Why Installing Interlocking Stones Isn’t a DIY Project

Laying down interlocking stones may look like a simple project but it is a lot more complicated than you may realize. The project involves not only installing the stones but also careful planning and consideration ahead of time. If they aren’t installed correctly the interlocking stones will move, experience weed growth, sink and experience other problems. Every installation project comes with its own challenges in terms of the design, which may include drainage problems and soil movement. 

Creating a Complete Design for the Natural Stones

A quality interlocking driveway, walkway, patio, pool surround etc. begins with a well-thought-out design. You’ll need to plan the aesthetic look of the area as well as the functionality of it. This will involve choosing the layout of the natural stones, picking out the actual stones themselves and looking at the flow you want to create between the interlocking project and your home structure.

 

When it comes to the functionality of the design you’ll need to take into account the weather elements that the natural stones will have to face each season. In the Toronto area we have a freezing and thawing cycle that must be factored into the equation when prepping the area for the interlocking stones. 

 

It’s important to look at the short-term and long-term plans for your outdoor design as well. Picture what you want your landscaping to look like for now and then think of any new modifications you may want to add to it later. In the future you may want to add a grill or a hot tub to the patio and you won’t be able to do this easily if you haven’t incorporated your future plans into your current planning.

 

The next thing to look at is the size in order to calculate how many stones and other materials you will need. The measurements must be taken precisely and don’t forget to factor in the border materials you will also require. You can be as creative as you want to be but precision is just as important as creativity during the design planning.

Laying the Foundation for Interlocking Stones in Toronto

Once the planning has been sorted out it’s time to lay down the foundation. This is an important step that needs to be done carefully. If it isn’t done right, the area will start to shift due to ground movement, erosion, settling and weather. This is, in fact, the most important stage of the interlocking project in order to ensure that the stones can be laid properly.

 

The dimensions of the area where the interlocking stones Toronto will be placed needs to be calculated and then the digging begins. The interlock professional will dig as deep as necessary and this will be decided based on the climate. Usually about 4 to 6 inches are required of compacted stone along with an inch of sand. 

 

The interlocking stones Toronto contractor will also take the slope of your property into account. It’s important to get the slope right to make sure that drainage takes place in a downward direction away from the foundation of your home. The decline should be roughly an inch per each 4 feet of interlocking.

 

Next it’s time to compact the soil. This is an important step as well since it will stop any severe settling from occurring in the future. There is a special compacting machine the professionals use that tamps down the soil and the stone and a landscaping fabric must be laid down between the stone and the soil. A series of raking, spraying the area with water and compacting the stones takes place next to get the area fully prepared for the natural stones.

 

It’s Time to Lay the Interlock Stones

As long as you have prepared the area properly, laying down the stones is actually one of the easiest parts of the project. The interlock stones need to be laid evenly and flush with one another so they sit securely into the stone. The pavers must also be cut along the edges to fit properly and this must be done using a high quality paver saw. If another type of saw is used there is a risk of the stones cracking.

 

Once all the stones have been laid it’s time to put up the borders. These borders will help prevent any shifting of the pavers. You can use any type of edging material you’d like including metal, stone or plastic. The border you choose will all depend on the type of look you are trying to achieve with your interlocking stones project.

 

Once everything has been laid down it’s time to spread some fine sand over the interlocking stones Toronto and sweep it into all of the cracks. The sand will help keep the natural stones in place. Most interlocking companies use polymeric sand since it has been proven to pass the test of time.

 

Interlocking an area is not an easy do-it-yourself project. While it may look simple at first glance, there are a lot of complex techniques and considerations to take into account to make sure that the job is done right. When you consider the amount of time it would take to learn how to do it the right way and the risk you would take of ruining the area and having to call in a professional anyway, it simply makes sense to work with an established interlocking stones Toronto company right from the start. 

 

Get started today with your natural stones project by getting in touch with us through our website at www.egeinterlock.com. We have a solid reputation in the industry and we service Toronto customers as well as clients across the GTA. We can help you with your landscape design and the rest of the project from start to finish. While you’re on our website be sure to browse through our gallery to see what we have done for others in the past and to get inspired with some ideas for your next project.

If you’re a do-it-yourself type of person and are able to tackle a lot of different projects around the home, one of them that you may want to leave up to the professionals is your interlocking walkway. While it may seem simple enough to lay down some interlock stones on your own, the process is actually much more complicated than you may think.

