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I Never Want To Shovel My Driveway Again! Fairfax VA Heated Paver Driveways

How would you like to never again fear whatever a snowstorm dumps on your driveway. You can sit inside, drinking a hot coffee, watching a light ‘steam’ rising from your driveway – while a blizzard is raging outside. All of your neighbors will be wondering “How is that possible?” It’s possible because of your new heated paver driveway.

While it might seem a luxury item, a heated driveway is very practical. Factor in the cost of potential back injury, heart attack, or just property damage due to shoveling snow – and a heated driveway makes sense.

If you are in the market to replace your old cracked concrete driveway, be sure to check the cost of adding ‘heat’ to your driveway. You will probably be surprised at the relatively low cost of adding this to your Fairfax VA driveway project.

If you want to discuss the options and possibilities of a new driveway, contact the paver experts at Premier Paving. We will be glad to explain all the options to you.

Fairfax VA Retaining Walls: Make Your Landscape Great!

Few things in landscaping provide the focal point that a retaining wall can. A well placed retaining wall can make a good landscaping job, great. Retaining walls are not only beautiful but functional. Some of the benefits of a retaining wall are:

  • Erosion Control
  • Can provide a hidden drainage system to control backyard flooding
  • Add dimension to a landscape
  • Help create a level area
  • Expand usable yard space
  • Create a vertical garden space
  • Add to your home’s resale value
  • Provide privacy

If you would like to learn more about retaining walls and how they can help your home’s landscape – give Premier Paving a call.

Fairfax VA Brick Paver Driveway Maintenance

Brick pavers are a great material to use for driveways. They are forgiving of environmental conditions, standing up to heat and freezing temperatures well. But this not to say brick pavers are totally maintenance-free.

What maintenance does your Fairfax VA brick paver driveway need?

  • Regular sweeping can help keep the bricks looking their best and help them to ‘fade’ evenly so the color looks equal throughout the driveway.
  • Clean and use an absorbant on any oil spills on the driveway
  • Replenish the sand between the bricks. The sand will naturally wash away over time, just be sure to add some sand to keep the proper amount between the bricks.
  • Sealing can extend the life and help maintain the appearance of the bricks.

If you have any concerns about your Fairfax VA brick paver driveway, or want to discuss getting a paver driveway to replace your old cracking concrete driveway, give the paver experts at Premier Paving a call, we will be glad to help you.

Choosing Between a Fire Pit or a Fireplace for your Fairfax VA Home

How do you choose between a fire pit or a fireplace for your Fairfax VA home?

No matter which you choose, you will get light, warmth, and fuel options (wood or gas). So what other criteria should you consider to help you make the decision?

A fire pit might be for you if:

  • You enjoy campfires
  • You plan on entertaining groups of 5 people or more
  • You want to create more of a social/party/ campfire atmosphere
  • You have a spectacular view from your property
  • You have a smaller property (fire pits are a great option for a townhouse backyard)
  • You comfortable with open flame
  • You can handle some smoke
  • You don’t have a problem with sparks and embers

A fireplace might be for you if:

  • You are entertaining a small group of people
  • You want to create a cozy or romantic ambiance
  • You want to create a focal point in your landscaping
  • You have a property that has a lot of wind (a fireplace will be easier to light, and can block the wind)
  • You are intimidated or fearful of an open flame, sparks, or embers
  • You can’t stand smoke

For more information on gorgeous fire pits and fireplaces in Fairfax VA, please contact the hardscape experts at Premier Paving & Planting.

Is Fairfax VA Patio Design and Installation a DIY Project?

Is Fairfax VA Patio Design and Installation a DIY Project?

Honestly, unless you have prior experience designing and installing a patio in Fairfax VA, you really should leave it to the experts at Premier Paving & Planting. Why?

So much more goes into Fairfax VA patio design and installation. A gorgeous patio design and installation requires prior experience, engineering skills, an artist’s eye for design, commercial-quality materials, professional equipment, and experience working with many different types of stone.

