Paver repair, resetting and sealing
Pavers that have heaved or sunk can usually be fixed without starting over. Here's how repair works.
One of the best things about pavers is that each unit is separate. When a section heaves after a wet spring or settles over a soft spot, a contractor can pull those pavers, correct what's underneath, and put the same pavers back. That's far less disruptive than breaking out and repouring a cracked slab.
What causes pavers to move around Fort Collins?
- Swelling clay. When the soil under the base gets wet, it can lift part of the patio. Sprinklers, downspouts and poor grading are common sources of that water.
- Frost. Water trapped in the base or bedding layer freezes and expands, especially in shaded spots that stay frozen longer.
- A thin or loose base. The most common cause of ruts and low spots.
- Weak edges. Without a solid restraint, pavers spread and joints open.
- Lost joint sand. Heavy rain, wind and pressure washing empty the joints so pavers loosen and weeds move in.
- Tree roots lifting pavers in older, tree-lined neighborhoods.
What does a repair involve?
- Lift the pavers in the problem area and stack them nearby.
- Find the cause, such as a wet spot, a missing drain or a soft base, and fix it.
- Add and compact base as needed, then re-screed the bedding layer.
- Reset the pavers, replacing any broken units.
- Restore the edge restraint, sweep in joint sand and compact.
Cleaning and sealing
High-altitude sun fades color over time, and winters bring ice melt residue and tracked-in grit. A white haze called efflorescence can show up on new concrete pavers and often fades on its own. A contractor can clean the surface, refill joints with polymeric sand that firms up and resists weeds, and apply a sealer if you want richer color and easier cleanup. Sealing is optional; ask about the pros and cons for your pavers.
Signs it's time to call
- A raised hump or ridge that wasn't there last year
- Puddles or ice patches that form in the same spot
- Pavers that wobble underfoot
- Edges pulling away into the lawn or rock
- Weeds in most of the joints
Every yard is different, so the contractor prices the job after walking the site, checking the soil and grade, and talking through the layout and pavers you like. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can heaved pavers be fixed without replacing them?
Usually. The pavers are lifted, the cause is corrected, the base is reworked and the same pavers are reset. Broken units can be swapped.
Should I pressure wash my pavers?
Carefully, if at all. High pressure can blow the sand out of the joints. Re-sand afterward, or have a contractor clean and re-sand them.
Related services
- Paver patios
- Paver walkways and driveways
- Gas fire pits and outdoor living
- Seat walls and retaining walls
More background: Fort Collins paver patio guide.
Want a patio that shrugs off clay soil and hard freezes?
Call now and a local paver contractor will look at your yard and quote the work.