History of Pavers

History of Paver Construction

Pavire Driveways

Tightly-Fitted Paving Units Over a Granular Base Is An Ancient Concept

The art of creating durable, tightly-fitted paving structures on a granular base is a practice as ancient as civilization itself. The Minoans were pioneers in segmental pavement, crafting the first known examples around 5000 B.C. But it was the Romans, about 2,000 years ago, who perfected pavement construction, creating a 50,000-mile network of roads renowned for their resilience against heavy traffic and the elements, some of which remarkably remain in use today.


What Makes Roman Technology so Remarkable?

The endurance of Roman roads lies in meticulous design and construction efforts—principles that Pavire Driveways upholds in every project. The Roman technique, characterized by three distinct layers, has seen little need for improvement over two millennia, underscoring the effectiveness of their original design.


At the foundation, the Romans laid the "agger," a layer of rubble designed for optimal drainage. This was followed by the "rudus," a compacted mix of sand, gravel, and sometimes clay, providing resilience. The surface layer, or "pavimentum," featured polygonal silex stones, known for their hardness and durability, bordered by curbstones to retain the structure.


Then and Now

Pavire Driveways embraces these time-honored techniques, applying the same layered approach to ensure the unparalleled durability of your driveway. By adopting methods refined by the Romans, we construct driveways that are not just a path to your home but a testament to enduring craftsmanship.


Rest assured, choosing Pavire means investing in a driveway designed to stand the test of time, inspired by the very best of ancient ingenuity. Call us for a free consultation and make history with your new driveway.

Pavire Driveways

Serving the Hennepin County and Twin Cities Metro areas, Pavire Driveways specializes in paver installations and permeable pavers. 5-Year workmanship warranty. Lifetime warranty on materials. Free next-day consultations. Call today.

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