If you think about the one aspect of outdoor spaces that gets used the most, what comes to mind? The answer is patios, decks, driveways, and walkway areas. It’s the outdoor surfaces that we all drive, walk, and relax upon. Everything we do on, around, and above these areas are secondary to the foundation that you create. Choosing weather resistant paving stones for a Bergen County, NJ, home could become one of the home’s most important and valuable attributes.
The Benefits of Weather Resistance
Our changing seasons are both irresistible and beautiful. They can, however, be very damaging to outdoor spaces. Here, we must take into consideration freeze/thaw cycles, moisture and rainfall, as well as the hot and humid months. While our climate can be an attractive aspect of living here, it’s important that appropriate measures are taken to protect investments that could be impacted by it. When it comes to the specific areas that remain exposed to the elements at all times and are used nearly every day, such as walkways and patios, be extra diligent in what you select for these surfaces.
Related: 5 Common Issues Bergen County, NJ, Contractors Face with Paving Stones
Examples of the Stone Options
There are some great paver options available that can provide excellent weather and impact resistance. This means you can safeguard your investment and keep your hardscape looking fresh and appealing year round.
1. Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers are among some of the most popular choices for weather resistant pavers. Permeable pavers create a channel for rainfall and water to seep through. The purpose of these pavers is to control stormwater runoff by enabling it to filtrate through to the aquifer. These pavers are most commonly used in commercial settings but they are making a positive impact on residential hardscaping as well. Permeable pavers are also tolerant to the thaw freeze cycles of our seasons. With the same textures and colors as traditional pavers, these pavers will remain porous year round and actually require less deicing than other pavers on the market.
2. Natural Stone
Natural stone is often considered another excellent selection for our area. Stone can handle the climate changes and environmental impacts as it’s located where it belongs—outdoors. It is heat and frost resistant. Natural stone will not fade in the sunlight and will not typically stress under freeze conditions. Choosing a natural stone that is indigenous to our area will ensure that your stone is able to withstand the frigid winters and the exact climate conditions expected.
3. Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers tend to be chosen for the fact that they have proven to be very durable and weather resistant. Concrete is a hardy material and holds up to changing climates extremely well. Concrete is virtually unaffected by the suns damaging UV rays and stands up against moisture, snow and rainfall nicely. Concrete pavers are also popular for their longevity and low maintenance.
Related: 4 Reasons to Have a Well-Designed Plan Before Getting Your Landscape Materials in Bergen County, NJ
4. Porcelain
Not a conventional choice, porcelain is considered a solid and resilient material for the outdoors. They are made from kiln-fired clay and are typically thicker than traditional paving stones. They are impervious to water intrusion as they are nonporous, and they are resistant to cracking under thermal shock and freeze/thaw conditions.
