Let’s face it: Ottawa winters can be tough. No matter how sturdy your home and the area around it are, things are bound to crack, peel, and fade. One thing that you should pay attention to is the space surrounding your home and what type of material you use for pathways, front steps, etc.
If you own a home in the Ottawa area, it would be worth your while to consider interlocking. The top-notch Ottawa interlock contractors can help explain the whole process to you and lay out the options clearly. With interlocking, you get a nice, finished appearance, but you don’t have to worry about individual bricks or stones coming apart, cracking, or shifting with cold weather. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.
What is interlocking?
Interlocking in landscaping is exactly what the name sounds like: Individual stones that have been cut into shapes but which are “interlocked” so as to prevent them from shifting. Interlocking generally comes in three types: stone, brick, or concrete.
Interlocking stones can be used for various parts of the house, including driveways, garden paths, courtyards, and even walls. They are somewhat similar to cobblestone in their overall design, but smoother and more regular. Of the three types, concrete is the most durable, although it is not as aesthetically pleasing as stone or brick. What are the advantages of interlocking landscaping?
There are a number of advantages to choosing interlocking landscaping for the area around your home. First of all, it is very easy to install. The area that needs to be excavated beneath the surface is only about 30 centimeters. You then install a stone foundation, and lay the bricks or stones on top of it.
Furthermore – as mentioned above – interlocking stones are very durable. You won’t need to worry about problems coming about as a result of bad weather or other natural disturbances. They have a flexibility to them, which allows them to adjust to changing weather.
Another advantage that people might not be aware of is that interlocking stones are actually good for the environment. They allow water to naturally seep into the ground, rather than simply pushing it away. In addition, with a choice of colors, you can choose stones that will reflect heat in the summertime, so you don’t have to worry about your grounds overheating as you might with the use of asphalt.
If you’re interested in looking for an interlocking landscape business, call the experts in the area. Experienced professionals will be able to assess your property and advise you on the best type of interlocking for whatever property features you want to renovate.
How does the interlocking mechanism work?
The next logical question is, what do you use for the interlocking mechanism? Mortars are made of a combination of cement, water, and sand. Different kinds of sand can be used, with polymeric sand generally being considered the most durable and worthwhile. This is because this type of sand is generally durable and resistant to erosion. It also handles environmental factors well and wards off harsh weather better than many other types of material. In addition, it is more visually appealing.
The process of doing this correctly can be trickier than you might think, though. For this reason, it is a good idea to bring in professionals to help you carry the job out.
Where you place your stones and in what shape, proportion, and size depends on many different factors. First of all, you should think carefully about where you want your stones to go. If they are for a complete driveway, you will likely want larger stones that will be laid out in a more geometric pattern. If you’re looking to surround a garden or a water source, you might choose smaller and more intricate stones.
You want to be sure that you choose the right pattern. If you are working on a house feature that serves more of a decorative function than a practical one, you might look into a more ornate pattern with your stones, rather than a simple one. And of course the color and texture that you choose are important. As mentioned above, brick and concrete are also options. And if you do choose stone, there are a variety of types that you can work with.
Start protecting and beautifying your home today
Regardless of what part of your home you’re working on, if the area is exposed to the elements it is always a good time to think about interlocking. The sooner and more efficiently you take care of the process, the less you will have to worry about your property becoming damaged, cracked, or otherwise worn down. Call the professionals in your area to get started with interlocking for your home’s most vulnerable spots today, and you will rest easier knowing that your home is protected for the long haul.