subject: The Significance Of A Paver [print this page] A paver nowadays is described as a stone or slab utilized to pave a region like a patio or drive way. A paver in the South African wording, however, tended to refer to a manufactured brick out of cement that may or may not be designed to interlock together, like a puzzle, until recent times when other 'pavers' were launched.
A paver, nevertheless, is not a new concept or material. It is known that paving was in use in early Egypt first, with Europe following later on. Europe, but Italy and Germany particularly, has many illustrations of early stoned and other paving approaches, many of which are as old as the 18thCentury. Modern day paving was only developed after World War 2, when numerous roads were wrecked and had to be rebuilt. Historically pavers where often made of natural stone or clay, but a German professional introduced paving stones created from concrete that could additionally be coloured, which were first launched in Stuttgart. Such concrete paving stones demonstrated that they are more economical and offered great pressure resistance. From there interlocking concrete pavers were created in the 1960's in Germany but the design quickly spread to the USA where they are still progressively more used.
A paver in modern-day South Africa not only consists of the interlock concrete paver, but also of more conventional material, including sandstone and clay, which depending on the application generates a more esthetic appearance, definitely in the case of housing in areas like patios, pool surrounds, driveways and the like. Paving as a decorative and sensible element to architecture really shot to popularity in South Africa in the 1960's with regards to areas larger than the pathway from the front gate to the doorway. Other areas traditionally were covered in concrete slabs. Paving organizations popped up like mushrooms instantaneously as the concept took to the hearts and wallets of South Africans. Not having any paving on your property or home in the 70's and 80's was not "nice".
Nowadays it is rather the practicality of paving (but not failing to remember the ornamental aspects thereof) that is the main driver for the installation of paving. An outdoor patio or swimming pool surrounds needs paving and if it is good looking so much better. There are firms that produce extra large pavers to be utilized on large surfaces along with permeable pavers which permit more drainage than water run-off. You can even find pavers available to counter erosion.
A paver is a product which has come to stay with us and pavers are of varying designs, shades, materials and intended use. They give different surfaces to cope with different situations and over-all is seen as being useful and ornamental in spite of their application. They decorate otherwise drab areas, turn other parts into useful areas and if properly designed and executed boost the value of our properties. So, although paving is thought to be over 5000 years old, the modern application of a paver is somewhat superior in looks and design, and yet in essence the same as those of 5000 years ago.
