Rubber rooftop pavers, commonly known as composite or synthetic pavers, are intended for use on rooftop decks, patios, plazas, and balconies. They are typically made from recycled tires, recycled plastic, and a blend of adhesives to bind the material together. They are durable, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable, making them a rooftop paver material that is growing in popularity.
To help you get a better understanding of rubber rooftop pavers, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons that come with rubber pavers as well as their installation process.
Pros:
More comfortable to walk on - Concrete is known for being uncomfortable to stand or walk on for long periods of time. If people stand or walk on concrete for a prolonged period, it can cause issues like sore feet, back pain, bunions, and knee pain. Rubber rooftop pavers are highly durable but have a natural give to them that makes standing and walking on them much more comfortable.
More kid friendly - Rubber has some natural give to it and it isn’t as rough as concrete pavers, so it is safer for kids to run and play on.
Customizable - Rubber pavers are available in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. A rooftop deck can consist of one style of paver for a uniform look, or the opportunities for patterns with two or more colors and sizes are nearly endless.
Won’t split or crack - Wood decking has a tendency to split or crack and concrete can crack, leading to an uneven surface that could cause people to trip. Water can also seep into the cracks leading to moisture-related problems.
Easy to install - Rubber pavers are installed using a drainage mat that holds the pavers in place. They are much easier to install than their concrete counterpart which uses a time-consuming and difficult pedestal paver system. Rubber pavers can be cut to size with common household tools rather than the specific tools needed to cut other materials such as concrete or porcelain.
Sustainable - Aspire Pavers are made from 100% post-consumer recycled material that includes recycled scrap rubber from tires and recycled plastics.
Fade-resistant - Patios and decks see a lot of wear and tear over their lifetimes and not just from foot traffic. They are under constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays, rain, wind, snow, and ice. Fade-resistant pavers ensure that your space will look great for years to come.
Not every edge paver needs to be cut - When installing concrete or porcelain pavers, for instance, you will likely have to cut every paver along the edge if they don’t fit perfectly. With rubber pavers, depending on the size and pattern you choose, you may only have to cut a few edge pavers.
Cons:
Expensive - The raw materials and manufacturing process of rubber pavers makes them more expensive than other paver materials, namely concrete. However, their ease of installation and lifespan can help to balance out the upfront cost.
Relatively new - Rubber pavers are relatively new in the construction industry, so there is some question about how the material will hold up over time, but in the applications to date, they hold up incredibly well.
Installation
Unlike other rooftop pavers that require a pedestal paver system which is time-consuming and complex, rubber rooftop pavers use a simple drainage mat that doubles as the method of installation. Aspire Pavers use our patented grid system that makes installation fast and easy. It even allows for customizable patterns to help you create a one-of-a-kind space.
Before installation, you’ll have to measure the space to determine the square footage that you will be covering. You should also decide on the paver pattern that you will be installing. Our installation instructions include potential pattern options to choose from. Patterns include Herringbone, Basketweave, and Running Bond.
Our pavers are shipped on the installation mats, so you get everything you need in one place.
Pro tip: Order a few extra installation grids to speed up the installation process.
Here’s how to install Aspire Pavers:
Choose a starting point. Be sure to consider the space, the pattern, and cuts you’ll have to make.
Lay out a few of our patented installation grids and ensure that the pavers will overlap the grids in both directions.
Dump the pavers from the installation grid near where you will begin installation and lay the grid in position.
Lay the pavers in the desired pattern, making sure that the pavers are overlapping the grids in both directions. If you are installing a pattern with multiple colors, bring over pavers of both colors in the ratio they will be used.
Where cuts are necessary, mark the paver and cut it with a jigsaw or miter saw fitted with a low tooth count wood-ripping blade.
Additional tips:
Make sure the structure can handle the added weight of patio paver materials and the additional dead loads and live loads from furniture, plantings, people, etc.
If pavers need to be attached to the grid because of wind uplift concerns, around drains, or on stairs, an adhesive may be used.
Make sure to adhere perimeter pavers and order Aspire Resurfacing Bullnose Pavers or Aspire Resurfacing Transition Pavers if necessary.
Choose Aspire Pavers for Long-Lasting Beauty and Comfort
For a rooftop deck or patio that provides long-lasting beauty and comfort, look no further than Aspire Pavers. Our sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing pavers will help you create a desirable space for your project.
Contact the experts at Aspire today to begin planning your space.
