HMCA Walkways
HMCA Walkway Review
2012 OverviewLandPro cleaned up, tightened and stone dusted 151
of 153 walkways. They were assessed for potential trip hazards and
drainage issues. We reviewed all walks, performed 28 partial relays
and selected the 10 worst for a complete overhaul. By reclaiming
quality bricks and keeping a detailed inventory we were able to
relay walkways for $300 per unit. Total cost in 2012: $4,300Another
contractor was hired for drainage related rebuilds at 17 and
69.
original walkway
This is the most common pattern at Hampton Meadows. The long,
curved run is not tight enough to prevent water or animals from
separating the bricks and causing damage.We have addressed and
re-laid the worst ones in recent years but there are many more to
go.These would look much better if they had been cleaned up and
dusted this year.
updated walkway
This is one that we re-laid last year for $300. The pattern was
changed to a basket weave which tightens the bricks and does not
allow enough space for ice, water or pests to penetrate the
surface. This picture was taken last week and the walkway has not
been adjusted, cleaned or maintained at all this year. These were
also done last summer using bricks we reclaimed from other walkways
in the neighborhood. They too would look much better if they were
tightened up and stone dusted.
More from last year.
These two were repaired by an outside contractor last year due
to severe drainage and puddling issues. At Unit 69 they replaced a
few bricks and installed a drain under the walkway that runs to a
dry well in front of the stonewall garden. It still has drainage
issues and meets our criteria for a relay.
At unit 17 they went under the steps and dug a dry well to
collect the water against the foundation. Then they increased the
pitch so water would run back towards the house and into the well.
This defies the basic principles of drainage and should be
repaired.
the new planThis walkway had been re-laid in recent years into
the weave pattern but needed to be tightened and adjusted due to
chipmunk damage. Last week, a new landscape company came in and
completely replaced it. They removed 100 or so clay bricks and
installed concrete pavers. They were nice guys and did a quality
job but based on time and materials I know their price will be
significantly higher.
Bricks vs. PaversClay BricksProven to last hundreds of yearsGet
their color from the clay Require more skill to installDoes not
require cleaning Will not fade over time, no sealing requiredWill
tolerate ice and saltTwice the the cost of concreteApprox. 15,000
usable bricks at HM
Concrete PaversRelatively new to the marketGet their color from
dyes Easier to install, can run a compactor on topRequire frequent
cleaningWill fade unless sealed Salt can cause scaling and will
damage concreteHalf the cost of brickApprox. 0 usable pavers at
HMThe three bricks from left to right are the most common at
Hampton Meadows. The first two are slightly different sand struck
red bricks and the third is a much smoother, water struck version.
All three make excellent choices for a New England walkway. The far
right is a concrete paver improperly used for repairs in the past
and similar to those installed at unit 132. You can clearly see the
difference.
My RecommendationUse only clay bricks in a basket weave pattern
or running bond where necessary. Clean, dust and tighten all walks
immediately.Increase the budget to allow more of the original
walkways to be completely re-laid and continue the progress that
was made in recent years.Plan on two clean up and stone dust
applications per year. (approx. $400 per round)Thank you and please
contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Chris
[email protected]
