A. Durability
1. Why have my bricks shifted or sunk?
2. How long will my investment in Interlock last?
3. How does interlocking a driveway compare to paving in terms of cost?
4. What is the best way to protect my interlocking brick?
5. I have noticed some jobs appear to have richly coloured bricks with a sheen on them.
    How do I achieve this look?

B. Maintenance
1. How do I get rid of weed growth between the bricks?
2. How do I prevent weed growth between the bricks?
3. How do I remove paint stains on the bricks?
4. How do I remove oil deposits from the bricks?
5. What regular maintenance should I do to maintain the look of my investment?

C. Repair
1. What do I do if I have a loose brick?
2. What do I do if I have a loose capping stone?

D. Warranty
1. What does the two year warranty cover?
2. When is warranty work scheduled?
3. How do I schedule a warranty call?

Durability

1. Why have my bricks shifted or sunk?

This can be caused by a variety of factors, or a combination of factors. The main reasons bricks sink are:
1. The bricks were installed at a time of year when there was a lot of moisture (early spring or late autumn) and there was shifting as a result of moisture in the ground.
2. Over a long period of time, constant pressure and traffic on any given area can cause some shifting or sinking.
3. Improper installation, such as a weak base of granular stone which has not properly been compacted with the appropriate tools is often the cause.

Top

2. How long will my investment in Interlock last?

It will last a lifetime, or many lifetimes. The composition of brick is so durable that it will remain beautiful for generations.

Top

3. How does interlocking a driveway compare to paving in terms of cost?

Asphalt now costs approximately $3.50 per square foot. It is usually sealed every year at a cost of $0.35/sq. ft., and should be replaced every 8 years or you will not maintain a kept look. Interlocking brick is installed once at a cost of $13.00 per square foot (commonly ordered brick). A sealer, which is recommended to reduce the time and cost of maintenance is $1.25/sq. ft. Yearly maintenance is minor and can be done for little or no cost. Repairs are covered under warranty for 2 years, following that, should you require a repair, we estimate it at no more than $1500. Therefore, over a period of 24 years, the following comparison can be made for an average double driveway of 800 sq.ft.:

It is significantly more expensive to pave over the life of your driveway than to install interlocking brick. Additional benefits include the lasting beauty and enhancement of your home, the enjoyment of the improvement, and the increase in re-sale value of your home.

Top

4. What is the best way to protect my interlocking brick?

Protection is best achieved by sealing the interlock with a special clear sealer at an approximate cost of $1.00 per square foot. This includes a pressure wash of the bricks to remove any weed or grass growth, resanding between the bricks, and finally the application of the sealer. Added benefits is that it will help to inhibit further weed growth and will protect the porous bricks from staining. It also darkens the appearance of the bricks which is esthetically pleasing.

Top

5. I have noticed some jobs appear to have richly coloured bricks with a sheen on them. How do I achieve this look?

You achieve this by applying a sealer to the job. See the previous question for cost and description.

Top

Maintenance

1. How do I get rid of weed growth between the bricks?

There are a few methods you can try such as:

Pouring a soap and water solution on the weeds may work
Pouring bleach on the weeds or a weed killer
Removing them using a pressure washer
   (Environmentally preferred solution and a service Epic can provide)
Pulling them out by hand or with a gardening tool
Have your installer put a geotextile liner directly below the brick to inhibit weed growth.

Top

2. How do I prevent weed growth between the bricks?

The best approach to prevent weed growth is to apply the sealer. It really does inhibit the growth of weeds and grass. Nothing can eliminate it alltogether, but it will significantly reduce the appearance of growth.

Top

3. How do I remove paint stains on the bricks?

There are commercially available cleaners that can remove paint. Check the home builder's retail stores. Bricks are porous, and sometimes the only way to remove paint is to sandblast it off.

Top

4. How do I remove oil deposits from the bricks?

It is important to act fast if possible. Start by using a product that absorbs the oil as much as possible. Then apply a commercially available cleaner that can remove oil. Check the home builder's retail stores. Bricks are porous, and sometimes the only way to remove oil is to replace the stained bricks.

Top

5. What regular maintenance should I do to maintain the look of my investment?

For the best possible appearance, we recommend that you sand between the bricks annually. Simply brush sand between the cracks. You should also remove any weed or grass growth. To inhibit the growth of weeds, you can consider the application of a lasting silicone sealer.

Top

Repairs

1. What do I do if I have a loose brick?

Due to our harsh winters and the big variation in temperatures year round, it is not uncommon to experience an occasional loose brick. Simply purchase some interlocking brick adhesive in a tube at a home builder's retail store (it resembles caulking), and squeeze it under the brick.

Top

What do I do if I have a loose capping stone?

Due to our harsh winters and the big variation in temperatures year round, it is not uncommon to experience an occasional loose capping stone. Simply purchase some interlocking brick adhesive in a tube at a home builder's retail store (it resembles caulking), and squeeze it under the capping stone.

Top

Warranty

1. What does the two year warranty cover?

The warranty covers repairs relating to workmanship. This includes displacement/shifting or sinking of bricks and loose capping stones. The warranty period is two years from the date of the contract, or whatever the period stated on your contract.

Top

2. When is warranty work scheduled?

Warranty work is generally scheduled at the end of the season (late autumn). If possible, Epic will make every effort to complete the work sooner.

Top

3. How do I schedule a warranty call?

Simply call or email Epic with the information. We will repair it at the end of the season, or earlier, if possible.

Top