While adding an interlocking walkway or patio to your home may seem like a simple proposition to do yourself, there is a lot of planning and consideration that needs to go into it. If you install the paver stones incorrectly they may sink and move before a lot of time has passed and you may encounter other problems including the growth of weeds.

There are a lot of challenges that present themselves due to the elements and these must all be factored into the design of the landscaping project. Excessive rainfall can cause a lot of movement of the soil and present drainage problems. This can destroy the integrity of your interlocking walkway or patio and even bring it to the point where it is rendered unusable.

It’s always best to work with a professional for an interlocking walkway. There is no reason why you can’t take a hands-on approach when using the professional either. You can help with the designing aspect of it and the interlocking expert will let you know whether it can be done and how it should be constructed. You will be provided with helpful advice and then the interlocking company will take over and do all of the hard parts for you.

Creating the Perfect Design with Natural Stone

The perfect interlocking walkway, patio or driveway starts with a great design. Before getting started do some brainstorming with other members of your family or look online to get some ideas. Keep in mind the purpose of the patio if that is what you will be building so that you can take any future plans into account. In the future you may want to add plant beds, a barbecue grill, a hot tub or something else.

You’ll need to figure out what size you want for your interlocking walkway or other landscaping design to be using natural stone. It’s important that the correct calculations are made before starting the project. Let the professional interlocking company do the calculations since they have done many in the past and know the importance of getting it all right. The interlocking business you use will also understand how to take measurements while keeping borders and stone sizes in mind.

Laying down the Foundation

The interlocking professionals will create the perfect base that will not be susceptible to ground movement, settling, erosion and other conditions caused by the weather. This is in fact the most important stage of the project since it is the very foundation upon which the natural stone Vaughan products will sit.

The depth of the base will be calculated using the different weather conditions experienced across the GTA. The slope will be dependent on the foundation of your home and the design will ensure that the interlocking walkway or patio naturally slopes away from the edge of your home. In many cases the decline will be approximately an inch per 4 feet of stones.

The area will then need to be compacted using a landscaping compactor that is built for the job. These compactors tamp down the soil along with the crushed stone that has been placed above the ground. This ensures that the base is solid enough to create the natural stone Vaughan patio or walkway. This step must not be ignored, which is something that many do-it-yourselfers do ignore since they don’t know how to use equipment properly or find it too expensive to rent.

Natural Stone Landscaping – Laying down the Stones

Once the foundation has been thoroughly prepared it’s time to lay down the pavers for natural stone landscaping. This is when the magic takes place as you see all of the hard work that was previously done show up as a beautiful new patio or walkway. The stones must be placed evenly with only enough area between the stones to place the sand. If they are spaced too far apart they will look sloppy and will be prone to movement. If they are placed too close together, on the other hand, there may not be enough room to spread the sand between the small cracks.

In order to make sure that your stones lay properly according to the plan you devised with the professional landscaping interlock company, the stones must be cut to fit. This involves using a special paver saw that can cut through the natural stone Vaughan like butter. Again, as with the compactor, this is a piece of equipment that most people that consider themselves to be handy around the house simply don’t own. A professional natural stone landscaping Vaughan company will have all of this equipment at hand and will have trained professionals using them at your place of residence.

At EGE Interlocking we use only highly experienced and trained interlock professionals to work on any projects for our clients. We are totally committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction for every job we do and we will be there for you after the job is completed should you have any further questions. We will let you know how to care for and maintain the interlocking walkway or patio that was constructed and we are always available for upgrades in the future should you want to extend your patio or walkway even further.

Learn more about our service commitments and view the type of work that we do on our website at www.egeinterlock.com. Feel free to use the contact form to ask us about any questions you have or to schedule a free consultation. You can also call us at any time using the contact information provided on our website.

How to Prevent Natural Stones from Sinking

Many people choose natural stones for their driveways, walkways and backyard patios to make them look rustic and classic. They are a cost-efficient choice and easier to maintain than many other materials. One of the problems that may occur with these types of pavers is they can sink as time goes by for different reasons. If you are dealing with this problem there are a variety of reasons why they could possibly be sinking and it’s important to determine the cause so that the right solution can be found.
 
