Paving stones add an exquisite touch to any home, making the outdoor space more appealing and functional. Paving stones are a popular choice for homeowners, primarily because of their durability and resilience. However, despite their durability, paving stones are not immune to damage. Paving stones can crack due to weather changes, foot traffic, or vehicular traffic. Pavers are a great way to improve the look of an area, but if they have sunken or broken, they can do quite the opposite, not only that they can become a safety issue, so it’s important to fix them as soon as you start to notice an issue. The great news is that virtually anyone can tackle this task with ease. Here we’ll explain how to get your pavers looking brand new again. If your paving stones are cracked, it is crucial to repair them to prevent further damage to your property. This article will provide the best guide on repairing cracked paving stones.

Paving Stones Repair

For the outdoor environment, such as garden areas and outdoor pool sides, paving bricks are the most natural and suitable choice. The reason for choosing brick paving is its aesthetic looks, resistance to various weather conditions, cost-effectiveness, and longevity. But over time they shift, sink, and heave as the ground moves and erodes. That was the problem faced by most of the homeowners with their outdoor stairs: at well over 30 years old, they had shifted and sunk to the point that they were a tripping hazard!

Paving stone repair is a task that requires careful attention to detail. Repairing cracked paving stones is essential to keep the outdoor space functional and aesthetically pleasing. There are two main approaches to repairing cracked paving stones: DIY repair and hiring a paving stones repair service.

DIY Paving Stones Repair

If you decide to repair your cracked paving stones yourself, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure a successful repair.

Step 1: Assess the Damage 

The first step in repairing your paving stones is to assess the damage. Determine the severity of the crack and whether the surrounding area is also damaged. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the entire paving stone. If the damage is minor, you can repair the crack.

Step 2: Fix the underlying problem

There is almost always an underlying cause for shifting pavers. In most cases, the likely cause of the soil erosion under my paver steps is poor roof drainage. The rainwater tends to pool at the top of the steps and either runs down the steps like a waterfall or slowly seeps through the ground under the steps. If you can find the reason why your pavers are shifting, fix that first! Or at least fix it soon after repairing the pavers.

Step 3: Pry Out the Pavers

The next step is to pry out the pavers using assorted levers. The location for starting the prying can be chosen at any appropriate point. It can be started from the edge or any other location depending on the intensity of the damage. In most cases of stairs, it can be started with a loose center brick. By jamming a screwdriver into an edge, I was able to gradually wiggle the paver upwards until enough was exposed to grab it by hand. With one paver loose, it’s easy to pull up the rest. Some came loose by hand, and others needed a little encouragement from a pry bar or screwdriver.

Bricks are then placed on a scrap piece of plywood off to the side, in more or less the same pattern as they’d been removed. During this time, any dust around the edges can also be cleaned out.

Step 3: Clean the Area

Before you can repair the crack, you need to clean the area thoroughly. Use a broom or a pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris from the crack. This will help the repair material adhere better to the surface.

Step 4: Fill the Crack

Once the area is clean, you can fill the crack. Use a concrete filler or a crack filler specifically designed for paving stones. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and ensure that you fill the crack.

Step 5: Smooth the Surface

After filling the crack, use a trowel or a putty knife to smooth the surface. Ensure that the surface is level with the surrounding paving stones.

Step 5: Allow the Filler to Dry

Allow the filler to dry completely before walking or driving on the surface. The drying time will vary depending on the product you used.

Hiring a Paving Stones Repair Service

If you do not feel comfortable repairing your paving stones yourself, you can hire a paving stones repair service. Hiring a professional service has several advantages, including:

Experience: Professional repair services have experience repairing all types of paving stones and can quickly identify the best repair solution.

Tools and Equipment: Professional services have the tools and equipment necessary to repair paving stones effectively.

Time-Saving: Repairing paving stones can be time-consuming. Hiring a professional service will save you time and effort.

When choosing a paving stones repair service, consider the following:

Reputation: Choose a service with a good reputation in the industry. Look for customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality of their work.

Cost: Compare the cost of different services and choose one that fits your budget.

Licensing and Insurance: Ensure that the service you choose has proper licensing and insurance.

Conclusion

Repairing cracked paving stones is essential to maintain the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. DIY repairs can be done with a few simple steps while hiring a professional service can save time and effort. When repairing your paving stones, assess the damage, clean the area, fill the crack, smooth the surface, and allow the filler to dry. When hiring a professional service, choose a reputable company with proper licensing and insurance. With the proper repair, your paving stones will continue to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space for years to come