FAQs

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Concrete pavers are considered to have a high resistance to traditional deicing chemicals such as sodium chloride commonly kown as ‘Rock-salt”. Pavers by Ideal® concrete paving stones have been tested for freeze-thaw performance using a 3% saline solution with excellent results. All deicing chemicals should be carefully evaluated before use. More information can be found in our Deicing Chemical Advisory.

Yes. We recommend that you save a few pavers from your initial installation, just in case you need to replace one or two.
The pigments used to color concrete pavers are very stable. Dirt and normal wear from traffic and weather may appear to change the color over time. Cleaning and sealing can restore and enhance the color.
Yes. However, any structure above the wall must be anchored into concrete tubes placed at least 3′ behind the wall.
NO. Stone dust traps water and gets spongy, which can cause rutting and settlement. Use coarse concrete sand or stone sand that conforms to ASTM C-33.
No. Settlement is often caused by inadequate soil or base compaction, or by poor drainage caused by using the wrong type of gravel. This can be easily repaired by taking up the pavers, correcting the problem and reinstalling the pavers.
No. Properly installed pavers fit tightly together and form a uniform surface that presents no problem for plows, snowblowers, or shovels.  Steel plow blades can scratch pavement surfaces, and we recommend the use of poly blades on plows.
No. It is very important that 3/4″ crushed stone be used in order to provide proper drainage and prevent build-up of hydrostatic pressure, which can lead to wall failure.

No. Our pavers have been tested and surpass ADA standards for slip resistance. They also provide excellent skid-resistance under wet or dry conditions.

We do not recommend using a sealer on pool decks unless it is a penetrating non-film sealer. Other sealers act like a magnifying glass on the surface of the pavers, which raises the temperature to a point that may be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.

Terraced walls, sites with weak soils, slopes and surcharges require special consideration and construction techniques, including the use of geogrid. We recommend you use a qualified soils engineer and professional contractor familiar with wall construction for these situations. Check with your local building department for code requirements. In general, for most conventional landscape walls, the maximum height is 4′ when measured from the top of the footing. When using GravityStone, maximum wall height is 8′. Walls over these heights should be designed by an engineer and constructed by a professional contractor.

If polymeric sand was used to sweep into the joints, in many cases it is residue left on the surface. Another reason may be efflorescence, which is a white deposit that sometimes appears on the surface of concrete, masonry, or clay products. Although it can come from a number of sources, efflorescence is often a natural by-product of cement hydration. Technically known as calcium hydroxide, it appears as a white film when carried to the surface by moisture.

There is very little difference between them. They simply serve to connect the units together and create a set-back. A wall develops resistance to soil pressure through the depth and weight of the block, batter of the wall, and friction between the units.

Depending on the type of stains, we have options for home remedies or professional cleaners. Leaves and other organics can be cleaned with a bleach solution, while grease and oil can be cleaned with Dawn dish detergent. Please email info@idealconcreteblock.com for all cleaning options.

Yes. Segmental retaining walls are frequently used to provide support to parking areas. However, the wall should be engineered and typically requires the use of geogrid. Vehicles should not be allowed to park within 3′ from the back of the wall.

Yes. Segmental landscape walls are an excellent way to add more outdoor living space. They are used to encase and support the gravel you would add to bring the raised area to the desired height. These wall systems also allow you to easily incorporate stairs or steps into the raised patio.
No. Unless the soil is extremely weak, a firmly compacted gravel footing is sufficient to support the wall and possesses the ability to accommodate natural movement of the wall.
No. Unlike rigid retaining walls, segmental landscape wall systems are flexible structures and can accommodate slight movement and even settlement without cracking or other types of distress.