  • Experience – prior experience in Fairfax VA patio design and installation is a must. No two design and installations are exactly alike; however each patio that designed and installed informs the next.
  • Engineering Skills –  such as the patio foundation and drainage work can be complicated, and extremely costly if not done correctly.  There are horror stories galore about DIY patios that have caused severe flood damage inside and outside of homes.
  • Artistry – Beautiful patio designs don’t happen by accident; a true patio designer will make sure the he right stones are selected, cut, and placed into patterns that reflect and enhance the design of your home and landscaping.

  • Materials – You can count on the professionals at Premier Paving & Planting to obtain the highest quality commercial-grade materials.
  • Equipment – Heavy duty vehicles, such as trucks and backhoes (and sometimes even jackhammers)  are required for patio installation. In addition, large stone cutting machines are needed to get difficult shapes just right.

For more information on Fairfax VA patio design and installation, please contact Premier Paving. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. provides free estimates, and delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures. NCMA and ICPI certified, Premier Paving is licensed and insured, and carries an A+ rating from Angie’s List.

 

Caring For Your Ashburn VA Brick Paver Driveway In Winter

November brings cool weather and the fierce cold of winter is quickly approaching. An Ashburn VA winter also brings something else –  snow! How can you properly care for your Ashburn VA brick pavers during the winter months?

Caution should be used when applying any de-icing chemicals and excessive use should be avoided. Here is a list of some common de-icers:

  • Sodium Chloride – Can actually be safely used throughout your property – including on your pavers. Although rock salt is generally effective, be wary of temperatures below 15-20 degrees. Rock Salt can become ineffective at these temperatures and seep into the pores of the pavers. If the temperature drops low enough and the ‘brine’ that has seeped into the pavers refreezes, spalling and cracking could result. Always be very aware of the low temperatures before using.
  • Calcium Chloride – Many prefer using calcium chloride ice melting products due to it’s ability to resist ‘tracking’ into the home. This is good for several reasons: the ice melt will remain on your pavers not come indoors with foot traffic and when the chemical does not stick to your feet, it is less likely to be forced into the gaps between pavers. This can lead to some discoloration and be difficult to remove. Calcium chloride is an effective de-icer on pavers in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the risk of spalling and cracking.
  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate – Another great solution for pavers is a calcium chloride rock salt that has been coated with calcium magnesium acetate.It works well in low temperatures, and is safer for children, pets and the environment.

Have additional concerns about your brick pavers? Contact Premier Paving today – before the snow starts…

Make the Most of Small Yards in Falls Church VA with Great Landscape Design

The talented folks are Premier Paving & Planting know how to make the most of small yards in Falls Church VA by using great landscape design. The key is to develop a beautiful landscape design that maximizes the functionality of small yards.

With small yards, it’s important to define different rooms or areas, using hardscapes like fences, gates, arbors, lattice screens, trellises, and pergolas. Big pots or planters of the same size, color, and finish can help define an area within a small yard, too.

While you may you may have not have the horizontal space you crave, you can make the most of the vertical space you have. For instance, terraces draw the eye upward, expand usable space for planting, and give dimension to a smaller yard. As a bonus, retaining walls used in terraces can act as seating within the small yard.

Layering your yard with plants of differing heights of plants can add dimension, and make a small yard feel bigger.  Make sure to add plants with appealing scents, gorgeous blooms of vibrant colors, and water features (such as a small fountain). Maximizing the use of your senses will make a small yard feel like a destination.

For more information about beautiful and functional landscape design for smaller yards in Falls Church VA, please contact the experts at Premier Paving and Planting. Premier Paving & Planting is a hardscape and landscape service company providing attractive, affordable, functional, and environmentally beneficial landscape design and creation.

 

Landscape Contractor: Retaining Walls Solve a Multitude of Issues in Northern VA

The experts at Premier Paving & Planting (a landscape contractor in Northern VA) know that retaining walls are a solution for many challenging landscaping and hardscaping issues.

