Q: What products does B.A.S.S. Hardscapes work with?
A: We work with any product offered in the industry from manufactured brick pavers and retaining walls to natural bluestone, flagstone, cobbles, natural outcrop, cut drywall, boulders, etc.

Q: What kind of base do you use?
A: For driveways, we use 8-10” of crushed gravel. For patios and walkways, we use 4-6” of crushed gravel. The base is compacted in “lifts” until the appropriate grade is met. Once the base is in place, the 1” sand setting bed is “screeded” over the base for the pavers.

Q: Do you warranty your work?
A: Yes. B.A.S.S. Hardscapes carries a 2 year warranty on workmanship relating to brick pavers, natural stone work and modular retaining wall installations only. An extended warranty may be purchased at the time of contract signing. Once the contracted work has been completed, the option to purchase an extended warranty is VOID. See the “terms and conditions” section of this site for details on items covered under warranty.

Q: How is warranty work scheduled?
A: Should you need warranty work done the procedure is as follows:

• Call B.A.S.S. Hardscapes office and explain the situation. If no one is there to answer your call, leave a message and someone will return your call promptly.

• Once your warranty work order has been called in, it usually takes from 2-4 weeks to complete; depending on the time of the season. Sometimes we will be able to get to the repair in a shorter period of time.

• We usually do not call the customer before we come out for a repair…sometimes repair work is done on the spur of the moment and is done as “filler” work between jobs or when waiting on permits, etc. for other jobs. Should there be specific instructions because of a dog, a locked fence or for any reason, then we need to know that when the repair work order is placed.

Q: What do I need to do to maintain my brick pavers?
A: Brick pavers are virtually maintenance free; however, sealing your pavers is a good idea especially on driveways. See the “Brick Paving Sealing Q&A section. B.A.S.S. Hardscapes does offer cleaning an sealing services…just ask!

Payment terms, warranty explanation, removal charges, changes, lawn damage, permits and underground utilities are covered in the “Terms and Conditions” section of this site. Should you have any questions that have not been answered, please feel free to contact us.

Q: Why should I seal my pavers?
A: 1. COLOR: Sealing helps protect your pavers from the environment. Constant
exposure to sunlight over time will fade the color of the pavers. Sealing
brings out and preserves the true color of the pavers to keep your driveway or
patio looking brand new.

2. CLEANING: Sealing your pavers provides a very “cleanable” surface. Brick pavers are extremely porous and will absorb easily. Dirt, oil, food, drinks and tree droppings are all examples of things that can stain or “penetrate” your pavers. Once pavers that have not been sealed are penetrated with a stain, it is extremely difficult and often impossible to remove the stain without having the stained pavers replaced. Sealing fills the voids in the porous surface and creates a protective barrier that prevents stain penetration.

3. WEED GROWTH: Weed growth is a big concern for new brick paving customers. The only answer to the “weed” problem is sealing. Sealing may not completely eliminate weeds, however it will greatly decrease the amount of weed growth. How it works is when the sealer is applied, it combines with the sand in the joints and “seals” the joints. This helps prevent weeds from wind-blown germination and is highly effective against ants as well.

Q: How often do I have to seal my pavers?
A: The sealer lasts from 2 – 3 years, depending on the amount of use. A driveway would most likely need to be re-sealed in 2 years because it is a high traffic area. A patio or sidewalk may not need to be sealed again for 3 years or more. Each job is unique and one driveway or patio may vary from another.

Q: Do I need to wait to have my pavers sealed?
A: No. Some literature does advise to wait for 30-60 days before sealing new brick paving, however properly acid washing the pavers allows them to be sealed immediately.

Q: Can you seal pavers that have been installed for a number of years?
A: Yes. Sealing pavers that have been exposed to the environment for an extended period of time will help restore the color they were when they were installed. Of course the weather will have faded the pavers somewhat, but sealing them will definitely help retain any color that is left.

Q: Can I apply the sealer myself?
A: Yes, however it is a good idea to have professionals handle the initial application. The initial application of sealer on brick pavers requires a preliminary acid wash. The acid wash removes the efflorescence from the
brick. Efflorescence is the white salt content in pavers that eventually works its way to the surface and gives the pavers a “chalky” look. The acid wash must be properly diluted, applied and removed in a timely manner.
If the acid is not diluted properly, it can eat through the surface of the pavers, remove the color, and what you will be left with is the gray colored aggregate that the pavers are made from before the color is added. The acid can also have this effect if it is not removed at the right time. When the acid wash is complete, the pavers are left to dry. If the sealer is applied before the pavers are completely dry, there will be moisture that is caught beneath the sealer and this will create a “cloudy” appearance. Once the sealer has been applied initially there is no need for an acid wash again. The next application can be easily applied with a roller.

Q: Where can I purchase the sealer for future applications?
A: Various material stores in the area carry a complete line of sealing products and accessories, including the various stain removers. Also available is a step-by-step instruction guide for cleaning and sealing your pavers. Call and ask for a store near you.

Any questions that have not been answered here can be directed to BASS Hardscapes’ sales staff in
the Contact Us section at basshardscapes.com or (262) 843-9377.