Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:11 pm
I worry about the number of "horror stories" involving PIC that end up in the Brew Cabin or come to me by email and phone. I know some in the PIC industry think I have a bias against PIC, but that's not true. When laid properly, there's nothing wrong with PIC: it's a wonderful surfacing technique.
The problem arises with that "when laid properly" phrase. Far too many PIC installations are NOT laid properly, and because PIC can't be lifted and relaid, shifty contractors go to extreme lengths to avoid reconstruction, which leads to complaints from the client, and because there's no trade body to handle such complaints, they end up here.
If you like PIC and believe it is the right surface for your project, go for it! Thoroughly research your contractor, check references, view previous jobs, speak to previous clients, and get a fully detailed, written quotation. No contractor can ever promise a fault-free installation of any type of paving, but it's the willingness to make good any defects that separates the good guys from the cowboys.
Ted's suggestion to get a technical supervisor is excellent advice, especially if you're serious about DIY, but is a good idea for any contractors embarking on their first few installations. They say that "experience cannat be bought", but it can sometimes be hired-in.
The problem arises with that "when laid properly" phrase. Far too many PIC installations are NOT laid properly, and because PIC can't be lifted and relaid, shifty contractors go to extreme lengths to avoid reconstruction, which leads to complaints from the client, and because there's no trade body to handle such complaints, they end up here.
If you like PIC and believe it is the right surface for your project, go for it! Thoroughly research your contractor, check references, view previous jobs, speak to previous clients, and get a fully detailed, written quotation. No contractor can ever promise a fault-free installation of any type of paving, but it's the willingness to make good any defects that separates the good guys from the cowboys.
Ted's suggestion to get a technical supervisor is excellent advice, especially if you're serious about DIY, but is a good idea for any contractors embarking on their first few installations. They say that "experience cannat be bought", but it can sometimes be hired-in.