The best construction practices

FOR MANY homeowners, landscaping is not always considered in the initial process when buying a home or property. However, it should be given more serious thought because of the value and functionality that aesthetics adds to any property. Our company, Millennium Paving Stones Ltd, has been in the business for 18 years, providing consumers with a wide range of paving stone options for their hardscape projects. We began operations in 2000 when the founders invested in a vision of helping to build Jamaica. During that start-up period, the manufacturing industry was on a decline. We were able to survive all the economic downturns and even grow while helping to expand the industry. We provided employment and socio-economic independence across the island and met our growing customer demands.

Once properly constructed, a pavement made of our paving stones will bring decades of beauty to any property. As such, we have dedicated sections of the Q&A page on our website to advice on best practices for constructing an interlocking pavement. While the initial outlaying may, in some cases, be more expensive than other forms of landscaping, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost. With proper installation, pavers require little to almost no maintenance, and in extreme circumstances, pavers can easily be removed to effect underground repairs then replaced without the need for buying new ones.

Often enough, persons install pavers without giving much thought to whether it was the right time to pave. With that in mind, we advise consumers to take into consideration planning when their property should be paved from the beginning of the construction process. From a civil-engineering standpoint, all pipes, drains, conduits and other subterranean structures must be installed before the pavement and the earth above are properly compacted. Not doing this will eventually lead to settlement in the base, causing the pavement to lose shape.

HARDER TO REMOVE

From an aesthetic point of view, it is best to pave after all wet and messy work has been done. Examples of this would be cement work, welding, painting and tiling adjacent to the pavers. Although the pavers will stand up to the physical demands of the construction process, they may be stained beyond recognition if those works are done after installation.

In home renovations where the pavement is already installed, we recommend that the surface of pavers be covered. Activities such as dry-wall construction and tiling generate a lot of fine dust that can be walked on to the pavers by workmen. This can be difficult to clean and should be avoided. Painting is just as problematic and is sometimes harder to remove. It is important to take into consideration the fact that the pavers are made of concrete, so paint and mortar will stick to them. While we offer aftercare products that can remedy some accidents and stains, we want to ensure that our customers get the best value out of a paving investment by protecting their stones. Note, however, that not all stains can be removed.

Our aim as a company is to give the best advice and to ensure that all our customers get the best service and benefit from our pavers. As such, please contact us so that our able sales coordinators can guide you through the entire process. Whether you want to do it yourself or you need a professional contractor to do the job, we can guide you through. We are a Jamaican company fulfiling our customer expectations.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Base: While the thickness of the base will depend on the use of the area, the type of material used to build it should not be soft and powdery. Instead, base material should be granular, like gravel, crush and run or graded river shingle.

Bedding sand: This must be washed sand only. Granite sand, stone duct seive sand and all-purpose sand are not recommended and can lead to complications down the road.

Our number one recommendation: Always pave with Millennium Paving Stones.

Contact us today: Website: www.millpave.com

Telephone: 969-1716/9697385

Facebook: millennium-paving Instagram: millpave Visit us at Shop #1 27 Mannings Hill Road, Kingston 8.