Real Estate and Home Improvement Tips

How to Remove Tire Marks from Pavers

Nick Wheaton — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:14:30 +0000

Driveways usually are installed with pavers because it usually makes for a smooth surface and is good for cars to park on and back out of easily. However, vehicles can leave skid marks from their tires if they turn or stop too quickly. Tire marks can also occur if the driveway was not sealed properly; a sealer was applied to a surface that was previously sealed or is completely non-porous; or the surface was already wet when the sealer was applied.

Remember to always make sure a surface is completely dry before you apply a sealant or it will not seal properly! However, you can prevent this unfortunate situation from happening if you follow these simple steps:

1. The temperature has to be right and not too humid when you apply a sealant to a paved surface.

2. The surface should be devoid of debris, cleaned, not previously sealed and porous. You want the sealant to sink into the pavers and properly protect them from damage. The sealant should not puddle on the surface.

3. If there is any moisture or liquid on the surface, be sure to buy a brand new sponge so it can properly absorb anything that is left.

4. Once you apply the sealer, make sure that any excess amount of it is removed as well. You don’t want the sealer to dissolve into a solvent or it could leave a sticky surface when temperatures increase outside.

But what if you already have horrible, black tire marks on the surface of your driveway. Here are some things you can do to get them removed:

1. The materials you will need to remove tire marks: plain water, a broom with stiff bristles and some kind of stain remover.

2. You will need to scrub the surface with a broom to remove the tire marks. Make sure the area where there are stains is covered with water first.

3. If the stains are particularly hard to remove, you may need to use the stain remover and vigorously scrub them as well. You may need to use something with harder bristles to better get the stains out.

How to Upgrade a Concrete Patio

Nick Wheaton — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:32:46 +0000

A patio can start to look old and worn as time continues to ravage its surface. You don’t want an ugly looking patio. Concrete pavers can become dislodged, cracked, crooked or experience water damage. A patio can also get stains from people spilling their food on the patio or just from people walking on it for so long. Concrete pavers can also look dull to their grey color. Cobblestone tends to have an older, Old World look and can have pavers in different colors.

If you want to learn how to install a patio with cobblestone pavers, read the tips below before you hire someone to do it. You can save both money and resources if you do it yourself. Hiring someone you can trust with this delicate task can also take time.

1. Before you even begin the process of installing the pavers, try to watch how to videos on Youtube to really get a feel for what you’re doing. Sometimes just reading instructions is not enough. After you read all the tips here, look up each step to see precisely how is done.

2. Each cobble paver should have 8×8 dimensions. If each is the same size, it will create a uniform look. You can also use a larger paver to decrease the amount of installation time if you don’t want to spend as much time installing everything. You can create a unique look to the area by turning pavers in different ways or creating half rows in between each whole row.

3. Make sure there is no debris on your concrete. Then start placing your pavers along a wall and then continue outward. The wall serves as a sturdy support. If the border stones are too big, consider using a saw to cut them to the right dimensions.

4. Start from the outside edges and then move in towards the middle. You need a border first to prevent the other stones from slipping and to anchor them in place. Some sort of adhesive will also be needed along the border.

5. The grout should be from sand. Use a broom to sweep the sand into every crevice between the pavers.

How to Keep Your Pavers Free of Stains and In Good Condition

Nick Wheaton — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:34:24 +0000

When you first install pavers into a driveway or a patio, they look uniform and unblemished usually; you can clearly see their color and the pattern of the paved stones. Overtime, however, pavers can become stained by erosion or just simply human activity. However, there are ways to keep your pavers in good condition. Follow the tips below:

1. Before you decide to completely clean out an area, make sure the cleaning materials you have can be used effectively on the material of the paved surface.

2. If you start cleaning at the bottom of a sloped surface, it ensures that the cleaning material used runs down. You don’t want it lying stagnant in pools. It could cause water damage.

3. If there are fresh paint stains on the pavers, you should try to soak it with hot water to loosen the paint and then scrub it off with a stiff brush. For dried paint stains, you will probably need to use a paint remover. Stains from mortar will need to be left to harden and then removed with something like a chisel or trowel.

4. When it comes to dirt, mildew or grime, you can just use a stain remover, a brush to scrub off the stains and then a hose to rid of anything that might be left behind.

