What's The Average Lifespan Of Brick Patio Pavers?
When choosing pavers to turn your dream patio into reality, you may find yourself considering brick. Brick patio pavers offer various benefits, blending functionality with ease of maintenance. And while they may not last forever, given variables like location and climate, the average lifespan of clay brick pavers is considerable: between 50 and 100 years. In fact, The Brick Industry notes, "Some pavers are still in place after 200 years!"
Overall, if you're considering installing a brick patio, it's important to familiarize yourself with the right steps to help your patio's pavers reach their full potential. Though brick is low-maintenance, it isn't maintenance-free. Timely repairs are also key to maximizing how long your patio pavers last.
Clay bricks typically weigh between 5 and 6 pounds, making them manageable for a DIY project. With regard to the longevity of brick, it should also be noted that the color of this material will not fade with time. So, whether it's 50 or 100 years from now, the bricks comprising your patio should look the same. (See ideas for your patio pavement.)
How to help your brick patio pavers last longer
As said, brick patio pavers are low-maintenance, but this maintenance should be regularly done. While you can sweep or blow away loose dirt and debris, you may, at times, need to clean certain spots with water, or even get the power washer out to remove stains and weeds that pop up. With this said, only spray patio clay bricks with a psi (pounds per square inch) less than 400, per the Brick Industry.
On that note, while known for their durability, clay bricks can still get damaged. When they do, timely repairs can help keep small cracks and other problems from becoming noticeable concerns that require more intense procedures. It's best to take the proper steps, such as filling gaps and cracks with epoxy and/or replacing any individual pavers as needed.
One last thing to keep in mind for extending the lifespan of your brick patio pavers is weather and weather maintenance. Hard de-icers can take a real toll on brick patio pavers. As a result, you may wish to find methods of melting ice without rock salt in the winter to reduce potential harm.