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.
I like that you mentioned how pavers are designed to be flexible with the surface. I didn’t know that they are made that way so they can move with the land as the temperature changes. My sister is planning to get pavers for her patio. I’ll be sure to recommend that they buy concrete pavers because it is easier to install.
I didn’t know that pavers are installed so they can move with the earth as the temperature changes. The pavement in our house has a lot of cracks already. My dad suggested having contractors to install new pavers and shared this article with us.
Think of the ground as you would when you are putting a sheet on a bed. You stand and flick it onto the bed and it naturally floats over the mattress. But, while it does this, it has a natural wave, much like waves in the ocean that occur before it levels out. Your sheet is like pavers that ride the air current and flex as it lays flat. Now try to do this with a piece of plywood instead of a sheet. Much like concrete, the plywood is rigid and can’t “ride” the air currents and it puts a lot of stress on the board.
You don’t ever want to put a sheet of plywood on your bed, just like one shouldn’t want to put pavers over concrete.
I like how you mentioned that it’s important to keep track of the drainage and where the water is to be swept since they can freeze. I’d be sure to remember your tips and think carefully whether I should get a concrete or a paver. I might try asking some contractors before making a decision. Thanks! Our house should be able to last for a bit more without the need of renovations or repairs at the moment.
Thanks for the interesting read about the difference between pavers and concrete! It’s interesting to learn that since pavers are individually installed it can make complete repairs with as little disturbance possible. I’d be sure to keep your article in mind and have a consultation with a professional landscaper for more ideas. As of now, I think pavers would definitely suit my family’s need in our new home.
We have quite a number of clients that feel the easy way to install pavers is to just place them over the concrete.
While on certain rare occasions, this could possibly work, the best way we have experienced is as the article states, start with a solid foundation that the pavers can work well with.
August 31, 2018 @ 5:51 am
I like that you mentioned how pavers are designed to be flexible with the surface. I didn’t know that they are made that way so they can move with the land as the temperature changes. My sister is planning to get pavers for her patio. I’ll be sure to recommend that they buy concrete pavers because it is easier to install.
January 16, 2018 @ 2:15 am
I didn’t know that pavers are installed so they can move with the earth as the temperature changes. The pavement in our house has a lot of cracks already. My dad suggested having contractors to install new pavers and shared this article with us.
January 16, 2018 @ 3:49 pm
Hi Kayla~
Think of the ground as you would when you are putting a sheet on a bed. You stand and flick it onto the bed and it naturally floats over the mattress. But, while it does this, it has a natural wave, much like waves in the ocean that occur before it levels out. Your sheet is like pavers that ride the air current and flex as it lays flat. Now try to do this with a piece of plywood instead of a sheet. Much like concrete, the plywood is rigid and can’t “ride” the air currents and it puts a lot of stress on the board.
You don’t ever want to put a sheet of plywood on your bed, just like one shouldn’t want to put pavers over concrete.
Good luck with your project!
October 28, 2017 @ 4:42 am
I like how you mentioned that it’s important to keep track of the drainage and where the water is to be swept since they can freeze. I’d be sure to remember your tips and think carefully whether I should get a concrete or a paver. I might try asking some contractors before making a decision. Thanks! Our house should be able to last for a bit more without the need of renovations or repairs at the moment.
November 27, 2017 @ 11:13 pm
Hey, Thanks Elsa for the reply!
You are correct that you should always get the opinion of a licensed, bonded contractor when determining what your final projects needs are.
Good luck with your project!
October 26, 2017 @ 5:02 am
Thanks for the interesting read about the difference between pavers and concrete! It’s interesting to learn that since pavers are individually installed it can make complete repairs with as little disturbance possible. I’d be sure to keep your article in mind and have a consultation with a professional landscaper for more ideas. As of now, I think pavers would definitely suit my family’s need in our new home.
October 8, 2016 @ 1:02 pm
Great post. I will be facing many of these issues as well..
October 8, 2016 @ 4:23 pm
Thanks Swim!
We have quite a number of clients that feel the easy way to install pavers is to just place them over the concrete.
While on certain rare occasions, this could possibly work, the best way we have experienced is as the article states, start with a solid foundation that the pavers can work well with.
Here’s hoping you project goes smoothly!