Paving Questions
We have prepared a list of questions and answers you might find useful in your paving research.
Yes, we understand it can be a process to get the project details right. We prefer to make sure you know exactly what to expect before we start work.
Generally yes, however we may need to provide you with a variation order that you are happy to accept.
Yes. We prefer to offer you a fixed price contract that provides you with a clear understanding of what works we will undertake, what materials will be provided and when payments are due.
Yes, a statutory warranty as per the Building Work Contractors Act. The warranty offered on the pavers may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Yes, in South Australia you must hold both a Building Work Supervisor and Building Work Contractors licence to offer brick paving services on a contractual basis. You can check to see if someone is licensed with Consumer and Business Services.
Yes, we can provide a certificate of currency on request.
In a lot of cases, yes. Different pavers can be more suitable to certain applications than others. For example, most manufacturers will provide advice as to whether their pavers are suitable for a driveway or around a pool.
It can. Some patterns are much stronger than others with regard to horizontal interlock. This is particularly important in applications such as driveways.
Generally, yes. The shear strength of the subgrade material will vary from site to site, however in Adelaide we mostly have a clay rich subgrade which shrinks and swells according to the moisture content. A rubble base offers a much stronger and stable support to your paved surface.
Yes, both the Clay Brick and Paver Manufacturers of Australia and the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia recommend a coarse, well graded washed sand. A sand commonly called quartzite, quartz sand or cracker dust is not suitable, and is unfortunately often used and the cause of many issues with poor paving performance.
As a standard practice we generally quote to clear the site of excess or waste materials that have been provided as part of our works. There may be some pavers left over, and if you wish to keep these we are happy to leave them at no extra cost.
Most paver manufacturers stipulate an allowance for chipped or damaged pavers as part of their terms and conditions (this is often around 5%). Additionally, you can expect some wastage from cutting in the paving pattern. Lastly, some paver manufacturers will only sell a minimum amount of pavers due to the way they are packed, strapped or palleted.
This really depends on the area to be paved, the laying method, how much concrete there is under the paving, if the area is exposed to the weather, and the pavers themselves. Generally we don’t recommend this practice because of the future issues and problems that will often arise. We can discuss the specifics of your project if applicable.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss further, or read about our process.