Pavers FAQ

Common questions when considering using pavers:

Question: Can they be installed by the Do-It-Yourselfer?
Answer: Absolutely. We carry several guides that explain the installation procedures for pavers. Intricate or large installations can be time- and equipment-consuming, and this should be weighed against having a professional do the install. We have had hundreds of people who have bought pavers to install themselves, and nobody in seven years, has ever come back to say they couldn’t do it. We can offer literature and personal advice on how to get started and what to be careful with. If you decide that you want a professional, we can recommend several that are licensed and experienced.

Question: Can pavers fail?
Answer: Pavers installed correctly will outlast asphalt and concrete, but before you start, be aware that there are several reasons why paver installations fail. The principal reason is the base under the pavers was not compacted correctly before the pavers were laid. The second is the edge restraint is insufficient for the traffic on the edges. Base installation before laying pavers is a critical step that should not be skipped or minimized. It is literally the foundation on which everything else depends. Poor base preparation will show through, sometimes long after the project is finished, with parts of the surface sinking, destroying the smooth uniform look. Edge restraint design must take into consideration what kind of forces will be on the edge. A walkway can be much easier to install than a driveway that has cars driving on the edge.

Question: What do I do if I stain one and need to replace it?
Answer: Since pavers are solid colored throughout, you can try and use some cleaning agents and solvents. A paste of laundry detergent and water will work wonders on most stains. There are more aggressive measures but, in general, anything that works on concrete can be used on pavers.

If you want to replace the paver, you may not need to lift up a large area to replace it. Prying from the sides and working them out with two screw drivers can lift most pavers free. Be sure you have the replacement ready when removing the old one. As a last resort, where you can't clean and you can't lift out, try a weak acid solution of Muratic acid (pool acid) mixed with water (one part acid/ten parts water). This isn’t going to do anything for grease or oil-based stains, but will work with hard-water stains. Try this first on a small area; acid will eat into concrete, so you want to be very careful with this technique. As always, when using any cleaning materials or acids, make sure you have the right protective gear.

Question: Can I install pavers over an existing driveway of walkway?
Answer: In general, it is not recommended, but there are instances where it will work. In many cases, people want to install pavers because the existing walkway, driveway or patio is bad. Normally, it is severely cracked or sinking in places. The same problems that caused the existing concrete or asphalt failure will cause the pavers to move if they are laid over the top.

Pavers can be installed over a very good concrete slab that was poured over a very good base material. The main question to ask is if your concrete has failed in a vertical plane, the pavers will show the same vertical displace if additional settling occurs. If the concrete has small cracks due to sideways shifting of the concrete, you have a better chance of being able to lay over this condition without it showing. Finally, is all of the settling and shifting finished? If the concrete hasn't moved in 10 years, it probably isn't going to move once you have pavers on the top. We don't recommend installing pavers over any asphalt.

Question: What is efflorescence?
Answer: Efflorescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon that causes a white deposit on the face of any concrete product. It has to do with leaching of salts out of the concrete matrix and depositing on the surface when the water evaporates. It is not considered a defect of the material. It has no adverse effect on the physical structure of the product, and will normally wear away naturally with weathering. It can be cleaned off with a number of commercial cleaners. It should not be confused with hard water stains, although both may require the same weathering or cleaning to eliminate.

Question: Should I seal pavers?
Answer: There are many opinions on the subject. Sealing offers several features that some people find beneficial. On the pro side, sealing will help protect the surface from staining, and may make the pavers easier to clean. It will also seal up pores, so that you don’t lose the color with dust filling those pores. Some people like a "wet look" appearance and some sealers may help to prevent efflorescence. On the con side, most sealers do wear off and may leave the appearance uneven looking. Some climates are pretty hard on sealer finishes; it normally needs to be re-installed every couple of years and if you don't like it, it may be very difficult to remove or renovate.

Marvel Building & Masonry Supply, Inc.

Landscaping & Masonry Headquarters
5 Convenient Locations

Pavers FAQ

Marvel Building & Masonry Supply, Inc.

Landscaping & Masonry Headquarters 5 Convenient Locations

Pavers FAQ

Landscaping & Masonry Headquarters
5 Convenient Locations