Common paver problems
- Sunken or uneven pavers, often near downspouts, pool edges or where a car turns.
- Pavers lifted by tree roots.
- Sand washing out of the joints after heavy rain, which lets pavers shift.
- Weeds and ants in the joints.
- Black mold and mildew in shady, damp areas.
- Stains from oil, rust, sprinklers and leaves.
- White haze (efflorescence) on newer pavers.
How repairs work
The big advantage of pavers is that they can be fixed in place. For a sunken area, the crew pulls up the pavers, adds and compacts base material, re-screeds the sand, and relays the same pavers. For root damage they may cut the offending root or add a root barrier first. Broken or badly stained pavers can be replaced one by one if matching pavers are available.
Cleaning and sealing
A typical service is a pressure wash, fresh joint sand (often polymeric sand, which hardens and resists washout and weeds), then a sealer. Sealing helps lock the joint sand, resists stains and mold, and can bring back the color. Some sealers leave a wet look and others a natural matte finish.
How often to reseal depends on sun, shade and traffic. Many Florida homeowners reseal every few years. Ask the company which sealer they use and whether it is suited to pool decks if the area gets wet often.
Before you hire anyone
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Get the quote in writing, and ask whether re-sanding and any re-leveling are included.
- Ask what kind of sealer is used, and whether it adds grip.
- Be wary of door-knockers offering a quick spray-on seal without cleaning or re-sanding.
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Paver Sealing & Repair questions
Why are my pavers sinking?
Usually because the base under them was too thin, wasn't compacted well, or is being washed out by water from a downspout or pool. Re-leveling fixes the spot, but the water source should be fixed too.
What is the white haze on my new pavers?
That is usually efflorescence, a natural salt residue from concrete. It often fades on its own over the first months. A cleaner made for efflorescence can remove it before sealing.
Does sealing stop weeds?
It helps. Polymeric joint sand plus a sealer makes it much harder for weeds to root in the joints, though some may still blow in over time.
Can you match my old pavers?
Sometimes. Many paver lines stay in production for years. If an exact match isn't available, pavers can be borrowed from a hidden area, like under a grill or planter, and replaced there with a close match.