Patio pavers are known for their durability and low-maintenance needs. While pavers require minimum upkeep, they should still be maintained to promote optimum longevity and striking beauty. Here’s how to repair patio pavers when they crack, shift, sink, or loosen.
Paver problems are wide and varied. The most common issues, like stains and cracks, can be fixed by a homeowner as a DIY project. However, major repairs and complex problems are best left to professional patio contractors experienced in restoring the functionality and aesthetics of pavers.
It’s also critical to repair pavers as soon as the damage is noticed. Delaying repairs can lead to safety and other issues. Pavers that have shifted out of place, for example, are tripping hazards. Plus, weed growth and discoloration simply decrease the aesthetic appeal of patio pavers.
What causes patio pavers to undergo damage?
Chicagoland weather is a prime cause of paver damage. The freeze-thaw cycles between seasons cause pavers to expand and contract, which contribute to shifting and cracks. Pesky weeds push pavers apart and destroy the joint sand. Natural wear and tear caused by foot traffic on paver pathways can also occur.
Pavers sink due to drainage problems. When water pools around the pavers, the base erodes and leads to shifting and sinking. Improper paver installation is responsible for instances of the pavers shifting or their surfaces becoming uneven. Fortunately, homeowners can fix many of these problems.
How do homeowners repair patio pavers?
1. Sunken Pavers
The method of repair is dependent on the problem. Sunken pavers are caused by poor installation, as mentioned. Neglecting to properly compact the soil base before placing the pavers is the likely culprit. Repairs can be made by removing the existing pavers and adding extra material to the paver bed.
Soften the compacted sand around the sunken pavers to make them easier to remove. Loosen the pavers with a flat screwdriver. Add polymeric sand to the base and level it and reinstall the pavers. Use a broom to sweep in more sand around the gaps and wet the sand.
2. Cracked Pavers
Cold temps cause contraction and warmth causes expansion. These freeze-thaw cycles put pressure on the pavers, causing them to crack. If the cracks are caused by poor base preparation, call in paver professionals to redo the paver bed and increase its stability before fixing the cracks.
Applying epoxy putty or a binding agent efficiently fixes small paver cracks. Consider repositioning the newly repaired paver to an area of the patio with less foot traffic. If the paver cracks are major, it’s necessary to replace the pavers altogether.
3. Shifting Pavers
Pavers may shift due to earthquakes, tree roots, and soil expanding beneath them. When pavers shift, it likely means the patio’s foundation isn’t firm. Minor shifts can be remedied by filling in the gaps with polymeric sand. Extensive shifting requires the attention of a patio contractor.
Homeowners who wish to tackle major shifting should dig down six to eight inches below the paver bed and add more compacted soil to create a firmer base. Improved compaction below the polymeric sand enhances stability of the pavers on the surface. Adding edge restraints likewise increases stabilization.
4. Loose Pavers
Loose pavers are caused by foot traffic, erosion, and weather conditions. Sand settling between the pavers pushes them up, loosening them. Improper compaction of the paver base also contributes. Wobbling pavers create hazardous walkways and should be fixed right away to reduce trips and falls.
Remove the loose pavers one by one. Add and compact new joint sand within the gaps. Reinstall the pavers and tap them down with a rubber mallet to ensure stability. Consult a patio contractor to rebuild the original sand bed in the event multiple pavers are loose.
5. Stained Pavers
The natural beauty of pavers diminishes when ugly stains appear. The porousness of patio pavers makes them susceptible to absorbing oils, greases, and organic materials, which produce stains or discoloration over time. Salts cause efflorescence in areas with heavy rainfalls.
Hosing down the stained pavers is the simplest remedy. When stains are stubborn, scrub the pavers with a solution of mild dish soap and water. Or, prepare a mildly abrasive paste using baking soda and water, apply, and let it sit on the pavers for 30 minutes before rinsing away.
Sealing pavers creates a barrier that prevents oils, greases, and debris from producing stains and discoloration. Homeowners are advised to reapply a sealant every three to five years. Alternatively, a patio professional can be hired to seal the patio pavers and protect them.
6. Weeds
Weeds grow in between pavers, creating an unsightly mess and functional issues. Polymeric sand in between the paver joints significantly reduces weed growth. For weeds that still sprout, spray vinegar to draw out the moisture and kill them. Or, use an herbicide to remove the growth.
Patio Paver Installation and Repair from Pavestone
While many homeowners can repair their paver patios, others will need a patio contractor to build a new one. Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc, is a reputable patio installer with the industry experience, skilled design teams, and dedicated crews who are ready to transform your outdoor living space.
Our designers work with you to grasp your ideas for your future patio and offer suggestions to enhance the look and functionality of the patio. Homeowners are presented with a variety of options, such as gorgeous natural stone slabs and durable brick pavers—in various textures, colors, and styles.
The patio installation is expertly done. We install the pavers to allow rainwater to drain into the soil underneath, thereby preventing the many issues improper drainage causes. Our crews treat brick pavers with surface coatings to help prevent stains and weathering. We also offer patio maintenance services.
Pavestone Brick Paving is the premier choice for homeowners in Des Plaines, Illinois, who desire high-quality patio installation. We are committed to excellence in workmanship and bringing your vision for a new patio to stunning reality. Call our Des Plaines office today to start the build of your dream patio.
