A Complete Guide to Constructing an Interlocked Driveway in Toronto

From start to finish, constructing an interlocking driveway involves many different steps. Here is a complete guide to let you know what is involved with the process and why certain steps are taken along the way. You’ll also find out why an interlocked driveway provides value for the money and why it should be your first choice when looking at all other available options.

The Advantages of Interlocking Stones in Toronto

Interlocking stones Toronto have a small size and are available in a wide variety of shapes and colours. They provide a certain type of warmth that cannot be found with conventional asphalt and concrete. They complement any type of architectural style of home perfectly and can be easily installed in different patterns including intricate designs, straight lines and curves. They add a new vitality to a property that simply cannot be ignored.

 

Interlocking stones Toronto are made from a low-absorption, high-strength concrete and are resistant to the common freeze-thaw cycles that we experience here in Canada. They are also extremely resistant to chemicals that are commonly used for de-icing. They cannot be damaged by point loads, moisture or high temperatures and provide a frictional resistance that is high. There is no curing necessary after they have been installed and if any of the interlocking stones need to be removed, they can be either reused or recycled.

 

Interlocking driveway pavers can withstand heavy loads and provide long-term performance. They are used to make a low-maintenance, long life driveway and are suitable to be used for pathways, pool patio areas, barbecue patios and much more.

What Are Natural Stone Pavers Made of?

The concrete pavers used for natural stone Toronto driveways are made of fine and coarse aggregate, Portland cement and water. This mixture is placed in molds and exposed to extreme pressure and vibration. Admixtures are also commonly added to provide increased density and strength and to help decrease the absorption of water. They are made using spacer bars to ensure that the joints are properly spaced and uniform and the edges are cut away with a slope to help prevent chipping.

 

Pavers must be manufactured according to certain specifications for strength, rate of absorption, resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and rate of breakage. You can rest assured that the natural stone pavers that have been installed for you meet these strict standards and will offer years of performance value.

 

Interlocking Stones and Jointing Sand

High quality, finer graded sand is used to fill in the joints between the natural stone Toronto pavers. This is what provides the interlocking component and allows heavy loads to be transmitted to the surrounding blocks. The loads are distributed in a way that is similar to a layer of asphalt concrete.

 

There is an alternative that can be used that consists of a binder mixed with the graded sand. This has been formulated for wide or narrow joints between the interlocking stones Toronto. This type of sand is also resistant to weed growth and infestations of insects. As well, it is resistant to human erosions caused by wind, frost, rain etc. It can stabilize sloped and horizontal interlocking driveway Toronto projects since some paver movement is allowed without disturbing the sand. When this sort of sand is applied it is put down dry and then once it is moistened it starts to harden.

 

Interlocked Driveways and Bedding Sand

Bedding sand is placed down before the interlock pavers are set for a specific reason. This bedding sand is able to resist tires and load pressures and similar compressive forces. A special manufactured sand is commonly used that has been subjected to testing. Crusher screenings are often used as well as long as they meet the testing requirements. One or the other must be put in place before the stones can be put down to ensure the longevity of the life of the driveway.

 

Edging Restraints for Interlocking

The edging restraints are a vital part of any interlocked project since they are the thing that holds the pavers together tightly. This allows for consistency throughout the driveway, walkway or patio and they are the force that holds everything together as one complete unit. If the edging restraints aren’t put down, the pavers would naturally start to spread apart due to settling and forces from heavy loads.

 

There are a variety of structures available that can be used as edging restraints. There may already be an existing structure in place that can be used as an edge such as the side of the house when a patio is being put into place. There are also beautiful curbs available in natural stone, plastic, aluminum and concrete. 

 

If there is any chance of any bedding sand being lost, a geotextile is often placed along the side of the interlocking that reaches up along the edges of the restraint. This does not alter the aesthetic appeal of the restraint in any way.

 

Interlocking Sealer

An interlocking sealer may or may not be recommended by the interlocking company Toronto that is placing your stones. This sealer is used to enhance the durability of the paver surface and helps to keep the sand in place. A sealer is commonly used on airport interlocked pavements but it is not usually required for residential use. 

 

It’s best to discuss the need for a sealer with the Toronto interlocking company you will be using for the install. In some cases it may be recommended if a person is driving a vehicle or has people visiting with vehicles that are known to lose fuel or oil.

 

If you are considering getting an interlocked driveway this summer, speak to the experts at EGE Interlocking first. We provide free quotes and our expert installers are always available to answer any questions that you may have. Visit our website now to fill in the contact form and we will get back to you shortly.