If you’ve ever walked on your concrete pavers and noticed that they seem to be sinking into the ground, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people have this problem, but there’s an easy solution.
In this post, we’ll go over how to repair sunken pavers so you can enjoy your patio or driveway again without worrying about tripping over any uneven spots!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Repairing sunken pavers is a common problem for homeowners with paver surfaces. |
| Sunken pavers can be caused by poor installation, inadequate base material, erosion, or soil settling. |
| Signs that your pavers may need repair include uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, and water pooling on the surface. |
| Repairing sunken pavers can often be done by the homeowner with the right tools and knowledge. |
| It’s important to properly level and add base material when repairing sunken pavers to prevent future sinking. |
Remove The Concrete Gravel Mix
Once you’ve removed the concrete gravel mix, use a shovel to remove any remaining dirt and grass. Make sure to keep track of where your pavers are so that you know exactly where to put them back when everything’s done.
Next, use a trowel or broom/broomstick to clean off any debris from the bottom of each paver. You’ll want to do this before placing it in its new position because if there’s leftover dirt on the bottom of one side of a paver, it won’t sit evenly on the ground and will eventually sink again!
Finally, sweep over all areas with leaves or dirt using a leaf blower (or just blow really hard). This will clear away any excess material while also helping pack down loose soil around each piece of pavers.”
Put In New Base Material
Remove the old base material. You can use a shovel or a hammer to break up the old base material, then use your hands and feet to remove it from the site.
Replace with new base material. The new base material should be compacted down and level to ensure that water will not be trapped between it and the pavers.
The surface of this layer should also be stable enough to hold in place while you work on repairing other parts of your walkway later.
Put In A Plastic Weed Barrier
Once you’ve placed your pavers, a plastic weed barrier can be laid on top of them. The weed barrier works by preventing weeds from growing through the pavers.
It’s called geotextile because it’s made from a fabric that allows water to pass through it but prevents roots from penetrating through it and growing into the sand beneath.
There are several different types of geotextile available to purchase, including rolls and sheets and mats that vary in thicknesses and sizes depending on how much coverage is required.
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Add More Base Material
The next step is to add more base material in order to fill the gaps between your pavers. You can use a tamper, broom and shovel to push the base material into place and make sure it is compacted well.
Once you have filled all of your sunken areas with new base material, sweep away any excess product on top of the pavers so that your walkway looks consistent.
Tamp Down The Base Material
Before you start laying the pavers, you’ll need to compact the base material into the voids between your existing pavers.
To do this, use a tamper with a flat surface that is either hand-operated or pneumatic. Tamp down each layer until it is flush with the surrounding pavers.
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Install Drainage Pipes If Necessary
If your pavers are sunken, it’s likely because they don’t have enough drainage. If you want to avoid this problem, install drainage pipes before you begin the project.
Drainage pipes should be installed in the trench before any base material is added, and the pipe should be placed about 2″ below grade for every 6″ of height above ground level.
The number of rows of drain tiles required varies based on several factors including soil type and climate zone (see our post on how to choose between gravel or perforated drain pipe).
If you’re installing new pavers over an existing concrete slab (or another hard surface), it’s possible that there aren’t any outlets for water to escape from underneath your paver patio or walkway—in this case it will be necessary for you to install some sort of underground drainage system if possible so that moisture doesn’t build up under your patio area!
Fill Back Up With Concrete Gravel Mix
To fill in a sunken paver, use a shovel to dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the paver. Pour concrete gravel mix into the hole and tamp it down with your hands until it’s level with the surrounding pavers.
Smooth out any bumps or uneven areas by using a trowel or tamper (a tool that looks like an oversized hammer). Continue filling holes until all of them are filled and evenly leveled with each other.
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Tamp Down Once Again, And Rake The Surface Smooth
To get the surface just right, you’ll need to tamp down your pavers for a second time. A hand tamper should do the trick—it’s much faster than a hammer and will give you greater control over how much force is applied to each paver.
