Pavers Over Concrete? Should I, or Not?

Installing pavers over concrete defeats some of the main benefits that you get with pavers.
Once you understand how pavers work, you will find that removing concrete before installing pavers will ensure a long-lasting paver driveway, patio, pool deck or walkway.
Flexibility of pavers
  • Pavers are designed to be flexible with the surface. They are installed so they can move with the earth as the temperatures warm and cool.
  • The individual installation of pavers makes it possible to complete repairs with as little disturbance as possible.
  • Drainage! Where is the water going to go when it weeps between the pavers and then sits under them trapped by adhesive dams used to glue your pavers down. And then it freezes.
  • Concrete cracks because of its lack of flexibility. Each crack can be a challenge to repair and would cause issues with any products installed on top of the concrete.
  • Installing a paver walkway will increase your curb appeal.
Paver foundation
The right foundation extends the life of the paver project. The paver installation process will involve the removal and replacement of unsuitable soil with materials like Geo-fabric that help make the pavers work better and last longer.
Choose a Leave Your Mark! recommended contractor who will provide a strong foundation and high quality work for your paver project. The best process involves digging down 4 to 6 inches beneath the ground. The soil and roots that are removed are replaced with a gravel base and bedding sand. These materials create the foundation that will provide your pavers installation with the lasting results you desire.
The removal of old concrete can also be easier than trying to install on top of an existing concrete base.
Look at it this way, trying to install a new house on an old foundation can cause many issues. The foundation already has its weaknesses and its issues that will cause problems with the new installation. Old concrete provides many of the same challenges to a paver installation.
A clean start provides the best results.
It may seem like the easier path to install pavers on top of concrete. But in the long run, removing the concrete will provide the cleanest and strongest path for your paver installation. While Leave Your Mark! will not say you can’t or shouldn’t do this, for lifetime results that you will be pleased with, ground prep is THE key factor.