Designing for the Long View: Maintenance and Longevity in Interlocking Pavements

Part 5 of the “Designing with Strength” series for landscape architects and designers

Previous post in this series: Locking It In: Polymeric Sand and Joint Stabilization for Interlocking Pavers

Note: This series of articles is intended to provide an introduction to the concepts behind paver design for designers. It is not intended as a 'How To' guide for installers or contractors.

Every design, no matter how thoughtful, eventually meets the test of time. Sun, rain, traffic, and use all conspire to reveal what was well-built—and what wasn’t. The final step in designing with strength isn’t about what’s drawn or built, but how that work lives on.

Maintenance is often treated as an afterthought, a future responsibility of someone else. But for those of us who design the systems that shape the ground, maintenance is part of design itself. When we think about the life cycle of a pavement, we design not just for installation, but for endurance.

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The Designer’s Responsibility

An interlocking pavement is more than a collection of materials. It’s a system of layers—each dependent on the others. When the system performs well, it lasts for decades with minimal intervention. When one layer fails, maintenance becomes reactive instead of preventative.

Good design anticipates that reality. It considers maintenance access, materials that weather well, and edges that resist wear. It plans for the quiet passage of years rather than the first few months after installation.

A successful pavement design isn’t just one that looks good—it’s one that continues to function, drain, and support use gracefully over time.

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The Nature of Maintenance

Every paver surface requires some level of maintenance, whether it’s a residential patio or a city plaza. The difference lies in frequency, scale, and foresight.

Common maintenance needs include:

• Joint Stabilization: Replenishing polymeric sand as joints open or erode over time.

• Cleaning and Sealing: Removing stains, biological growth, or surface debris while preserving slip resistance.

• Weed Control: Managing vegetation along edges or in joints before roots expand and disturb alignment.

• Drainage Maintenance: Keeping inlets, edges, and permeable joints free of sediment buildup.

• Leveling and Resetting: Replacing or re-laying small areas where settlement or frost heave occurs.

When these actions are incorporated into a long-term maintenance plan, they extend the service life dramatically—often well beyond 30 years.

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Design for Maintenance

Maintenance-friendly design doesn’t mean overbuilding; it means anticipating how time interacts with materials.

• Access and Modularity: Pavers are replaceable by nature. Specify standard units and patterns that make future repairs simple.

• Durability by Location: Use thicker or higher-strength units in loading zones, turning areas, and drive aisles.

• Drainage Integration: Direct surface water toward functional outlets, not edges or planters.

• Edge Restraint Inspection: Include edge access points for future re-compaction or replacement if needed.

• Surface Selection: Choose finishes that mask minor wear or staining—tumbled or textured surfaces tend to age more gracefully than smooth ones.

Design Tip: A well-designed paver surface should be maintainable without specialized tools or proprietary components. The simpler the system, the more sustainable its future.

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Permeable Systems and Long-Term Care

Permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP) offer environmental benefits, but they also require informed maintenance. Over time, fine sediment can clog joints and reduce infiltration.

Best Practices for Permeable Maintenance:

• Perform annual vacuum sweeping to remove sediment buildup.

• Inspect joint aggregate annually and top off as needed.

• Avoid using polymeric sand or sealers in permeable applications.

• Re-level areas prone to settlement before they affect drainage flow.

Designers should note these maintenance requirements in specifications and client materials. Sustainable systems only remain sustainable with consistent care.

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Sealing and Surface Protection

Sealing can enhance color, limit staining, and reduce water absorption. However, it’s not always necessary.

Advantages of Sealing:

• Easier cleaning and reduced efflorescence

• Enhanced color and finish retention

• Protection against oil, grease, and deicing salts

Cautions:

• Some sealers increase slipperiness on smooth pavers

• Sealers must be reapplied every few years to maintain protection

• Application should only occur after full joint stabilization and curing

For most projects, sealing is best considered optional; a final refinement rather than a requirement.

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Collaboration with Contractors

Perhaps the most overlooked part of long-term success is the relationship between designer and installer. As a former hardscape contractor myself, I’ve seen firsthand how real-world conditions differ from the plan set. Soil moisture, weather, equipment limitations; these are realities the field must navigate daily.

Designers who respect that expertise create better outcomes. The most durable pavements result from a shared understanding of what’s intended and what’s practical.

When in doubt, defer to the expertise of the contractor, especially on questions of base preparation, compaction sequence, or joint curing conditions. A qualified installer’s experience is an asset, not an obstacle. Collaboration turns specifications into craftsmanship.

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Longevity Through Stewardship

Design is a moment; maintenance is a continuum. The designer who understands this creates more than a finished space; they create a legacy of performance.

A well-built interlocking pavement doesn’t demand constant attention. It invites stewardship; a steady rhythm of care that protects both investment and intent. Whether through scheduled inspections, edge resets, or simple surface cleaning, maintenance becomes an extension of design integrity.

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Conclusion: Designing with Time in Mind

Durability isn’t an accident, it’s a design decision. Every layer, every joint, every edge restraint contributes to the story a pavement tells over decades of use. When we design with time in mind, we honor both the craft and the people who maintain it.

The designer’s job doesn’t end with construction. It continues through guidance, observation, and collaboration. When maintenance is planned, communicated, and embraced as part of the process, design intent doesn’t fade, it matures.

Previous Article: Locking It In: Polymeric Sand and Joint Stabilization for Interlocking Pavers

Reference: For best practices and maintenance guidelines, consult the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association (CMHA) for current standards on inspection, cleaning, and long-term care of interlocking pavements.