Not Installed Properly

If installing your natural stones was a do-it-yourself project, there’s a possibility that you may have forgotten to take certain steps during the initial phase of the project. You must be sure that the ground is made leveled before the subbase is laid down. This subbase must be made out of the proper materials so that the natural stones don’t shift and they remain supported. Crushed rocks are usually used as a subbase for this reason.
 
The base is then placed on top of the subbase and a common material used for the base is concrete sand. It allows the area to drain well and is easy to spread.
 

If you used a professional contractor to get the job done then hopefully everything was done well and you can look for other reasons why your natural stones may be sinking. If you used a contractor that doesn’t have a good reputation in the field, however, the subbase and the base may never have been laid down properly right from the get-go. In order to get the best value for your money you should always use a reputable company that has a lot of experience with natural stones and pavers.
 
The Ground Is Unstable

When the ground is unstable, natural stones will shift and begin to sink. The problem will become worse over time as these stones are being stepped and driven on. If the water table was too high where the stones were placed, it won’t make a difference whether the sand and rock layers were laid properly or not. This should have been taken into consideration and dealt with before any other type of work began in terms of laying the natural stones and creating the base and the sub-base.
 
Draining Problems

It’s important to establish any potential draining problems before laying down the natural stones in order to prevent any excess water from naturally building around and under the stones. The soil has to be graded in the proper way to prevent this problem from occurring. When sand and crushed rock are installed properly the water underneath the stones will drain naturally away from the driveway, walkway or patio.

How to Repair Sinking Interlock Stones

When you have interlock stones that are sinking you’ll need to make an assessment of the problem to find out what the cause is. For example, if the area is showing signs of water pooling then the drainage problem has to be handled first before repairs can take place. Otherwise, the same problem will continue to occur.
 
When you have found out what has been causing your interlock stones in Mississauga to sink it’s time to pull up the sinking stones and those right around it. Grab a screwdriver to pull out the first one and then start on the others. By the time you are finished you should have pulled out a square that is approximately 16 inches around the affected area in each direction so that proper grading can occur.
 
The next thing you’ll need to do is remove the layer of bedding from the area where the stones were. Make sure that you scrape off any sand and moss when doing this to be sure that you can make a proper seal when the pavers are laid down once again. You’ll need to replace the base so that you can have a good foundation for the interlock stones. At this point it’s time to add additional gravel until you see that the area that has been exposed is level with the ground around it. Then it’s time to add more concrete sand.
 
Using a trowel, spread the concrete sand evenly and then start re-laying the stones. This must be done carefully to ensure that there isn’t any dirt stuck between them and that they are all tightly sealed. Then you can tamp the interlock stones to ensure that they are compacted. The stones must have a tight bond with the layer of bedding to prevent any future sinking.
 
Finally, it’s time to pour sand over the surface area and then sweep it into the cracks to seal the joints. Continue with this process until you see that all of the cracks are completely filled with sand. If the rest of your interlocked area has been sealed recently you should also seal these pavers to keep them well protected.

Stone Steps

If you have sinking stone steps this is a much more complicated procedure that you shouldn’t try to attempt on your own. The entire set of steps may need to be removed, depending on the cause of the problem. If you have sinking steps made of stone you need to call in an experienced interlock company for advice.
 
If you are having a hard time determining the problem of a sinking interlocked driveway, walkway or patio you should also call in the help of interlocking experts. There is always a cause of this sort of problem and it can be extremely difficult for a layperson to determine the cause of the issue on his own.
 
If you need help with sinking interlock stones or stone steps in Mississauga or Toronto, please visit our website now at www.egeinterlock.com to get in contact with us. We can provide an initial consultation to detect the source of the problem and give you helpful advice as to how it should be fixed and any costs involved.

How Long Should Your Newly-Sealed Interlocking Driveway Dry before It Rains?

 

This is an interesting and important question that should be answered before you go ahead and seal your driveway. The rain can wreak havoc on a newly sealed interlocking driveway so it’s important to watch the weather forecasts and double check them again before applying any sealant to the interlocking stones.

 

The driveway sealer that you have placed on your stones should not be exposed to rain for at least 4 to 8 hours. It needs this drying time in order to provide a proper seal. Although 4 to 8 hours is the minimum amount of time you should provide for drying, the longer the better.

