The Advantages of Brick Paving

Cost

• Although brick is more expensive than concrete, the cost of ownership for brick pavers is substantially lower. For example, according to the Old Louisville National Historic District, it costs three times more to install a brick sidewalk compared to the installation of a concrete sidewalk. However, repairing a brick sidewalk is 10 to 30 times less expensive than repairs to concrete.

Installation

• Concrete may require three to five days after installation before the area can be used. However, with brick pavers, there is no need for a curing period, so the area can accommodate traffic immediately following installation. Also, installing brick pavers is a do-it-yourself project, and unlike concrete paving, there is no rush to beat a mixing-and- pouring-deadline, or to schedule installation to avoid wet weather. )

Durability

• Brick paving is more durable than poured concrete because the bricks can adapt to movement and changes in the soil and environment, which prevents the formation of cracks. Brick paving is also easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a scrub brush, soap and water. Pristine Pavers states that brick paving can last more than 25 years while maintaining its color and experiencing minimal deterioration, and the website Paver Search states that there are streets in Boston paved with brick that are more than 200 years old.

Safety and the Environment

• Brick pavers are slip-and-skid-resistant, which makes them a good choice for installation near swimming pools and other wet, high-traffic areas. Also, unlike concrete, brick pavers are environmentally friendly, allowing rainwater to permeate the soil. Brick pavers are also recyclable, and in the event of repair, only the damaged brick paver has to be replaced, compared to removing large sections of concrete and then mixing and pouring new concrete.