Critical considerations when paving

Installation, installation, installation:

Use a reputable installer. The vast majority of site complaints we attend to relate to bad workmanship and inadequate earth preparation by installers. Refer to the “Selecting the right contractor” section on page 148 of this handbook prior to seeing an installer. Beware of scam artists who disappear with deposits or do not provide detailed quotations or invoices. Also beware of installers who do not keep you informed on a regular (preferably daily) basis of their progress on the work. Check references and consult consumer bodies and public tools like Hellopeter.com. Contractor memberships with industry bodies like the Master Builders’ Association or Concrete Manufacturers’ Association provide you with some form of recourse when complications arise.

There are reasons that some products and services are cheaper than others:

We know this, yet we all push the boundaries in order to save money. The best advice in this regard is to be informed beforehand as to what can be expected.

Have reasonable expectations:

Most people expect to pay less for paving than the amount they eventually do. Remember, paving is expected to last a lifetime and in many instances, it could also carry vehicles (like a normal road). In South Africa paved areas are usually large, as we have bigger yards and outside living spaces. We always recommend saving a little longer for good-quality work, rather than opting for something cheaper. Paving is made to be rugged and is installed outdoors, so do not expect it to look as smooth and glossy as ceramic tiling. Moreover, when paving is newly laid, it does not yet look its best. It needs a few months to “settle down”.

There are some practical considerations when it comes to buying paving:

In general, paving trucks are big and bulky. Ensure that they can gain access to residential estates and boomed-off areas. Paving is usually offloaded by cranes in bundled packs. However, it then needs to be moved manually to the place of installation. For this reason, you need to be very clear about where it should be placed. Allow for breakages and cutting when ordering paving: 5-10% extra should be sufficient. Preferably be present when paving is offloaded and inspect the packs, or at least do this before unpacking and installation take place. Once packs are broken, there is always the possibility of the installers and manufacturers blaming each other.

Is the installation of paving quick and easy?

The simple answer is “no”. It doesn’t matter what an installer tells you: expect inconvenience. Most paving can’t be installed on top of existing paved materials. There will be digging, refuse and dust. Still, no matter how disagreeable this is to cope with, never try to rush the installation. Rather let the installers do the job properly. Remember, you expect paving to last a lifetime, so one or two days of additional inconvenience are nothing in the bigger scheme of things. It is also essential to take the recommended period of “curing” seriously and not using a driveway or patio immediately after paving. Starting to use a driveway too soon will negatively impact the integrity of the installation.

Are some suppliers better than others?

Not all paving bricks or stones are the same. Our aim in stating this is not to try to win your business, but simply to make you aware that there are unscrupulous paving manufacturers out there and that what you think is the cheapest option could well turn out to be the most expensive one in the long term if the work is done incorrectly.

What paving material is the best?

Make a wise decision when it comes to the type of paving material you select. Refer to our paving comparison for an unbiased guide to the most common paving materials used in South Africa. Again, this guide is not a selling tool. All paving materials have both advantages and disadvantages.