5. If you have oil stains, you can soak it up with saw dust and then clean it after it has fully been absorbed. Older stains can be cleaned with boiling water and wiped away with a cloth.

6. Stains from food and beverages can be cleared up with liquid dish detergent. Gum that’s stuck on pavers can be scrubbed with naptha or mineral spirits.

7. To prevent stains, you should probably seal the surface of your pavers. Any retaining walls around your paved area should probably also be sealed to prevent water from entering the area. Sealing a surface is great because it can prevent things like salt and acid corrosion, water penetration and stains. You don’t want any of things seeping into the stone of your pavers. Sealing pavers also helps to ensure their longevity.

Infographic: Pergolas – Outdoor Living in Style

Nick Wheaton — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:08:45 +0000

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Infographic: 12 Creative Ways to Decorate a Small Space Apartment

Sarah Rutenberg — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:58:35 +0000

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Infographic: The Rise of Small House Plans

Sarah Rutenberg — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:45:58 +0000

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Some Tips for Installing Your Very Own Concrete Pavers

Nick Wheaton — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:58:40 +0000

To save money, many people decide to pave their own outdoor spaces. It can also save the hassle of having to find someone to do the work for you. With the right advice, it can save you a ton of hassle trying to figure out everything on your own. Remember, if you need extra advice, you can look at the instruction booklets of things you buy to get a better idea of how to use each item. Don’t know how to mix concrete? Look at the back of the bag you purchased from your local hardware store. Reading comprehension and following directions are two skills you will need to utilize during this process. Read the tips below for more information on the pre-planning and installing stages:

1. Try to have a mental picture in your head of the area you are working with. You may have to measure it to figure out its dimensions. Putting together a blueprint with a professional also helps.

2. Underneath the pavers, there will need to be room for things such as gravel and other packing materials. The concrete surface will need a solid base. You should dig down to at least eight feet to ensure that this done.

3. The base will than need to be put in place as well as the restraints. Restraints are also referred to as paver edging. They help keep concrete pavers stable. They are usually applied to the edges of the pavers’ boundaries and can be horizontal or vertical. The base will also include sand as well as gravel.

4. Be sure that the sand you are using for you base is the right kind of sand and is not too fine. You don’t want the pavers sinking into it. You may also need to pat it down to ensure a firm surface.

5. Each row of concrete pavers should be lined up correctly and not crooked to ensure a pleasing appearance. You also don’t want some to be inclined while others are level.

6. There will be a sand bed for the concrete pavers as well. Avoid having the sand compacted together. However, you may want to smooth it down with some kind of trowel. It may not ensure a uniform appearance.

7. One thing that could help you make sure each row is straight is a “powder string”.

Ordering Materials and Figuring out the Best Ones to Use

Nick Wheaton — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:17:38 +0000

When you install concrete pavers, obviously you will need materials as well as understand exactly how to order them. Before you do so, try to figure out the dimensions of the space you are working with and come up with a design plan. You need to know the shapes of the pavers and the color you will want to order. After the pre-planning phase is over, you can go ahead and think about some of the materials you will need. Here are some tips about this particular step:

1. To create a certain mood or atmosphere, you will want your concrete pavers to have a certain shape, texture or color to meet your unique needs. For example, for one outdoor space you want to construct something called an arrowhead patio. These uses Arrowhead concrete pavers, which are squares that have 6×6 dimensions.

2. You can go to individual manufactures instead of major hardware chains like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Manufacturer handouts usually indicate how many pavers each type comes in per square foot. The smaller they are, the more there will be; the bigger, the less. Remember to order more than is needed sometimes in case a few are broken in the process or you needed more than was anticipated. Some great concrete paver manufacturers you can check out are Surfacelogix or Tile Tech pavers.

3. You will also need to purchase materials for your base, like gravel and sand. Make sure that you measure how many cubic feet the hole you excavated is. To make sure everything is exact and carefully measured, have your supplier convert the cubic feet into inches.

4. You may also need to find subgrade material to help compact your base materials was clay.

5. Remember to also find material for edge restraints and metal spikes to help keep them in place.

6. Geotextile fabric should be installed on wet patches of soil so they don’t cause water damage to the pavers. It can also help to soak up the moisture.

