Paving bricks are an easy and relatively cost effective way to spice up those boring areas around your home. With a bit of creativeness a few bricks can easily turn any driveway, pathway, walkway or other area into something out of the ordinary.
Paving bricks come in many different shapes, colours and sizes. It is therefore not necessary to stick to the boring and predictable! With a little bit of creative planning, you can turn your driveway into an absolute piece of art! Another positive thing about laying paving bricks is that you do not necessarily have to call in a professional. Sure, if your DIY skills are non-existent then you might not want to take on a highly complex paving design as your first project, but with a little bit of detailed planning you will soon have a beautiful new driveway or pathway to boast with.
Your new driveway should last for years on end, but only if you give it the appropriate treatment from the beginning. It is vital to correctly seal the completed paving - failing to do this will quickly form a breeding ground for unwelcome weeds. Ensure that you choose high quality sealer - I am certain that you won't be pleased it your piece of the art paving starts to turn a dreary green after a couple of months.
After a couple of years you might see that your pavement starts looking somewhat dreary. When this is the case you will know it's time to apply new sealant. Firstly make certain that you've taken out all the weeds and dirt and that the paving bricks are dry before you begin applying your sealer. Try to do this on a warm day as it is essential that the sealant has time to adequately settle and dry, before you decide to walk or drive on the bricks again.
Debris, filth and grime are your pavement's worst headache! If left for too long, this might end up soiling the paving bricks, so it is better to get rid of it as soon as possible. For stubborn soil or grime, apply a mixture of warm soapy water to the areas and leave it for a little while. You will then be able to rinse off the grime with a hose or by using an outdoor broom to sweep away all traces of dirt. A high pressure hose is a great investment - by running over the pavers with the hose once in a while you will prevent the debris and soil from becoming a problem.
If you notice breaks or chips on your paving, try to repair/replace those paving bricks without delay. Just like a small crack on your windshield, these cracks will become worse and worse with time, so take care of the situation before it becomes a problem.
I hope you are now all inspired to get your hands dirty and jazz up your garden with a beautiful design or two! Happy paving!