 

It can take at least 24 hours for the driveway sealant to cure completely but if you give it 4 hours to dry it should be able to resist the rain and any possible damage that could occur. This does not, however, mean that you should drive your car onto the newly sealed interlocking driveway in as little as 4 to 8 hours. Give it at least 24 hours before walking or driving your car onto the interlocked surface.

Curing Your Interlocking Walkway

 

Your interlocking walkway needs as much time to cure and dry as an interlocking driveway in does. Take this into account when you’re making your plans – especially if your walkway leads directly to your porch and into your front door or backdoor. If you have an interlocking walkway at the front and at the back, you may have to do one at a time in order to have access to your home during the drying period.

 
General Rules and Tips to Follow
 
Here are some of the general rules and tips that you should follow after having sealed an interlocking driveway or an interlocking walkway:
 

• Driveway sealer should never be applied to a wet driveway.
• Give the sealer at least 4 to 8 hours of drying time before rain is expected.
• Don’t drive on your newly-sealed interlocked driveway for 24 to 48 hours after applying the seal.
• Give your sealed driveway or interlocking walkway at least 6 hours to dry before walking on it.

 

How Does Rain Affect the Sealant Applied to Interlocked Driveway Stones?

 

Rain can wash away all of the hard work that you put into your driveway. The sealer will be washed away by the rain if you don’t wait long enough for it to dry. As a result, you’ll end up with no sealant left on the interlocked driveway stones in Toronto or at the very least an uneven surface.
 
You should also make sure that your driveway has had long enough to dry out since the last rainfall. If there is any hint of moisture left on an interlocking walkway or an interlocking driveway, the sealant won’t have a chance to dry properly. Make sure that your driveway or walkway is completely dry before applying any sealant to it.
 
You should also take your sprinkler and irrigation systems into account when sealing your driveway. Make sure that they have been turned off and haven’t been on for a few days before you start your sealing project. As with the rain, you should not turn on your irrigation system again for at least 4 to 8 hours after you have sealed the area.
 
What to Do If Unexpected Rain Falls before the Driveway Is Dry
 
There really isn’t a lot you can do about it at this point so don’t waste a lot of time worrying. Wait until the rain has finished and your driveway dries before you assess the situation. If you notice that your interlocking driveway looks patchy in some areas with some spots looking glossier than others, this is an indication that some of the sealer has been washed away by the rain. 
 
You can even this out by resealing the portions that look duller than the glossier ones when the driveway is completely dry and no rain is in the forecast. If, on the other hand, you notice that the entire driveway looks dull, this means that you’ll have to redo the sealing project from start to finish.
 
Apply Your Sealant when the Weather Conditions Are Right
 
Sealant should be applied to an interlocking walkway or an interlocking driveway when the temperature is at least 10°C. If you apply it below this temperature it will slow down the drying time significantly or may even prevent sealing from properly curing.
 
In general, the higher the temperature, the faster the drying time will be. Humidity can also be a factor in terms of drying out your driveway after sealing it so do your best to choose a day when the humidity will be low.
 
Since the advised temperature conditions are above 10°C, snow doesn’t really play a part in the equation when you’re trying to figure out how precipitation will affect your driveway. If someone were to apply sealant right before a snowfall, the sealant would simply freeze and then once the driveway began to thaw it would wash away.
 
For these reasons, look for a sunny day to seal your interlocking driveway and interlocking walkway. Make sure that the temperature will remain above 10° during the entire drying time and be sure to check and double-check the forecast to make sure that no rain will be arriving in the near future.
 
It’s a lot easier to put off doing the sealing project than it would be to correct any problems later on. Make sure that you choose the perfect day to apply the sealant to avoid any issues. If you have any questions at all about sealing your interlocking driveway, an interlocking walkway or are interested in getting a new driveway or walkway, please visit our website now at www.egeinterlock.com. We are the interlocking driveway specialists you can count on when you have any questions or concerns or want to upgrade your existing exterior.

Interlock Versus Natural Stones Versus a Concrete Walkway

When it comes to creating the perfect walkway for your home, you’ll certainly have a lot of choices. Should you be considering a concrete walkway, one made of interlocking stones or a pathway of natural stones? They all come with their own set of pros and cons and the one you choose should be based on your budget, your preference in terms of the aesthetic appeal and the functionality that all of these materials offer.

