All About Pavers

One of the products we most commonly recommend for hardscaping is pavers. While pavers are a little more expensive than concrete or asphalt, they are often a better investment. Here's why: concrete and asphalt are poured in large slabs so they tend to crack more easily. Changes in the weather, ice and water accumulation cause small cracks in these materials that can become larger over time. In addition, changes in the earth also cause movement and cracks to the large slabs. Pavers are considered a moveable pavement and they are smaller so they tend to adapt to changes in the earth.

Pavers also tend to come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. Asphalt and concrete are not warrantied. The labor on pavers can also be warrantied longer because the product tends to last longer.

In addition to their durability, pavers have a more luxurious aesthetic. Since outdoor features have one of the highest re-sale values, you can bet that an investment in pavers will get you a larger return on your investment when/if you decide to resell your home.

If you have sustainability on your mind, permeable pavers also offer a green option that can be used to earn LEED credits. While there is also the option of permeable concrete, asphalt does not have a "green" option available.

For all these reasons, we think pavers are one of the best options out there for hardscaping. Although they are slightly more expensive than concrete or asphalt they are cheaper than natural stone or flagstone and their benefits far outweigh the cost difference.

If you are considering installing a hardscape call us at 301-603-1080 to explore all of your options and to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Deck vs. Patio

As you know from my last post, we recently replaced our deck with a patio, that got me thinking about what is better-- deck or patio. Here's a run down of the pros and cons of each:

Price: Overall, patios are usually less expensive. Patios range from $10-$25/sqf depending on material and features while decks are usually $25-$50/sqf. Decks also have the added requirement of permits. Most counties require permits for decks which are additional costs and additional time.
WINNER: Patio

Material: Decks are generally made with pressure treated wood or a composite material like TREX. TREX comes with a 20-25 year warranty while pressure treated wood has no warranty but will generally last approx. 15-20 years. Patios that are built with pavers usually carry a lifetime warranty. In general paver patios require little maintenance and if installed correctly, will not need to be replaced. Concrete patios generally do not have a warranty and will usually crack within the first five years because concrete is stiff and does not move with the variations of the earth.
WINNER: Patio (paver)


Versatility: Patios require a level surface to be installed so grading or retaining walls may be necessary if your yard is on a slope. Decks accommodate slopes and are suitable for high elevations. However, decks may not hold up in areas that experience extreme weather.
WINNER: Deck


Style: This is up to you. Both patio pavers and composite come in a variety of colors and styles to match your design aesthetic. You can also use stamped concrete for patios or stain pressure treated wood decks. Both come with a variety of features that can be added on such as built in lighting, fire pits, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, etc.
WINNER: Tie

So patio or deck? If you are just looking to add an outdoor area to your backyard, I recommend a patio. It lasts longer, has a better warranty and requires less maintenance. However, if you need an elevated outdoor space, a deck is really your only option. Both decks and patios have their appropriate uses, its up to you to take the pros and cons into consideration and choose what works best for your home and family.

My Patio Story

The shoemaker's kids may have to go barefoot, but the landscaper's family WILL have a beautifully landscaped yard.

It's been over a year since we bought our house, but we are just beginning to tackle the outdoor projects that we had intended to from the start. I wanted to share our experiences with you because I think a lot of people buy a home and then get overwhelmed with all the expenses and unexpected projects that pop up.

For us, the main issue was mold in the basement. We had the mold remediation done before we closed on the house and shortly thereafter, we replaced the drywall and the carpeting. 3 months later, the mold was back. Although, the realtor had described our basement as "the best man cave ever," in the ad, the mold issue made it seem more like a regular old cave, complete with crickets and cobwebs.

Our experience told us that if the mold came back we probably had a drainage issue in our yard and most likely a crack in our foundation. The solution? Waterproofing.

Waterproofing is a process where we excavate the dirt by the side of the house about 8 ft. or to the bottom of the foundation. Any cracks or holes in the foundation are patched and then we apply hydrostatic tar and rubber membrane. You can also install a drainage system to make the waterproofing more effective. It's also important to compact the soil on top of the waterproofed area, since excavated soil will sink over time. Just as we had expected we found several holes in our foundation once we excavated.

Unfortunately, in our case, the side of the house with the mold was also the side that had a deck right above it so in order to waterproof, we would have to completely remove the deck. The deck itself was tinted green from built up algae with peeling paint and rotting wood. So- not a huge loss, but it did leave us without and outdoor space to enjoy.

Our next step was to build a patio. We decided on a paver patio because the pavers have a lifetime warranty and are very durable compared to a wood deck or a slab of concrete. They also have a sophisticated look. Although we didn't use permeable pavers because of the larger price tag, (even though we are in the business, we still have to pay for materials!) we did use recycled pavers. We also installed a French drain, to help prevent erosion, run-off and water pooling (we live at the bottom of a hill).

