Hardscape 101- A Primer on Pavers

With the stunning views, lovely climates and pleasant ocean breezes, outdoor living is a given in Bermuda and the Caribbean. A great way to enhance your outdoor living space is with pavers. Low maintenance pavers are strong and durable, and offer endless design possibilities through a variety of colors, tones and striking patterns.

By installing pavers, you will see an immediate improvement in any outdoor space. Patios, pool decks, garden pathways, driveways, stepping stones- you are only limited by your imagination. For every application, each type of paver presents unique color, pattern and texture options.

At Global Sales, we offer a full range of paver options, including brick, concrete and natural stone. We can help you choose the pavers that are best suited to your project and then provide you with everything that you need to install and enjoy your new outdoor area. Finally, we will help to coordinate and consolidate your paver order to save time and money on your shipment.

Learn the basics on pavers from
Jeff Collins, President of Global Sales.

Things to Consider When Choosing Pavers

The Thickness of the Paver

There are two basic types of pavers- thick and thin. The way pavers are installed depends on their thickness.The thickness of paver you choose for your project depends on the specific requirements of your application.

Thin Pavers

Thin pavers, which are usually about ½", are installed similar to the way tile is set, with mortar or thinset.

Thick Pavers

Thick pavers are typically approximately 1 ¼" in thickness and are sand set. This means that a bed of sand is placed over concrete or compacted soil, and then the pavers are placed on top of that.

Then, a layer of sand is spread over the top and worked down into the cracks to create a solid placement.

The Paver Material

Natural Stone

With natural stone pavers, you can create looks ranging from rustic charm to sophisticated elegance with a variety of colors and designs. Available in both thick and thin, we recommend either a tumbled or brushed and chiseled finish to get the best traction for wet feet. Many stone types will also keep those same feet cool even in the heat of summer. Natural stone comes in a variety of popular colors, including tone on tone matched pavers as well as complementary shades. They are also available in various sizes and patterns which create many different styles.

While natural stone won't fade, it is best to seal natural stone pavers to maintain their beauty and minimize dirt and mildew.

Concrete

Stronger than brick, versatile concrete pavers are usually the less expensive option as compared to natural stone or brick. Concrete pavers can also be easier to install since they are uniform in size and easier to cut.

We feature the Belgard brand of concrete pavers which are available in both thick and thin sizes. The many different color, shape and finish options can be utilized in a limitless array of designs.

Brick

The rich color and lovely patina of brick pavers add warmth, character, and elegance, and blend beautifully with most settings. Brick can be arranged in numerous classic patterns, such as herringbone, running bond, circular, and basket weave. Available in both thick and thin, our offerings include Sunshine Pavers, Old Chicago, and many others.

Pavers- Always a Great Choice

No matter which type of paver you choose, you will instantly add curb appeal and value to your home. Well placed hardscaping gives visual definition to outdoor spaces while adding functionality. Long lasting, attractive, and easy to maintain, pavers are a great choice for any home.

Global Sales- Your Clear Choice for Windows

For the typical homeowner, purchasing windows isn't something that's done very frequently. The numerous considerations of style, features, and material just compound the difficulty-- especially when the installation is in an area with the added challenges of an island climate and probable exposure to hurricane force winds.

That's where we come in. The Global Sales team understands what it takes to get the right windows for your home and building projects in Bermuda and the Caribbean. We have the bases covered on window selections and features with the manufacturers we represent, and we will provide the information, recommendations and support you need for making the best choice. 

Danny Vega, head of the windows and doors division
at Global Sales, talks about some of the unique lines of
windows we offer.

Things to Think About When Your Choose Windows

Material

Both vinyl and aluminum are good window material options for the island climates of the Caribbean and Bermuda. We offer many styles of windows that are time-tested to withstand coastal climates and can help you find the most cost-effective solution based on your plans.

Single Hung		Double Hung		Casement
lower sash slides up to open		both upper and lower sashes open		hinged at the side

Sliding		Fixed		Awning
like a single or double hung window on its side		adds light and architectural interest but does not open		hinged at the top

Glass Options

The type of glass in your windows will impact safety, energy efficiency, UV glare reduction, privacy, noise reduction, aesthetics and more. There are a number of factors to consider, and we will help you choose the glass that will meet the needs most important to you.

• Tints- Tinted glass can be an economical way to lower energy costs by reducing solar heat gain and filtering out damaging UV rays. A darker tinted glass can offer some privacy while reflecting your personal sense of style.


• Low-E- Low-E, or low emissivity, is usually the best choice for energy efficiency. An invisible metallic coating on the glass reduces radiant heat and 
  
  reflects part of ultra-violet light to reduce fading in interior furnishings.


• Impact Resistance- We offer several options for impact-resistant windows that help protect your home against hurricane force winds and flying debris in addition to providing year-round security against break-ins.