 

When you’re planning to redo your walkway or driveway, it’s a long-term commitment so you’ll want to compare the different materials to see which one would work best for you. Think carefully about the decision you make and then go for it. Once the decision has been made, get your walkway or driveway done and never look back. You won’t regret your decision once you see an amazing new concrete walkway, natural stones or an interlock driveway in front of your home.

Why Choose Natural Stones for a Walkway or Driveway?

Natural stones may be made out of the following materials:

• Limestone
• Granite
• Bluestone
• Flagstone
• Travertine
• Others

Each one has its own unique characteristics along with different textures and earthy looks. They are available in a variety of irregular shapes, which is harder to find with concrete pavers. You can choose natural stones with different shapes and these look wonderful. 

 

You have probably seen some flagstone walkways in your time, for example, that were absolutely stunning. You won’t be able to do this if you choose interlocking stones for your walkway since they are made in specific shapes and forms. You can, however, decide to create a one-of-a-kind flagstone walkway and pair it with an interlock driveway. This can also create an amazing look and it’s totally okay to mix and match different stones when you’re doing a driveway and a walkway.

 

Pavers for Concrete Walkways

Concrete pavers are man-made and they are also available in just about any colour, texture, shape or size. You can choose to get large rectangular stones or square stones and concrete is also available in brick shapes. New on the market are concrete stones that resemble natural stones and bricks. While they are an incredibly durable material to choose, they are more prone to cracking than interlocking and natural stones.

 

The benefit of using these pavers to make a concrete walkway, however, is the price. They are less expensive and when you are working within the confines of a strict budget they may be your best choice. Generally speaking, a concrete walkway will not last as long as one that is made from interlocking or natural stones so keep that in mind when it’s time to make a final choice.

 

Discover the Pros and Cons of Natural Stones

Natural stones provide a timeless elegance to any walkway or driveway. Every stone that is laid down will have a different colour and texture. This means that you will have a completely unique area that your guests will find captivating. When you want to personalize the exterior of your home to make it your own, natural stones are a great choice.

 

Natural stones also require little maintenance over the years. They seldom crack and they are easy to clean. Over time they age gracefully and beautifully. They will look as good in 50 years as the first day you laid them. You can get the stones with a flat or an irregular surface layer to add even more depth to your walkway. They are also great stones to use for patio areas.

 

These stones can be a lot easier to install than interlocking or concrete stones but you need to be sure to choose the right professional company to work with. They must be laid down properly in order to avoid shifting and this will require examining the earth where they will be placed in order to make a proper plan for the installation. When you are investing in your walkway, make sure that you choose not only the right stones but the best installation professionals for the job.

 

The main drawback of using natural stones is the price. You’ll have to pay more for the stones than you would for the concrete pavers but for many it’s a worthwhile investment. 

Interlock Driveway Stones

Create an interlock driveway using stones that are environmentally sustainable. These are long-lasting stones that can pass the test of time and they look fantastic on any driveway. Interlock stones are also available in many colours and can be arranged to make amazing patterns.

 

One of the biggest benefits of using interlock driveway stones is the maintenance of them is very easy. They simply need to be washed every year and you can do this with your pressure washer or with a regular hose. You’ll also have the option to seal them to keep them looking their best but this is optional.

 

If one of the interlock stones becomes loose it’s easy to fix and should one break it can be replaced. Just make sure that the company that is installing the interlock driveway leaves you with extra stones once the job has been completed. 

 

When you’re dealing with an asphalt driveway, if there is any breakage it ruins the look of the entire driveway. When you have to patch up asphalt the patch job will never completely match the colour of the old asphalt. This is one of the reasons why it’s best to invest in concrete or interlock driveway stones. These types of driveways can look good and last for many years to come. 

 

If it’s time to create a new look for your driveway, walkway or patio, contact the professionals at EGE Interlock to get a professional assessment of what should be done and your available options. We service homeowners in Toronto and the GTA and we would be happy to come out and give you a consultation. Visit our website now at www.egeinterlock.com to see the wide range of services we provide and our commitment to 100% customer satisfaction.

When Is the Best Time to Repair or Seal an Interlock Driveway in Toronto?

