What Are Interlocking Paver Stones?

Published Date: Oct 2, 2017

Paving stones, also known as pavers, have become the most popular choice to use when creating beautiful outdoor spaces within the decade. Although pavers date back to Roman history and were used in the Great Wall of China, homeowners are now growing to see the endless short and long-term benefits of interlocking paver stones. Some homeowners still aren’t sure why they should choose paving stones over concrete or asphalt, and many are wondering, “What ARE interlocking paving stones?” Don’t worry, we’re here to address both of these concerns. What Are Interlocking Pavers?

During the installation process, paving stones become interlocked with the addition of paver jointing sand. This material locks pavers in place by filling in the joints completely from top to bottom, creating friction in the joints. This friction in the joints disperses weight load over a greater area, meaning that paving stones are able to withstand the weight of vehicles of all sizes, large parties and more.

In fact, when pavers are walked on, regardless of the fact that your foot takes up only one or two pavers, this jointing system ensures your weight is evenly distributed over six to seven pavers with each step you take. Now, be mindful that not ALL contractors/home improvement companies install pavers using joint sand stabilization, but it’s important that your contractor does. 

Give System Pavers a call to find out more about the joint sand stabilization installation process at 844-200-7788.

Concrete and asphalt are rigid systems

Concrete and asphalt are rigid systems, meaning they cannot move along with the shifting earth beneath them. As the ground shifts, asphalt and shift with it, causing the materials to bend and break. This is how both surfaces easily develop the all-to-familiar sights of cracks and chips.

Pavers, on the other hand, are individual units that are sand jointed together. This means they not only look beautiful, but as the ground shifts, the pavers shift along with it, meaning pavers won’t buckle or crack. The paving stone sand jointed stabilization allows the pavers to remain flexible and easily move along with shifting ground or tremors without breaking, cracking, or chipping.

Repairs can be made seamlessly

One of the most popular benefits of choosing paving stones over asphalt or concrete is the ability to easily and seamlessly repair damaged pavers. Pavers can easily be removed and replaced, unlike asphalt or concrete. If for any reason one, or a few, of your paving stones becomes damaged, it can be easily repaired by simply removing the damaged paver and replacing it with a new one.

When concrete becomes damaged, the area must be cut out by a professional with a concrete-cutting saw, lifted out using tools or machines, and new concrete must be poured. This is not only time-consuming and expensive, but the newly poured concrete will almost always never match the existing concrete.

Pavers have a lower moisture absorption rate

Pavers are dense and have very few to no air pockets. Concrete is not as dense due to the pouring and setting process, thus, concrete is full of air pockets. Air pockets not only mean low durability with a higher chance of cracking, but it means the fewer the air pockets, the lower the moisture absorption rate. Concrete has a high moisture absorption rate, meaning water more easily seeps in causing expansion and cracking. Having a lower moisture absorption rate means patio pavers are more durable in colder and wetter climates. Rest assured knowing your pavers hold up through the winter months with ease. Because of the density, water is unable to seep in so there is no risk of expansion or cracking from within.

When it comes to choosing paver stones over concrete or asphalt, just keep in mind that pavers are more durable, longer-lasting, and are guaranteed to remain absolutely beautiful for decades to come.