 -5mm depending on the type of paver and the size of the nib. The nib is a small protrusion on the side of the brick that ensures even spacing between pavers and helps to secure the pavers against each other). A paver that is properly secured in place will last a lifetime
  • Look for highs and lows in the paving before it is plate compacted, if one paver is higher than another it will chip easily
  • If you find damaged paving just after it has been laid show your installer and get him to fix it, if a few bricks chip over time they can easily be replaced
  • Please click here for a step-by-step guide on how to replace damaged paving
• Jointing sand:
  • Jointing sand can be either washed plaster sand or fine river sand
  • DO NOT USE CEMENT as a jointing material. The reasons for this is:
    • If there is any movement in the substrate or pavers, the jointing will break, which causes gaps between the pavers. This has many consequences:
      • It makes an ideal breeding space for weeds
      • It causes the paving to become unstable
      • It will negatively influence the aesthetics of your driveway
    • Application of cement as a jointing material may cause staining on the paving as well as discolouration
  • Jointing sand needs to be brushed in between pavers
  • After the sand has been brushed in between the pavers the pavers need to be compacted, it is advisable to leave a thin layer of jointing sand on the pavers to ensure the pavers do not get damaged during compaction
    • For more detailed information on jointing sand please click here.

After the job is complete

• Check for damaged paving one last time
• Vehicles can drive over paving directly after the installation process when jointing sand is used. If cement is used as a jointing material, which Bosun does not recommend, vehicles are not allowed to drive over paving for 5 -7 days
• A “whitish” film or spots may occur on the surface of the pavers this is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all concrete products called efflorescence. It consists mainly of the insoluble calcium carbonate (CaCO2) and is caused by moisture reacting with lime and other minerals present in the cement and aggregates. It should be seen as a passing nuisance and will disappear over time
  • Note: The paving should be totally free from efflorescence if you are applying a sealant
  • Please click here for more detailed information
• Ask the contractor for a suggested maintenance plan for the paving. This usually involves the manual removal of weeds and the replacement of jointing sand after heavy rains