Durable interlocking pavers
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If used creatively, they change the look of a garden for the better, writes. T. NANDAKUMAR
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— Photo: S. Gopakumar
Neat arrangement: Glazed interlocking pavers in the driveway of a house in Thiruvananthapuram.
A driveway winding through the lawn up to the house or a walkway meandering through flowerbeds and water bodies can add visual appeal to a building, but chips and cracks on the cemented surface and accumulation of moss and algae can turn them into an eyesore.
Most cemented surfaces tend to develop cracks over time, while in some cases, the surface also settles and sinks in. Months of constant exposure to flowing water create conditions favourable for algae and moss to accumulate. The result: a jaded look that can detract from the beauty of the house and the garden.
Today, landscape designers and architects recommend the use of glazed interlocking concrete pavers for driveways and walkways. Available in various colours and patterns, the pavers add beauty and function to the exterior or a house, apartment complex or office.
Interlocking pavers are tiles made of concrete that simulate cobblestone. The blocks are usually manufactured by pouring concrete into a mould and vibrating it. The concrete makes the pavers durable and resilient and far more cost-effective than shaped stones such as granite.
During laying, the individual blocks lock into place, creating a pattern. The blocks can be mixed and matched to create various visual effects. Since they use no mortar or grout, the pavers are simple to install and require no maintenance. They can also be removed and reused.
Most of the brands available in the city are manufactured at Chalakudy and Ayoor. They come in red, black, blue and grey and are provided with a ribbed or serrated surface for good grip. A one- inch thick pigment helps to retain colour. Imported pigments offer better colour retention. The glazed surface prevents growth and accumulation of algae and moss.
“Interlocking pavers are the in thing these days. Used creatively, they can easily change the look of a garden for the better,” says V.L. Heeralal, proprietor of the city-based Heeralal Tiles.
Easy work
Laying interlocking pavers is easy. First, the section to be paved is dug up and filled with earth or gravel. Then, it is compacted using a machine. After spreading another layer of sand, it is again compacted before laying the pavers in the planned layout. The substrate can be river sand, beach sand or crushed rock.
Interlocking pavers are not connected by pouring grout between the joints. The fine sand particles are only tamped down to stabilise the pavers. This allows for some flexibility and helps to absorb stress by shifting each tile to accommodate minute movements. The surface will not buckle or crack as concrete. The sand does not wash out with rain or garden hose water. The sides of the paved surface are provided with raised shoulders made of brick and cement. The thin gap between the joints ensures water percolation into the earth.
Interlocking pavers come in thickness ranging from two to three inches to suit different applications. While garden walkways require thin blocks, a driveway that has to support the weight of vehicles will require the thicker version.
“Laying interlocking pavers requires expert workmen and compacting equipment. Complaints about sinking surface are mostly traced to poor compacting. The situation can be easily rectified by removing the blocks in the sunken portion and re-laying them after compacting the underlying earth and sand bed,” Mr. Heeralal says.
Pavers cost Rs. 45 to Rs. 52 a sq. ft.
For advice on interlocking pavers, Mr. Heeralal can be contacted on ph: 9447971802, 9495994802 or 2501802.
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