Concrete & Pavers
Denver

Pavers are often better than poured concrete for Denver driveways due to our freeze-thaw climate. Paver advantages: individual units flex with ground movement preventing cracks, easy repair by replacing single pavers, better drainage reduces ice formation, 25-30 year lifespan vs 10-15 for concrete, higher resale value. Concrete advantages: lower initial cost, smoother surface for snow removal, faster installation. Peak Builders recommends pavers for most Denver applications because repair costs over time are lower and they handle Colorado's temperature extremes better.

Quality paver patios in Denver last 25-50 years with proper installation and maintenance. Longevity factors: base preparation (6-8 inches of compacted gravel essential in Colorado), paver thickness (2.375 inches minimum for patios), joint sand quality (polymeric sand prevents weed growth and ant hills), drainage (1% slope away from home). Peak Builders uses commercial-grade installation methods for residential projects. Annual maintenance includes re-sanding joints every 2-3 years and sealing every 3-5 years. Our pavers come with manufacturer warranties up to lifetime.

Most paver patios and walkways in Denver don't require permits if they're at ground level and under 200 sq ft. Permits ARE required for: driveways (always), patios over 200 sq ft, raised patios/decks, work near property lines or in easements, projects involving drainage changes. Denver permit costs: $150-$500 depending on project size. Peak Builders handles all permit applications and ensures compliance with Denver building codes. Unpermitted work can affect home sales and insurance claims.

Best paver materials for Denver's climate: (1) Concrete pavers - most popular, affordable, handles freeze-thaw well, $8-$15/sq ft; (2) Natural stone (flagstone, travertine) - premium look, very durable, $20-$40/sq ft; (3) Porcelain pavers - extremely durable, low maintenance, $15-$30/sq ft; (4) Brick pavers - classic look, good durability, $10-$20/sq ft. Avoid: soft limestone (deteriorates) and thin pavers (crack in frost). Peak Builders recommends pavers rated for 50+ freeze-thaw cycles. We source from Colorado suppliers who understand our climate.

Paver installation timelines in Denver: Walkways (50-100 sq ft): 1-2 days. Patios (200-400 sq ft): 2-4 days. Driveways (400-600 sq ft): 3-5 days. Large projects (1,000+ sq ft): 1-2 weeks. Timeline includes: excavation and grading, base material installation and compaction, sand bedding, paver laying and cutting, joint sand application, and sealing. Weather delays are common November-March. Peak Builders schedules around Denver weather and completes most projects in the estimated timeframe.

Yes, pavers can be installed over existing concrete if the concrete is in good condition (no major cracks, heaving, or settling). Benefits: faster installation, lower cost (no demolition), raises finished height only 2-3 inches. Requirements: concrete must be stable and draining properly, sufficient clearance at doors and thresholds, edges need proper restraints. Not recommended if: concrete is cracked/heaving, drainage problems exist, significant settling has occurred. Peak Builders evaluates your existing concrete and recommends the best approach for your Denver property.

Denver paver winter maintenance tips: Use plastic snow shovels (metal scratches pavers), apply sand or kitty litter for traction (avoid salt first year, use calcium chloride after), seal pavers every 3-5 years to protect from deicers, reapply polymeric sand in spring if washed out. Avoid: rock salt (damages pavers and joints), metal snow blower blades (use rubber), pressure washing in freezing temps. Peak Builders provides maintenance guides with every installation and offers annual maintenance services. Properly maintained pavers handle Denver winters beautifully for decades.