7. Remember to buy the correct amount of shovels, trowels and other tools you will be using depending on the number of people that will be working with you. You don’t want people to have to share tools. It could cause a lack of efficiency.

Spice up Your Backyard with Colored Pavers!

Nick Wheaton — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:05:18 +0000

Are you tired of the same old red, brown, white or sandy colors concrete pavers usually come in? Why not switch things up? No one likes to be bored by their own outdoor design and you have the power to change that; you don’t have to go with what every paving company usually offers. Actually, anyone can make their own colorful concrete pavers!

Making your own pavers is an excellent way to make money and can you make you happier in the end. Why stick with the same tired, old routine? To do this, you will need ½ inch piece of wood, 12 11/4-inch nails, a hammer, motor oil, concrete, concrete dye, plastic sheeting and extra board to flatten the paver surface with.

Here are the steps to follow to make your own concrete pavers:

1. First, decide the size and shape you want your pavers to be, the pattern you want them to be aligned in and the various colors you will want to use. Heavy pavers are preferable over lighter ones for durability purposes. They also are more likely to last longer.

2. Next, you will need to gather materials to construct a frame to mold the pavers into. Take a trip to your local hardware or home-improvement store and buy concrete, concrete dyes and boards of wood to build your frame with. Make sure the wood pieces are cut to the correct dimensions by the person helping you at the store. You don’t want to create irregularly shaped pavers; every piece should be uniform in length and width.

3. Next, you must assemble a frame and make sure each corner of your frame is secured by nails in three places. Once this is done, it’s less likely that the frame will collapse. Then, dip a rag in motor oil and rub it all along the interior of your rough frame.

4. Another thing you should do after is set up a work area and put your frame on plastic sheeting. This must be done before mix the concrete and add the dye so you have someplace where you can get messy.

5. Next, comes the mixing of the concrete. Make sure that while you are mixing the concrete you add dye so that you can create your colored pavers. If you get confused, make sure to check the directions on the packaging.

6. Pour the concrete into each partition you made in your frame to the depth you would like it to be. The concrete should also be evenly spread throughout; make sure there are no bumps. To even things out, it would be very helpful for you to use a spreader; you can also use a wide board for this as well. According to the instructions on the package, allow the concrete to dry for the stipulated time period. Usually, this is for two to three days. Once it is dry, you should be able to take it from its holder.

Instructions for Installing Concrete Pavers

Nick Wheaton — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:43:04 +0000

Instead of having someone do this for you, you can do it yourself! In the process, you can save yourself tons of money and the tedious chore of finding someone to hire. With these steps, you can have concrete pavers installed on your patio or driveway in no time!

1. The first step in this procedure should be to draw a blueprint of the area you are paving and how you want it to look. You need to know the dimensions of the decided space and how you want it designed before you move forward. Be sure to purchase pavers and the right supplies at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s as well.

2. Before you begin digging out an area to lay down your pavers in, make sure you aren’t hitting any major gas or water pipes. Call a company to figure this out for you. Then, use any tools you have to dig out a large enough area and clean out it so the pavers can be neatly installed.

3. Next, fill in your hole with crushed bits of concrete. The amount of crushed concrete should be about two-three inches in depth approximately.

4. The next step is to spread sand on top of the crushed concrete. Make sure to divide each area into segments so you can work on each area of the site individually.

5. Laying the pavers down is the next part of the process. Using a rubber mallet to hammer them down into place ensures that they remain in a flat position. After you have laid down a section of pavers, remember to use a straightedge along the edge to make sure it is aligned correctly.

6. You should then add another level of concrete pavers. Cover the first with sand before you lay down the next ones.

7. Next, you should probably make a small wall of a single line of pavers going all along the perimeter.

8. Next, you and your helpers should spread masonry sand along the top level of the pavers so that the cracks in between each are filled. This can also help when a plate compacter is used to aid in filling the joints between each paver.

9. Sweep any sand that is left off the finished area. It should look as clean and neat as possible. Keep in mind that sand might blow it right back onto your pavers so you might have to repeat this process for a couple of days.

Instructions for Installing Concrete Pavers