Once you have noticed that your interlock driveway is showing signs of wear and tear you may start to wonder whether it needs to be repaired. In some cases it is just normal wear and tear that you’re observing and there is no need for a lot of concern. At other times, your interlock driveway in Toronto may need to be repaired. Here are some of the instances that indicate that repair may be necessary:

• There are drainage problems
• You are noticing potholes
• You can observe loose stones
• There is excessive wear and tear

 

Drainage Problems
If you see that water is pooling and isn’t properly draining on your interlock driveway it may be time to call up a specialist. This indicates that there has been shifting underneath the interlock pavers and this should be addressed before the problem gets any worse. There should never be any drainage problems that develop with interlock driveways unless the earth wasn’t prepared properly before the stones were installed. This is why it’s so important to look for a reputable and experienced Toronto interlock driveway company to ensure that the earth has been prepared the right way before any stones are laid.

 

Potholes
Potholes can form due to the thawing and freezing cycle in Ontario’s cold climate. When water freezes up the ground starts to expand and then the ground contracts once the water melts. In our Toronto climate we often see contraction and expansion of the ground below. Potholes can start to develop as a result and these can cause a lot of problems for the suspension of vehicles. You’ll need to correctly solve all underlying problems if you’re noticing potholes in your driveway.

 

Once again, potholes indicate that the driveway was not installed correctly. There needs to be a certain amount of space between the interlocking stones to provide flexibility to the driveway for expansion and contraction. When the stones are laid too closely together, or too far apart, problems can arise. We can help you fix your potholes properly and inspect the rest of your driveway to make sure that this problem won’t occur again in the future.

 

Loose Stones
In many cases loose stones are due to a lack of enough sand between the stones. The sand that is laid between the natural stones helps to keep the pavers in place. In many cases it’s just a matter of adding more sand to correct the problem. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about loose stones and the amount of sand between your pavers. Fortunately, in many cases the issue with loose stones only requires an easy fix.

 

Wear and Tear on Interlock Stones

Over time you may notice that your interlock stones are starting to discolour and fade due to the sun. The strong light coming from the sun may also weaken the stones over time. Sealing the driveway often brings the stones back to life and gives them a wonderful shine and luster. It’s recommended that interlock stones be sealed every 2 to 5 years and if you haven’t done it in a while, this is probably the cause of your problem.

 

You can expect your Toronto interlock driveway to last for many years when it has been installed the right way and maintained. These types of driveways are a lot easier to keep up when compared to asphalt driveways. When you have pavement as the material for your driveway, any potholes and drainage problems often require the entire driveway to be disassembled. When you’re dealing with interlock stones Toronto, however, it’s a lot easier to patch up the rough areas to make your driveway look as good as new again.

 

Why You Should Repair and Seal Your Interlock Driveway This Summer

Summer is always the best time to seal your interlock driveway. Unlike winter, fall and spring when there is usually a lot of precipitation in either the form of snow or rain, summer is usually drier. As well, the hotter temperatures allow the sealers and cleaners to dry faster. Any gaps or pores in the stones will naturally expand in hot weather so they can be fully filled. Any fissures or cracks that could start to appear in the stones will be sealed up and the sealing well help prevent them from expanding.

 

Sealing your interlock driveway in the summer gives it the protection it needs against the wintry conditions we experience in the GTA. Protection from driveway salt, thick ice and heavy snow is important to keep your driveway in a healthy state.

 

When it’s dry outside it’s also easier to spot any sloping issues and small particles that may be developing. By giving your interlock driveway Etobicoke the attention it deserves during the hotter and drier months, you’ll be able to notice the problem areas easily.

 

Interlock Driveway Sealant Must Be Applied in Dry Weather
In order for the sealant application to be successful the solution must be applied in dry weather and dry up when there is no precipitation. It is always a good idea to clean the interlock stones before applying the solution but you’ll need to make sure that they are thoroughly dry before placing the sealant on top of the pavers.

 

It’s vitally important that you check the weather forecast ahead of time. Check for a week when it looks like there will be no rain so that you’ll have enough time to pressure spray your stones, give them time to dry and then apply the sealant. Use a reliable weather forecasting app that you know you can trust and then get to work. If you need any help with the cleaning or application of the sealant, please feel free to give us a call or get in contact with us through our website.

 

We are here to help you with any repairs you need done this summer and we can help you apply more sealant. Visit our website at www.egeinterlock.com for more information about our wide range of services and our excellent reputation in the field for Toronto interlock driveways.

