Repairing Mortarless Set Pavers

Paver Repair Introduction | Repair Guide | Mortarless Repairs | Mortared Repairs

PAVER REPAIRS: REPAIRING MORTARLESS PAVING

Introduction to Repairing Pavers

The following article will provide step by step information on how to repair a mortarless paving installation. This can be easily performed by the do-it-yourselfer.

Often times you will notice that your paver’s installation, whether it is your driveway, patio or walkway, has areas that seem to have sunken in, creating an uneven surface. It is very important to repair such findings not only for aesthetic purposes but also for safety reasons. You don’t want anyone tripping over and injuring themselves on your property, whether it is family members or friends.

Before you begin to repair your sunken pavers, you should first of all determine the cause of the damage. This will enable you to find the cause and eliminate it, so the same repairs are not needed down the track. It may be water erosion damage, in which case you will need to redirect the flow of water or perhaps use mortar

Tools and Materials

• Coarse Sand, one with sharp edged particles, for better compaction.
• Spirit level
• Broom
• Shovel
• Mallet

Step One: Remove Damaged Pavers Start off by removing all damaged Pavers from the site. Whether they are loose, chipped, broken or have sunken from underneath, remove all the pavers from the affected areas and the surrounding areas.

Step Two: Replace the Sand

 Once you have removed all affected pavers, it is now time for you to replace the sand bedding. It must be replaced to the same level as the unaffected areas. The reason for using coarsely grained sand is so that it compacts together well forming a strong base bedding for the pavers to set into, and hopefully prevent sinking in the future.

Step Three: Resetting Pavers

Now you can start to replace the old pavers with new ones. Remember to constantly check the level of the new pavers with the surrounding ones, with the use of a spirit level. Use the rubber mallet to tap the pavers into the sand bedding.

Step Four: Filling the Joints

Once the new pavers are set into the sand bedding, you can now sweep sand over the area, which will fill up the joints between the newly set pavers. Then spray the area with water, just to dampen it, this will allow the sand to sink down. Then repeat the process of sweeping the sand over the area until the joints are completely filled.