Paving that has been correctly set-out will be neat, aesthetically pleasing and should last a life-time while paving that has been poorly installed will move and therefore chip, wash out of the base on which it was laid and appear uneven. It is important to note that installing paving is not a complicated or difficult task for someone who knows what they are doing. However, an inexperienced installer can make many costly mistakes.

Bosun Brick provides homeowners with a few tips on how to spot a good paving installation:

Base preparation
The golden rule to remember when it comes to base preparation is that it must be well compacted and level. A civil engineer should advise on the base required, should underlying soil conditions have a high clay content.

Edging
Paving that has been well installed will be properly restrained by kerbing or a “soldier course,” where products are installed side by side and bedded in mortar to form a border. Cutting at edges and/or around manholes should also be neat as it can hinder the appearance of the paved area.

Drainage
The drainage is another important aspect of any installation. It is imperative for the paved area to slope to a drainage point as it will prevent water from ponding on or below it. Water ponding below paving may cause movement of the pavers, which in turn will result in spalling (chipping on the edges) and an uneven paved area.

Cement stains
Cement or mortar spills on pre cast concrete products like Bosun Brick should be cleaned immediately using a clean sponge and water. Cement or mortar allowed to dry on concrete products will cause unsightly staining, and should be cleaned by a paving cleaning specialist.

Sealants
It is not necessary to seal paving; however, sealing your product will enhance its colour and reduce the risk of staining. Pavers laid around salt chlorinated pools must be sealed with a suitable sealant, available from Floorcare Services or your local hardware store. Failure to do so will result in degradation of the surface of the product.

Grouting
Pavers installed in a driveway or roadway are laid closely together and grouted with plastersand. It is recommended that plaster sand is swept over the paved area every 3 to 6 months or even more often in the rainy season. Care should be taken not to wash out the grouting when paving is hosed down.

Flow of patterns and colour
Subtle patterns can be created using interesting laying patterns and/or colours. This adds aesthetic value to the installation and shows that the installer is creative and familiar with the product. (Be sure that your laying pattern still allows the pavers to lock together to ensure that the installation is stable).

When it comes to driveways and roadways, it is best to avoid using light coloured pavers as these areas are prone to oil and tyre marks. Contrasting coloured pavers can be used to indicate parking bays, road markings, stair treads etc.

Handling and installation of products
Chipped products should never be installed, but can be used for “cutting.” Pavers should be handled carefully at all times, they can be moved by wheelbarrow, but they need to be packed in and out by hand. A good installer would furthermore use a roller with the vibration switched off to compact pavers.

Different products for different jobs
Select the right product for the job. Different laying patterns create different locking strengths, so be sure that you choose a laying pattern that is aesthetically pleasing and strong. As far as Bosun pavers are concerned, 50 & 55mm products are ideal for light, residential vehicle traffic, while commercial applications should be installed with products that are at least 60mm. Areas where heavy-duty vehicles drive over the paving each day calls for a product that is a minimum of 80mm thick.

On-site supervision
Proper supervision on site is imperative for the successful outcome of a paving project. In order to minimise unnecessary and costly mistakes, labourers should not be left without guidance.

Professional installers
A good installer will be registered with one or more of the following associations:
MBA - The Master Builders Association
CMA - Concrete Manufacturers Association

Other professional bodies include the Clay Brick Association and the National Home Builders Registration Council.

Selecting a contractor registered with a professional association will give you peace of mind, knowing that they need to adhere to the code of conduct that applies to the industry they operate in. These industry bodies can also mediate if a dispute arises between the contractor and you as the consumer.

Getting it Right

Always use an installer that is experienced in the installation of the products that you have chosen. Get more than one quote. The cheapest quote is not necessarily the best quote. You should also get the details of at least three reference sites. Visit and inspect at least one of them and try and speak to the owner of the property to get a reference on the workmanship of the installer.

Remember that a cheap installation may be more costly in the end as you would no doubt have to spend money on repairs. The bitter taste of poor quality will be remembered long after the joy of a good price.