Boost the Value of Your Home with an Interlocking Driveway in Toronto

An interlocking driveway can significantly boost the value of your home. Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future or plan on selling it later on, you can count on interlocking driveway to increase your home’s value. The changes you make to your driveway to update it should be considered as an investment opportunity where the initial payout will be rewarded at the time of sale. In the meantime, as you continue to live in the home, you’ll be able to enjoy both the aesthetic and functional value that an interlocking driveway provides.

 

Consider the Curb Appeal
A home that features an attractive driveway, lawn and landscaping will have a lot more curb appeal than one that has deteriorated over time. It’s well-known amongst the real estate community that the first impression of a home leaves a lasting impression. When you want to give your home the best chance of selling quickly and at the best price possible, think of the exterior of the home first.

 

An interlocking driveway can be paired with an interlocking walkway to further the curb appeal. As well, don’t forget that the backyard since it is often also one of the major selling points for a house. Add on a patio to make it an extension of the home or upgrade the existing patio in order to add even more value to your property.

 

It has been estimated that professional landscaping, which includes both hardscaping and landscaping, can add as much as 15% to 25% to the value of your home. When you are thinking of the budget you have for the outside work you plan to do this year, keep these numbers in mind.

 

As a rule of thumb, it’s important to keep the entire front exterior as updated, well-maintained and clean as possible. If you’re going to be putting your home up on the market in the foreseeable future, you may also want to consider adding a new front door or painting the door after getting your driveway interlocked. Depending on how fast you answer the door once the doorbell rings, the agent and the potential buyer that are waiting on your porch for you to answer will be facing the door. You’ll want it to look as good as possible!

Interlock Stones for Longevity

Potential buyers are going to be interested not only in the aesthetics of the landscaping around the home but in its functionality. Having interlock stones in place for the driveway, walkway and patio is an instant selling feature. They are the most durable option for driveways since they can last approximately 30 years. Interlock pavers on driveways are also easy to maintain and any damaged stones can be easily replaced if necessary.

 

If you have a poured concrete or an asphalt driveway, the whole thing would need to be torn up for proper repairs to be done. Otherwise, the driveway could be patched but this can often look unsightly.

The Green Effect of an Interlocking Walkway, Patio or Driveway

Buyers are looking for homes that are being sold by environmentally conscious sellers. Anything that you can add to the list of features in your home that are green will help sell your home faster. An interlocking walkway, driveway or patio allows rainwater to easily pass through. This prevents storm water from entering waterways and sewers. As well, since the interlock stones will last for decades, there is less environmental ways to deal with.

 

When a concrete or asphalt driveway needs to be replaced, there is a lot of waste involved that will need to be brought to the local landfill area. Anything you can do to make your house more environmentally-friendly will automatically make your home appear to be more valuable in the eyes of the beholders.

 

How to Choose Your Interlock Design
In order to raise the value of your home you’ll want your new interlocked areas to look the best they possibly can. Here are a few things to consider when it comes time to choose the best design for an interlocking driveway, interlocking walkway or patio.

 

Interlocking Driveway
Interlocking driveways last longer than concrete or asphalt driveways

• They are easy to repair
• Offer flexibility with a wide variety of designs and colours
• Can withstand severe temperature changes
• Can be designed to either match the home or add contrast to it

 

Interlocking Patio

• The outdoor space should be considered to be an extension of your home
• The interlocking patio should complement the home
• Interlock stones last a lot longer than wood
• Envision the backyard for present use and for future use.

 

Interlocking Walkways

• Can be created to match the design of the driveway or patio
• Interlocking walkways look stunning and elegant
• Can be installed with both straight and curved features
• Can match the architectural style of your home

 

When you’re selling your home you’ll want to create the best curb appeal possible according to your budget. If you plan on staying in your home for quite a while, you’ll want to enjoy the aesthetics of it while at the same time making it more valuable for a future sale. When you invest in an interlocking driveway, interlocking walkway or a new patio, you’ll be making both a short-term and a long-term investment.

 

Every guest or potential buyer that makes the short journey starting from the street and ending up at your front door will be travelling along a path. This path is a reflection of what a person could expect to see inside your home. In order to best represent your personality and the uniqueness of your home, start from the driveway. This is the best way to attract visitors and homebuyers to your property.

 

Learn more about the potential of installing an interlocking driveway in Toronto by visiting our website now at www.egeinterlock.com. While you’re on our site be sure to browse through it to see the wide range of interlocking services we have to offer.