Masonry Magazine October 2010 Page. 24
PAVERS
Fine particles. A #2 stone is used as a sub-base, and then, a finer grade of #57 is used as the base, followed by a bedding layer of #8 or 89 aggregate. The latter also is swept into the joints. Strict adherence to specifier/manufacturer directions must be followed to ensure the system drains properly.
How to sell it
KNOCK DOWN THE BARRIERS and win the arguments and the sale. To begin, the most oft-repeated criticism of permeable paver storm water management systems is that they clog and become ineffective, which is not true. All stormwater capture systems will clog over time, but permeable pavements will keep as much as 20 percent of their infiltration capacity without maintenance. Still, it's best not to set it and forget it. Debris will need to be periodically cleaned from the voids by sweeping or vacuuming them off.
Permeable pavers have additional advantages in both commercial and residential applications. In commercial developments, their use may deem that expensive ditching and a retention pond unnecessary, which opens up more real estate for development. In residential subdivisions, using permeable pavers can help developers meet new requirements that limit the size of impervious areas.
For mason contractors, looking into an alternative but related line of business by adding in segmental paving may make sense, to increase both your business volume and improve your profitability. As the economy recovers, many observers are predicting that future business success will belong to those who decide to take a well-calculated risk and move forward now, so that they will be better positioned when things do improve.
Your best course of action to take when things aren't looking up is to look down. Instead of brick walls, imagine expansive parking lots, meandering walkways, municipal plazas, dazzling pedestrian malls and home patios.
There's a whole new market out there for your expertise, so go out there and get it! IMAS
Ted Corvey is the paver business director for Pine Hall Brick and can be reached at TCorvey@pinehallbrick.com or 800-334-8689.
M S International, Inc.
Serving the Flooring, Countertop and Landscaping Industry Since 1975
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READER SERVICE #203
22 MASONRY October 2010 www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry