City of San Jose incorporates Hydro-Flo Pavers into Commodore Park

Over the past few years, we have seen the market beginning to shift towards pavements that do more. While concrete has served us well in the past, and will continue to do so, clients are beginning to expect more from even the most basic elements of our lives.

Hydro-Flo Pavers have been gaining traction with many groups, especially cities. Concerned not only with water retention, cities are looking to Hydro-Flo to reduce slipping and puddling. As you can see in these pictures (taken right after one of our most recent downpours), Hydro-Flo technology enables the water to be removed from the surface almost immediately.

In addition, Hydro-Flo Technology lets everyone involved in the project do what they do best. For architects and designers, Hydro-Flo allows for many options to utilize their creativity. With over 20 different profiles and 15 standard colors, there are countless options. Even if you have a unique idea in mind, we may be able to help you meet your project needs. Commodore Park, for example, utilizes a custom color of Cream/Brown with solid Brown accent bands.

Hydro-Flo Technology also benefits engineers, whose strength tends to lean towards problem solving. Finally, they have a surface that is safe for pedestrians and vehicular traffic alike, whilst providing a maximum of environmental benefits.

Contractors used to installing pavingstones will not be surprised by the steps needed to ensure proper flow through either. In many cases, the installation of Hydro-Flo Technology resembles that of regular pavers (the base changes to allow for more angular stones with few/no fines).

Hydro-Flo Pavers are easy to implement into a residence's, campus' or city's overall sustainability goals. Stop by Commodore Park and see for yourself how beautiful and functional pavers can be! Contact us at 831-637-9163, stop by our new location at 1495 S. Winchester Blvd. in San Jose, or ask your local distributer for more information!

Winchester Location up and Running!

Come and visit us at our new location on 1495 S. Winchester. This location has been transformed into the home of Pacific Interlock. Come and see our new displays, pick up samples of many of our styles, and introduce yourself to our friendly staff. Make yourself welcome as we help you envision your new driveway, pathway, or patio!

Join us all day on December 7th (8 AM to 5 PM) to celebrate with us. We will be having a lunch and other activities for those who work with us (Print out and bring the above coupon please!). Come and celebrate with us!

 Here are some of our brand new displays! Come by and see for yourself!!!

 

Long Beach Landscape EXPO 2013

Welcome to the #1 Landscape Trade Show & Educational Conference in the West!
The Landscape Expo is the longest running landscape trade show and conference in the Southwestern United States, dating back to the 1960's.  

Pacific Interlock will be at the show presenting our line of Permeable Pavers...Hydro-Flo Technology! This is a breakthrough in environmental technology, since it allows a surface to have vehicular access and look great, while offering the most natural method of percolation. This reduces stormwater runoff and allows PIP to lead the industry in the new field. 
Come stop by our booth (550) and mention that you saw us on this blog! We look forward to seeing you! 

There are many great vendors at this landscape show. If you are a landscape pro, be sure you make it to this event!

Pacific Interlock is Moving!

Hello Loyal Customers,

After nearly 30 years in the same location, Pacific Interlock Pavingstone will be moving its San Jose Sales office from De Anza Boulevard to Winchester Boulevard. This month we will be transitioning from one to the other, but in the meantime, you get to enjoy a stock Clearance sale of our pavers at our De Anza Blvd Store. Take 40% off MSRP on product in stock!

 

Keep stopping by to find out more information...!

 

New products, information and special events to come!!!

 

Thank you for your business. We look forward to providing you with quality products for many years to come!



Cobbles in September!

This month, Pacific Interlock Pavingstone is offering the most distinguished paver, the Cobble, at a reduced rate. 15% off means creating a backyard oasis UNDER budget, or upgrading to include a  firepit! The Large, Medium and Small Cobble offers a timeless look for all your needs. Great for driveways, walkways and patios.

Holland Pavers on Sale for August

Holland Pavers have defined the pavingstone industry for many years, yet this timeless style has thrived throughout generations. The simple elegance of pavers is captured in the design elements of Holland Stone. The 4x8 size has been used in residential projects all the way up to commercial projects. All of our colors are available in this multi-purpose paving stone. Imagine your backyard patio transformed by a new patio!

July Paver Sale-Canyon Rock!

Featured this month is our textured, tumbled series of pavers. The Canyon Rock series carries a natural look that can be used all around your property. From driveways to walkways to patios, this versatile paver will enable you to create a beautiful outdoor space, while saving some money!

Pavers cause less vibration than poured concrete?

Once again, we cannot always count on logic to lead us to the right conclusion! A study conducted by Veteran's Health and Elderly Advocacy groups, in conjunction with ICPI, BIA, and NCMA, has determined that Paving stones are, in many cases, better than poured concrete for wheelchairs.

Vibration can cause damage to the body if exposed for a long period of time. It has been long believed that the gaps in pavers cause more vibration to occur than other surfaces. Thus it would be logical for these associations to promote the use of the smoothest surface possible. However, this study shows that under most circumstances, pavers actually provide a smoother ride than poured concrete.

The study included 9 different trial sites with manual and powered wheelchairs. The different trial sites included pavers with different bevel sizes and different installation patterns (45 and 90 degree herringbone patterns).

Pavers with larger bevels had a higher vibration rate, as did pavers installed at a 45 degree Herringbone pattern. Therefore, the recommendation of the study is to keep the gap at or below 6mm and to install pavers with 90 degree patterns.

Hydro-Flo Pavers installed in Handicapped parking areas.

 

This can raise some issues for those looking to install standard Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) that depend on gaps, most often greater than 6mm, for their permeability. Hydro-Flo Technology, however, enables the installer to have gaps less than 6mm, so that proper vibration levels can be observed. Initially Hydro-Flo Technology Pavingstones have been used in Handicapped Parking areas because the architects were concerned about slipping on regular concrete. Now they will be even happier that their choice will help reduce the impacts of vibration on the elderly and disabled.

For full text of the study, follow this link: http://www.sept.org/techpapers/1368.pdf

Project Update: Commodore Park

The City of San Jose has begun a project to recreate Commodore Park. The groundbreaking ceremony was March 9th and a lot of work has been done so far, with more to come. The 3.2 acre site will be home to two playgrounds, fitness center, picnic area, and parking lot.

The project is located at the corner of Jackson Ave and Commodore Dr and should be completed by December of 2013. We look forward to seeing the progress of this project.

The city has specified the use of Hydro-Flo Pavers to offer safety and green benefits to the park-goers, in addition to the stunning aesthetic benefits.

Here are some before pictures. We will be sure to keep you updated with new pictures as the project changes!

Save on our Large and Medium Cobbles until the end of the month!

 

This is the best time to get your back yard in shape, and this is one of the best stones to do it! The timeless beauty of this product will last for 30+ years. Take advantage of our sale on Cobble Pavers!

Pacific Grove uses Pavers to improve Downtown Aesthetic

Pacific Grove is one of those wonderful weekend (or weekday, if you are so lucky!) getaway spots, known for unique stores, beautiful views and great eats. P.G. has recently made a wonderful new addition to its already beautiful downtown.

At the intersection of Forest and Lighthouse, city planners and engineers set up a plan to beautify . While designed as a standalone project, the installation of pavers is meant to catalyze future investment in the area. As a well known company in the region, Pacific Interlock Pavingstones has long had a presence in the nearby cities and counties. Initially, the Hydro-Flo Paver was introduced as an option on this project because of all the safety and green benefits. Upon greater inspection, it did not make much sense to use the product based on the soil sub-base. Pacific Interlock's 80mm Holland Paver (B9-Red/Charcoal) was selected for its strength, durability and appearance.

Judge for yourself and see what you think! This project represents the care and concern behind the many small decsions that together make Pacific Grove such a fabulous place to visit.
For more information, visit: http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_22545018/pacific, or visit PG!

Plank Pavers Special until May 31st! 15% OFF!

See our fabulous new Plank Paver and use it to fall in love with your backyard all over again! The 6x24 Plank uses the skinny modular look to create a stylistic area. Available in either smooth or wood-grained texture, the plank can be laid in a variety of ways that are limited only by your imagination.

Even better! Now until the end of May, Plank Pavers in any style or color are 15% off! Are you ready to create a patio that you actually ENJOY this summer?

Green California Expo 2013

Please stop by our booth at the upcoming Green California Summit & Exposition April 18 & 19 and learn more about the most advances permeable hardscape available today...our Hydro-Flo Technology Permeable pavers. The only truly permeable (patented) concrete pavers available.

We will be stationed in booth 427 and would be excited to answer any questions you may have about this revolutionary new paving surface.

Current Hydro-Flo Permeable paver projects include many City, County, University, K-12, Corporate, Commercial, and residential venues.

2013 Green California Summit & Exposition Advantages of Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavers....... * Truly Permeable.....not a "gap style" paver                              * Meets all ICPI and ASTM standards for pavers * Outstanding ADA slip-resistance test results                      * Dozens of shapes and sizes * Strong enough for vehicular traffic                                      * Over 15 standard colors......plus custom colors * Outstanding for urban forests and landscape                           * Keeps water on-site and reduces pollution * Exceeds C-3 & LID plus other standards                                  * Reduces water runoff by as much as 100% * Safer..ADA Compliant                                                                                                                              And many more benefits!!!

Permeable Pavers prevent tree root upheaval

One of the most common issues encountered with any type of cementitious paving surface is the damage that growing tree roots can cause. Upheaval is a common problem in any city that places trees in sidewalks.

Photo gathered from: lancaster.unl.edu

Trees depend on water and nutrients to reach their root tips and in a natural setting, the roots grow in such a way as to collect those nutrients. In a concrete area, they must accomplish the same goals, but the concrete can prevent much of the water and many nutrients from reaching the root system. So the tree roots pop up, causing major damage to walkways.

Pavingstones have long been a way to reduce the costs of damage that trees can cause, since you can pull out individual units, trim the roots, reset the base and replace the pavers. Otherwise you would need to cut out the concrete, or have a grinding tool.

But what if you didn't have to do any of that sort of maintenance? Is there a way to have a safe walking surface and be able to get water to the roots?

Permeable Pavers can be a great solution to this problem. Permeable pavers allow a hardscape surface to act more like a natural surface by allowing water to penetrate to the roots.

Below is an example of a project using Hydro-Flo Technology Permeable Pavers for a specific area. The homeowners really liked this tree, and wanted to keep it where it was, but they were also interested in having paved access to the back of the property. As a result, they chose Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers to negate the impacts of paving over the roots.

You can see how some areas are absorbing water to be passed to the subsoil and to the roots. This installation required minimal destruction of the roots as well. There you have it...you CAN have the best of both worlds!

Hydro-Flo Pavers Case Study: Handicapped Parking Area

Handicapped Parking areas and Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavers Permeable pavers were needed outside a fitness center to meet C-3 standards as well as environmental and safety concerns for handicapped as well as non-handicapped clients. Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers were selected because

1) There are no large “gaps” between the pavers which might catch walker legs, inhibit wheel Chairs, or catch high heels.
2) There will be no standing water or puddles.
3) Exceed ADA Title III requirements for friction and skid-resistance. (Results on file)
4) Outstanding environmental standards for permeability.

 Paver Profile used: Holland 80mm Pattern: Herringbone Color: B6 Tahoe Granite (Grey/Charcoal

15% OFF Grand Estate Sale

Closter Park in the Rain

Sometimes, a picture says more than words ever could. Sometimes, a video says even more.

Walk the Plank!

Finally, you can tell someone to “walk the Plank,” and not have it come back as a bad Yelp review!

We received a brand new Paving Stone profile, called the Plank paver, in December and are really excited about the opportunity it provides for design options.

This unique stone measures 6”x24”x2 5/8” and is guaranteed to make your project unique! Let your imagination run wild as the length of the paver lets you do things that have previously been unavailable.

 

 

 

We also developed our mold so that you can have a choice between a smooth top finish and wood-grained finish. With these new options, you can mix and match with our other pavers to give your clients EXACTLY what they are looking for.

 

 

 

This product is also available in Hydro-Flo Technology, for those of you who are looking to green your backyard and have a positive impact on the environment.

 

Can't wait to post some in-ground pictures for you to see!

 

(Note: Since these are 60mm stones and because of their length, the Plank Paver is recommended for pedestrian traffic only.)

 

 

Eco-Friendly Luxury

It always seems like there is a compromise between products out there. Is it really possible to have something do what it says it is going to do?

For a long time, we have settled for "permeable" pavers that depend solely on aggregate in gaps to allow water through. It works, but it is no longer the best solution. Gap-style pavers need a unique mold in order to give them the extra space between the pavers, so usually you are pretty limited in the styles you can use for your project.

Since permeability is dependent on the gaps in-between the stones, maintenance of the aggregate is of the utmost importance. Maintenance usually requires a special vacuum that can suck up the dirt and debris that collects in the gap, while leaving the majority of the aggregate behind.

While gap-style pavers do prevent puddling, the stones themselves remain individually wet on the surface so they can still be slippery. The gaps also present a safety issue for handicapped people or high heels.

Hydro-Flo Technology eliminates most of these issues by changing the mix (not the mold) that goes into the pavers. They meet all the requirements ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) sets forth, while allowing water to go directly through the surface of the pavers. This means any of our styles can be used while still choosing an eco-friendly paving surface, so it can match the style that you are trying to create.

Because permeability is independent of holes or gaps, you don't have to do the same sort of maintenance. Usually keeping the surface free from excess dirt is all that is necessary to maintain permeability.

Safety and luxury come with this product. Not only does it meet (or exceed) all standards, but it looks great and it works!