THE HARDSCAPER'S PLEDGE
When you’re in the thick of the busy hardscape season, it can be easy to overlook important steps in the installation process. We’ve created this Hardscaper’s Pledge as a quick reference guide for professional hardscape contractors. Print it out and keep it handy in your truck! Reviewing these points before each job will help you to achieve your best installations possible.
When you’re in the thick of the busy hardscape season, it can be easy to overlook important steps in the installation process. We’ve created this Hardscaper’s Pledge as a quick reference guide for professional hardscape contractors. Print it out and keep it handy in your truck! Reviewing these points before each job will help you to achieve your best installations possible.
I will use plenty of water during my polymeric sand installations. Remember with G2, it’s 30 for 30! You should water in increments of 30 square feet for a minimum of 30 seconds. Not using enough water can lead to a thin crust which peels off like old bathtub caulk.
I understand that polymeric sand does not cause moss, mold, or mildew. Trapped moisture and shade are the two biggest contributors of these pesky problems and it’s important to ensure homeowners are aware of this.
I won’t use stone dust as a bedding material because it holds moisture and doesn’t drain well.
I understand that today's best polymers are clear won't leave a white haze on pavers.
I will properly fill paver joints. I will ensure that polymeric sand is filled up to ⅛” below the chamfer of the paver and I will always compact to ensure the proper amount of sand sits in the joints. (Remember, the sand can drop up to 50% after an initial compaction!)
I will never mix products within paver joints. Half filling a joint with one product and topping it off with polymeric sand will negatively impact the performance of the polymeric sand.
I will communicate the expectations my clients should have with polymeric sand. It’s normal for polymeric sand to get a little soft after a rainstorm or watering. It’s meant to perform this way and will harden back up after it dries out.
I will never apply sealer to pavers if the surface temperature is above 85 degrees. This can leave a white film or haze on the pavers.
I will perform an efflorescence cleaning prior to each and every sealing job. This will not only ensure the surface is clean, but will also properly prepare it to accept the sealer.
If a mistake is made on a project, I will try and fix it to the best of my ability and will collaborate with my local Alliance rep as needed.
I will commit to keeping myself current on installation best practices and product knowledge by taking advantage of hardscape resources like the Alliance Gator Blog.
We hope this pledge helps keep the important hardscape practices at the top-of-mind during the busy season. Stick to these guidelines and see many successful outcomes each year!
(Featured installation shown with this post by Porter Landscaping of Ontario)