• Grid OptionsGrids are a beautiful way to add architectural interest and curb appeal to your home. For double paned glass, grids are placed inside - making window cleaning easier.

Local Construction Methods

Many homes in Bermuda utilize a unique construction method with windows set in subframes that are installed directly into the masonry. This construction method is mostly due to the iconic Bermuda shutters that are attached directly to the subframe. Global Sales offers vinyl subframe windows that are specifically designed for Bermuda. We can ship windows already set into the subframe, or the replacement windows alone if that is all that is needed.

On the other hand, in most parts of the Caribbean, a flange window or an equal leg/box frame is used. Based on your specifications, we will direct you to the correct window for your project.

PGT

PGT is a leading supplier of impact-resistant, hurricane wind rated windows in vinyl and aluminum frames that are ideal for use in island climates like the Caribbean and Bermuda. In addition to safety and security features, PGT products combine affordability with a wide selection of styles and features, including noise reduction, UV filtering, and energy efficiency.

Jeld-Wen

Jeld-Wen windows merge style with practicality for homes and buildings in coastal environments. From craftsman to contemporary, homeowners and builders will be able to find the look they want and the performance and value they need.









Specialty Windows

We offer customized, commercial and wood window options for situations where those are specified.

Your One-Stop Source

From windows to doors to skylights, hurricane shutters and more, the Global Sales Team can help you select the right products for your home. Click here to visit our Windows and Doors page.

What Makes Global Sales So Different?

Embarking on a new construction project, doing a remodel, or even updating a room or two can be daunting as well as frustrating, especially for homeowners in areas where many of the materials must be imported. Global Sales understands. 

Our business was developed more than thirty years ago to handle the needs of homeowners and contractors in Bermuda and the Caribbean who want a wide selection of building materials and supplies, delivered on time, at competitive prices. Although we are located in Florida, our customers know that we are with them through each step of their project. Ultimately, we save our customers time, money and frustration. 

Selection

Whether you are looking for just one item, or sourcing materials, supplies and tools for an entire project, Global Sales can provide what you require for it. Our staff knows which products will hold up in coastal conditions and climates, and has local knowledge of construction methods by virtue of our many years of experience. 

We represent numerous manufacturers and quality brands, and have solid relationships with our vendors so that we can deliver the best value for your budget. And if you are looking for something that you don't see on our web site, just ask us. More than likely, we have a good resource. 

Expertise

Global Sales doesn't expect you to be the expert-that's what WE do. You can get your project rolling with our free consultation services. Send us your plans, and our team will work with you on all aspects of your project- with no fee for the initial quotes or any revisions. We help you choose the most appropriate materials for your project, your budget, your style and your climate. 

Our showroom is equipped with a high definition camera so that we can walk you through the process "in person", and we are always available via phone and email. We also encourage you to visit our showroom where you can view samples including cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, windows, doors and more. We provide you with an itemized quotation of all materials before you order. In most cases, we can also give you an estimate of duties, insurance and ocean freight charges.

Commitment

Our commitment doesn't stop once we have your order. We work hard to coordinate shipments from various manufacturers to arrive at the shipper at the same time. We make sure that your shipment is properly packaged to arrive undamaged, and we will create custom packaging for your item, if necessary. If needed, we create floor plans for your consolidated shipment to make certain that your items will fit together, and maximize the value of your shipment. 

We are experts in export, so we know what documentation and paperwork is required. We know the shipping schedules, and work with freight consolidators and shippers to get your materials to you on time and at the best rate. Then, we follow up and track all components of your order to make sure expectations are met by both the manufacturer and the shipper. 

 Most importantly, we stand behind everything we sell. The majority of manufacturers void their warranties once the products leave US soil. At Global Sales, we work with our manufacturers to either extend their warranties or find another solution.

Exceptional Customer Service

We know that you have other choices when it comes to buying building supplies. That's why, at Global Sales, no detail is too small, and exceptional customer service is the standard. We are a hands-on company with an experienced and knowledgeable staff. Each and every employee at Global Sales is ready to jump in and help whenever extra help is required.

Jeff literally jumps in to make sure a crate is properly packed for shipping.

Our business depends on satisfied customers and good recommendations, and for over thirty years our valued customers have made us their choice for projects large and small. Global Sales is dedicated to serving customers in Bermuda and the Caribbean-- our focus is on you. We would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your next project, and answer any questions you may have about how we do business.

The Global Sales Team

Danny, JB, Charlie, Stormy, Tony, Jeff, Breanna, Caryn, Laura, and Dave

We Want to Hear from You!

Take our short, online survey and let us know what you think. We truly appreciate your sharing your views, and will enter your name into a drawing for a $500 gift certificate from Global Sales.

Submit our online survey no later than February 20th, 2015, for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from Global Sales! Click here!