This can be a very tedious process, but it’s worth it in order to achieve an even surface that looks nice and is easy on feet!
You’ll also want to use a hand raker or broom here so that when you go over the tamped areas with water again later on in step 6 below, there aren’t any loose chunks of dirt or other debris left behind when they get wetted down again (that would make them slippery).
Level The Pavers In Their Beds, And Gently Tamp Them Down
Once you have the pavers leveled and compacted, use a rubber mallet to tamp them into place. It’s important to be gentle here so that you don’t risk damaging the surface of your concrete pad or breaking any of your pavers.
Use a carpenter’s level (a metal square with two adjustable legs) to check for levelness as you tamp down each row. If one side of a paver is higher than another, it will throw off the whole foundation’s alignment, which can cause cracking elsewhere in your sidewalk or driveway later on.
If you don’t have access to a carpenter’s level, you can use either a laser level or spirit level for this task instead—just give some thought about where these tools are most likely going to end up when they’re not being used!
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Sweep In Sand And Mist With Water To Keep Them From Shifting
Sweep sand into the cracks. Once you have loosened the pavers and swept away any dirt or debris, use a broom to sweep sand into the cracks. This step will help to keep your pavers from shifting after you have repaired them.
Mist with water after sweeping in the sand. After you’ve swept in some new concrete, mist it with water so that it absorbs moisture and becomes hardens faster than dry concrete would have done. Be sure not to use too much water at once—you don’t want puddles!
Let dry for 24 hours before using your patio or driveway again!
Mist With Water To Set The Polymeric Sand, And Let Dry For 24 Hours Before Using Your Paver Patio Or Driveway
Mist with water to set the polymeric sand, and let dry for 24 hours before using your paver patio or driveway.
Do not use a power washer to clean the sand after it has been installed, as it can cause damage to the pavers and their joints.
The polymeric sand should be allowed to dry thoroughly before using your paver patio or driveway because if you sweep up the sand into your patio joints, it will trap moisture in there and lead to premature cracking of those joints over time
“Installing pavers correctly is essential for ensuring a durable and long-lasting surface. Check out our guide on the best way to install pavers for expert advice on preparing the surface, laying the pavers, and finishing the job to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.”
Conclusion
There are a few different ways to repair sunken pavers, but the most important thing you can do is make sure that the area where your pavers sank isn’t too wet.
That way, when you do repair them, they’ll be less likely to sink again when they dry out. If you’re not sure how much water an area might get, it’s always best to consult a professional before attempting any repairs yourself!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about how to repair sunken pavers, here are some additional resources:
Western Interlock: How to Repair Sinking Patio Pavers – This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to repair sunken pavers, including removing and leveling the pavers and adding new base material.
Instructables: Repair Sunken Pavers – This tutorial provides a detailed guide on how to repair sunken pavers using a variety of methods, including using sand, soil, and gravel.
Fantastic Services Group: How to Fix, Level, and Repair Pavers – This comprehensive guide covers a range of paver repair topics, including how to fix and level sunken pavers, as well as how to repair cracks and other damage.
FAQs
What causes pavers to sink?
Pavers can sink due to a variety of factors, including poor installation, inadequate base material, erosion, and soil settling.
How do I know if my pavers need to be repaired?
Signs that your pavers may need repair include uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, and water pooling on the surface.
Can I repair sunken pavers myself?
Yes, with the right tools and knowledge, you can repair sunken pavers yourself. However, for more extensive repairs or if you’re unsure of the cause of the sinking, it may be best to consult a professional.
What tools do I need to repair sunken pavers?
Some of the tools you may need to repair sunken pavers include a shovel, level, tamper, and additional base material.
How long does it take to repair sunken pavers?
The time it takes to repair sunken pavers depends on the extent of the damage and the method used to repair them. Simple repairs can often be completed in a day, while more extensive repairs may take longer.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.