A brick paver driveway might be more expensive than a basic concrete or asphalt driveway, but pavers add a touch of upscale beauty to your property. You can extend the bricks to your entryway and walkways around your home. Bricks can be used in a number of ways to enhance the exterior of your home and yard. Here are a few things to know about installing brick pavers.

Edging Holds The Bricks In Place

Bricks aren't sealed in place, so they can move if they're not contained by edging. The edging might be decorative or plain and mostly hidden. It can be made from a variety of materials but should be sturdy enough to survive the weather and heavy vehicles. The purpose of the edging is to act as support that holds the pavers in place when the weight of a car is on the bricks and forces try to move the bricks apart.

Brick Pavers Are Placed In Sand

No matter what type of driveway you intend to install, the contractor has to put in a compacted base to support the driveway and your cars. The difference between other driveway materials, such as concrete and asphalt, is that pavers rest on sand that's applied to the top of the base. When installed, the brick pavers are pushed into the sand which helps hold them securely. The pavers are pushed close together, and the finishing touch is to spread sand over the top of the bricks and sweep the sand into the cracks. This makes the surface of your driveway level and also packs the bricks close together.

Sealing The Brick Pavers Is The Final Step

Talk to your paving contractor about sealing the bricks once your driveway is installed. A sealcoat protects the bricks from fading due to sun exposure. It also reduces the risk of weeds popping up in the cracks. Sealing also controls mold growth and helps the bricks maintain their looks for a long time. Your contractor can use different types of sealers. Some give your bricks a sheen so they look wet and more attractive. You'll need to apply a sealer every few years depending on the type of sealer the contractor uses.

Brick Paver Maintenance Is Easy

Maintaining your paver driveway is easy, especially if you have the bricks sealed. You can sweep, hose off, and power wash the bricks. It's best to blow away grass clippings and remove leaf clumps so they don't stain the bricks. Dirty and stained bricks can be cleaned with gentle cleaning products, and oil stains can be lifted with kitty litter or products designed to remove oil, mildew, or other stains.