Bridgman is the gateway to Weko Beach, where summer hosting is a serious business. But the mix of sandy dune soil and lake wind can be tough on standard patios. Salzman Services builds engineering-grade patios designed to withstand the coastal elements. We use deep, open-graded stone bases and commercial geotextiles to prevent settling in the shifting sands. Whether you are hosting a cookout or a quiet morning coffee, we ensure your outdoor space remains level and beautiful for years.
Sub-Grade Engineering: The 11-Inch Standard
In Bridgman, the proximity to the lake can create unique soil moisture challenges. A standard patio installation simply isn't built to withstand these conditions. We engineer our patios with a focus on deep structural stability. We begin by excavating a minimum of 11 inches to remove organic topsoil and clay. Unlike competitors who rely on sand or dense-grade gravel that traps water, we install a heavy-duty 8oz non-woven geotextile fabric followed by an 8-inch base of open-graded clean stone. This allows water to drain vertically through the system immediately, preventing the hydrostatic pressure that causes pavers to heave and settle during winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Technical Specifications:
Excavation Depth: Minimum 11 inches for structural integrity.
Sub-Base Isolation: Heavy-duty 8oz Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric.
Base Aggregate: 8” of Open-Graded Clean Stone (ASTM No. 57).
Bedding Layer: 1” of Clean Chip Stone (3/16” – 1/2”).
Edging: Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam (troweled wedge), never plastic.
Execution & Finish
We prepare for the future by installing PVC conduit sleeves under the patio base, allowing for easy addition of irrigation or lighting lines later. Once the pavers are laid, we use a plate compactor equipped with a protective roller mat to vibrate the stones into the bedding chip without scratching the surface. We secure the perimeter with a concrete bond beam hidden below the turf. Our "Client for Life" philosophy means we don't just build it and leave; we are your long-term partners in maintaining the integrity of your outdoor living space.
Durable Patios for the Weko Beach Lifestyle
Bridgman is the gateway to Weko Beach, and the outdoor lifestyle here is defined by sand and wind. The local soil is primarily "Goodharbor Sand," a fine, shifting material that is notorious for destabilizing standard patios. If the base isn't engineered correctly, the sand migrates, causing pavers to settle unevenly.
We conquer this by installing a heavy-duty non woven geotextile stabilization layer at the bottom of our excavation. This fabric acts as a floor, preventing your base stone from sinking into the endless sand dunes. We then use an open-graded #8 stone base that locks together without relying on sand filler. This creates a permeable, rugged foundation that allows heavy lake rains to drain instantly. We finish with a reinforced concrete bond beam around the perimeter (underground) to lock the pavers in place, ensuring your patio remains level for years of summer sunsets.
FAQ
How do you stop sand from washing onto the patio?
We can design the patio with a slight border elevation or plant buffer zones. We also use pavers with tight joints to minimize sand accumulation.
Can you build outdoor kitchens?
Yes. A paver patio is the perfect foundation for an outdoor kitchen. We can run gas, water, and electric lines before we lay the stone.
What if my patio sinks?
We excavate 8-10 inches down and compact the base in layers. Sinking is rare, but if it happens, our workmanship warranty covers the repair. We build it right so we don't have to fix it, but we're here if we do.