You may have read my post about how to "pimp your patio," well we took my advice. We installed a sitting wall, covered our grill in stone, put in a fire pit.

While we still need to fix the interior. I can tell you the outside portion of our home looks a lot better and it makes me feel so much better to finally eradicate the cause of the mold.

The other cool thing about this process is that I get to be the customer for once. It definitely gives me a different perspective of our company. But I will say, that unlike other customers, I didn't have to shop around or worry whether or not the workers would do a good job. I am completely confident in our crew. I know that this is what we do and we do it well. I hope you can take confidence in our company too.

If you have any questions about what the process is like, what to expect etc. feel free to ask me. It is always a big decision to have work done on your home, but if it is done right, you will feel so much better about where you live.

Pimp my Patio

Summer is just around the corner so its time to start thinking about enjoying warm summer nights lounging outdoors in your yard. How can you create a spectacular outdoor space? Here are some tips:

Whether you have a DECK or PATIO use these techniques to enhance the look and enjoyment of your outdoor space

• Make a pattern: use different colored composite, wood stains or pavers to create a cool looking design on your deck or patio.
• Fire pit: Who doesn't like roasted marshmallows? Fire pits can be added to decks or patios to create a fun and functional centerpiece
• Outdoor Kitchen: Be the envy of your neighborhood with a built in outdoor kitchen. Granite counter tops and built in stone or concrete block storage will make your yard a luxurious extension of your house. Great for entertaining.
• Pergola: For that fantasy magic garden effect, a pergola can transform your patio or deck from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Built in Seating: A sitting wall or built in benches can be a great addition to any deck or patio. The extra seating is sure to come in handy for larger get togethers
• Lighting: Everyone knows that lighting is a great way to create a certain mood. Use built in lighting to make your patio or deck more romantic and easier to use at night.

With these simple features, you can create an outdoor space that is sure to impress. Contact us if you are interested in installing any of the features listed. 301-603-1080 eli@greenfutureus.com

The truth about Concrete

Yes, I'll admit it. We DO install regular concrete and we do a great job of it. We are even certified to install decorative stamped concrete. But in spite of all this, it is usually our last recommendation to clients. Why, you ask... well here are a list of pros and cons:

PROS:
Cost- one of the least expensive materials for hardscaping
Versatility- can be used for many different types of projects (walkways, retaining walls, driveways, flooring, etc.
Recyclable- Can be recylced

CONS:
Cracks!- Concrete is bound to crack within a few years of installation. Why? Concrete is porous and as a result small beads of water can infiltrate it and create cracks when frozen.  Also, since concrete is generally poured in large rigid sections, it does not accommodate changes in the earth and thus cracks more easily.
Non-sustainable- Concrete covers the earth not only reducing the square footage of green area, but also preventing proper drainage since it is impervious. This can lead to run-off and erosion
No Warranty- Regular concrete, the material, almost never comes with a warranty, because it will crack over time. Materials like pavers come with a lifetime warranty so overall they are a better value.
Aesthetics- Concrete tends to look cold, hard and unappealing. Use pavers or natural stone for a more upscale look.

So what do we recommend for things like patios, walkways, retaining walls? Interlocking blocks and permeable pavers if possible. Yes they are slightly more expensive, but in the long run they are a much better value. They come with a lifetime warranty, look more attractive and are better for the environment.

Find out more about our services at www.greenfutureus.com
or CALL US 301-603-1080

Sustainable Patios

With summer only here a great way to enjoy your yard is by building a patio.
Patios can be made from a number of different types of materials but one of the greenest options is permeable pavers.

Permeable pavers are porous blocks that allow water to filter through to the ground.

Our favorite brand, Nicolock, ( http://www.nicolock.com/subcategories.php?cat=12&sub=101) offers a few different "green" options: Eco-ridge, SF Rima, Checker Block and Turfstone

These pavers work by allowing water to seep through to the ground, filtering it through the aggregate beneath. This helps reduce the risk of run-off and flooding. Some of these pavers, like Turfstone, even allow grass to grow through the pavers, further aiding in soil stability and helping to prevent erosion. If the grass look is not what you want, pavers like Eco-Ridge and SF Rima give a more traditional look with similar benefits.

In addition to preventing erosion, having a patio reduces the need for lawn watering, reducing water useage. It also decreases the area that needs mowing, which, if you are using an electric mower, reduces carbon emissions.

To complete your eco-friendly patio try adding local plants to your landscaping, Summer vegetable gardens also help you reduce your carbon foot print and your grocery bill at the same time!

You can also buy patio furniture made of sustainable or recycled materials. Bamboo is a sustainable wood that would be ideal for a tropical themed patio. There are also a wide variety of furniture made from recycled materials.

There are so many options out there to help make your patio something that is good for the earth and for your soul!