Your Union Pier patio is more than a backyard; it is the center of your summer lifestyle. However, the loose dune sand here makes standard patios prone to settling and shifting. Salzman Services builds engineering-grade patios designed specifically for coastal stability. We use specialized geotextiles and deep aggregate bases to ensure your outdoor living space remains level and ruggedly beautiful, ready to host family and friends season after season.
Structural Engineering for Sandy Lake Soils
In Union Pier, the soil composition often shifts between dune sand and heavy clay, creating a volatile foundation for hardscaping. We combat this instability with a geotechnical approach that far exceeds local code. We mandate a minimum excavation depth of 11 inches to reach stable sub-soils. To prevent base contamination, we line the entire excavation with an industrial-grade 8oz non-woven geotextile fabric. We then compact an 8-inch layer of open-graded clean stone (ASTM No. 57). Unlike traditional dense-grade gravel, this clean stone creates a permeable void that prevents water from wicking up and freezing directly under your pavers.
Technical Specifications:
Excavation Standard: 11-inch minimum depth for load distribution.
Sub-Grade Separation: 8oz Non-Woven Geotextile (Roadway grade).
Base Layer: 8” Open-Graded Clean Stone (No fines).
Leveling Bed: 1” Clean Chip Stone (3/16” – 1/2”).
Perimeter Restraint: Reinforced Concrete Bond Beam.
Execution & Finish
We engineer the site for future flexibility by pre-installing PVC conduit sleeves beneath the stone base, ensuring you can add utilities later without disruption. During the final set, we utilize a plate compactor fitted with a polymer roller mat to embed the pavers into the chip stone bedding without marring the texture. We finish by locking the perimeter with a troweled concrete bond beam buried below the soil line. Our "Client for Life" philosophy ensures that should any settlement occur, we are ready to return and maintain the structural integrity of your investment.
Engineering for Sandy Soils & Tight Lanes
Building a patio in Union Pier requires a different approach than in the clay-heavy interior. The sandy soil here drains well but is notoriously unstable. To prevent your investment from shifting, we install a heavy-duty geotextile fabric that lines not just the bottom, but also the sides of our excavated base. This "burrito-wrap" technique ensures that the fine dune sand never migrates into our drain stone, guaranteeing a stable, level surface for decades.
We also know that Union Pier’s charm lies in its winding, narrow roads and wooded lots. While massive dump trucks struggle here, our fleet is optimized with compact, specialized equipment. We can navigate tight cottage driveways and work around mature trees without damaging your property. Finally, we reject plastic edging. We install a hand-troweled concrete bond beam around the entire perimeter, locking your patio pavers in place with a strength that plastic spikes simply cannot match in loose soil.
FAQ
Can you match my existing landscaping?
Yes. We choose paver colors and textures that complement your home's siding and existing stone features. We want the patio to look like it was part of the original Union Pier cottage design.
Do weeds grow between the pavers?
We use polymeric sand in the joints, which hardens like grout but stays flexible. This creates a sanitary seal that makes it very difficult for weeds to penetrate.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. We stand by our workmanship. If a paver settles unevenly five years from now, we want you to call us. We will come back and fix it because we value your trust.