We’re sure you have some idea what interlocking paving is, owing to the name being suggestive and reminiscent of the final product. However, we’re also often surprised with how little our customers actually know about interlocking paving in general. We get people coming to us and asking questions like: What is interlocking paving? How does interlocking work? Is interlocking any better than an asphalt driveway? What’s your number and can I take you to dinner? Okay, that last one doesn’t happen very often, but we can wish. To help you answer all these questions, we’ve compiled this guide to interlocking services. Read on to learn what VIP Paving can offer you.

The definition of interlock is to connect parts so that their motion is constrained. We think that’s a decent summary, but doesn’t quite paint a picture in your head when it comes to paving. Interlocking paving is generally made from cement, concrete or stone, and simulates the effects of cobblestone paths. This also means that it can be installed without the use of mortar or cement.

What does interlocking look like?

When installed correctly, interlocking paving can be installed in a variety of colours, shaped and designs. Being a modular form of paving, it also means that single interlock units can be arranged to create shapes, patterns and designs in your driveway. An interlock unit can come in a variety of shapes, with the most popular being simple geometric designs, and the more ornamental looking like flowers, shapes, stars and more. So long as a shape fits with others, there’s a good chance you can find interlock units made in it.

What is interlocking paving an alternative to?

Paving with interlocking can be used virtually anywhere, from your driveway to your walkways, and is a relatively low maintenance form of paving which can be used in any application you may use bricks or concrete for.

What is interlocking good for?

When installed properly, the whole driveway or walkway is a unified, bound whole, but is also created with individual stone or concrete bricks. This gives the paving the ability to transfer loads and stresses by an arching or bridging of the units involved, spreading the load over a larger area of the driveway. This means that your paving will support heavier loads, allow heavier traffic over it, and last longer than anything other than reinforced concrete. While a normal concrete driveway may bear about 2000 psi, interlocking will bear up to 4 times that amount! This means that it will break down far more slowly, and require less replacements and maintenance to the surface of the material.

In addition, this material is far more flexible than other forms of paving. This means that if you live in area where seismic activity is common, an interlocking driveway will likely last you far longer than standard concrete owing to it’s ability to change and contort in accordance to seismic contortion and activity.

Interlocking stone pavers is also an excellent eye-grabber, as it can be arranged in irregular patterns and features coloured bricks and stones. Stylish, allowing for a variety of designs and hues, and made of quality, durable materials, interlocking is one of the best choices for your home and driveway pavement.

How do You Maintain Interlock Pavers?

This one always makes our customer go: huh? In order to repair your interlocking, all you need to do is replace the broken or stained portion with a new, easily replaceable piece. It’s that simple. Other maintenance you should consider is fixing your paving with concrete sealer, and occasionally adding joint sand to supplant any sand which has been washed away. We recommend doing this every year or so, depending on the wear.

What are the limitations of interlocking?

It does sound too good to be true. The reason most people don’t opt for interlock pavers immediately is because paving with interlocking is more expensive than other common forms of paving. Simply said, it is usually an investment. However, with VIP Paving’s excellent prices and promotions, you’re guaranteed to receive an affordable quote. We guarantee the industry’s lowest prices, and best service standards.

If you’re thinking of paving with interlocking, contact our experts at VIP Paving. We are experienced in all forms of paving, having completed numerous projects in landscaping, interlocking, paving and general contracting throughout the Greater Toronto Area. We have proven our excellence many times over, and offer a complete customer satisfaction guarantee on all services throughout Vaughan, Newmarket, Aurora, Ajax, Mississauga, Toronto, North York, Richmond Hill, Concord, Oakville, Scarborough and Etobicoke, and further! Our experts can offer professional advice about all types of paving, and will provide you with a no obligation estimate for all landscaping, paving and interlocking services. Contact us now, or browse through our gallery of completed projects for a better look at what we can offer you today!