While usually thought of in the context of fixing uneven or sloped terrains, retaining walls can be used in a multitude of situations. Got a flat yard? Retaining walls can be used to add dimension and interest around trees. Or you can use retaining walls to add some raised or tiered garden beds.

Retaining walls can be used with patios, steps, walkways, and driveways. For instance:

  • Retaining walls can be used to define a patio or multiple tiers of a patio, and for built-in seating. 
  • Retaining walls can be used to carve out an area for a specific purpose – such as an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, spa, pool, or play area. 
  • Retaining walls to establish boundaries or hold back earth for new stairs, walkways, and driveways.

For more information from a landscape contractor about retaining walls in Northern VA, please contact Premier Paving & Planting.  

 

Should You Be Cleaning the Brick Pavers at your Arlington VA Home?

Yes – you should absolutely be cleaning the brick pavers at your Arlington VA home. Cleaning the pavers will help to maintain the beauty, integrity, and safety of your hardscapes.

There are 5 steps in deep cleaning brick pavers:

  1. Sweep your brick pavers on a regular basis, and always sweep immediately before you clean your pavers with water. A broom with stiff bristles will do the best job.

  2. After sweeping, remove any loose bits of paver before washing with water – you don’t want those bits flying during washing or rinsing.

  3. Power washing is the preferred method to clean brick pavers; however, if you don’t have the experience to judge the proper strength of water to use – you best leave the power washing to the experts. (When using a power washer, follow all directions, especially those pertaining to safety precautions.)

  4. Scrubbing brick pavers by hand is a safe bet, as long as you wear gloves and eye protection. If you have mold, mildew, slime or deep staining, you will need to mix a 10-percent solution of chlorine bleach to water, and scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush. Afterwards, you need to rinse the brick thoroughly with clean water.  If you only have dirt and minor staining, scrubbing your brick pavers with a milder cleaning solution of one tablespoon of borax per gallon of warm water will do.

  5. Sealing your brick pavers is the final step. This will help keep the brick pavers in their best condition between deep cleanings, and will make it easier to do quick clean ups along the way.

If you have questions or concerns about your brick pavers in Arlington VA please contact the experts at Premier Paving & Planting. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures.

 

Flagstone Patios in McLean VA: Customized to Your Wants and Needs

One of the great things about flagstone patios in McLean VA, is that they can be customized to meet your wants and needs. You have your choice of color, shape, patterns, and finish for their new flagstone patios in McLean VA. Another big plus – flagstone patios are durable through our weather in McLean VA, and easy to maintain.

Colors
Flagstone pavers come in a multitude of colors that do not fade. The pavers used in flagstone patios are usually derived from slate, bluestone, quartzite, limestone, or sandstone. Some of the most common flagstone colors include red, brown, and blue. Other color options are moss green, charcoal grey, sand, and brownstone.

Shapes
Flagstone pavers also come in many shapes: rectangle, irregular, Hexagonal, Uni Décor, Spectrum, Diamond turf, and Apian. They usually range from 1-3 inches in thickness. The stone shape is dictated by the patterns that are chosen.

Patterns
Due to the the amazing number of shapes that flagstones come in, there is an unlimited number of patterns. Bottom line: any pattern you choose, can be created with flagstones. Flagstone pavers can be installed in diamond run, basket weave, Herringbone, cobble lock, Venetian parquet, random, and irregular patterns. Based on the pattern selected, your patio can have an Old World, Mediterranean, and Modern or Contemporary look.

Finishes
In addition, homeowners can also choose the finish of flagstone patios in McLean VA. Various finishes include calibrated surface, brushed, antique or tumbled, sawn, hand-cut, and chiseled.

For more information about customized flagstone patios in McLean VA, please contact Premier Paving & Planting. The experts at Premier Paving & Planting have been providing customized flagstone patios to homeowners in McLean VA and other Northern Virginia communities since 1987.