How to Repair a Paver Patio
Pavers that are used for a walkway or patio can sometimes become damaged, moved out of place or cracked due to stress caused by weather conditions and continuous use. Pavers that have cracks should be replaced not only to restore the aesthetic look of the patio but also to keep it level. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Coarse sand
- Pry bar
- Hammer or mallet
- Chisel
- Masonry sand
- Pavers
- Level
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Water hose
- Push broom
Instructions
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Mortarless Patio
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1
Determine the cause of the damage to the pavers before extracting them and making repairs. Depending on the cause, you may be able to prevent the problem from occurring again.
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2
Loosen the sand that was used to fill in the joints between the pavers. You can use the end of a pry bar or a screwdriver to loosen the sand around individual pavers.
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3
Insert the pry bar into the joint and pull back until the paver comes loose. You can also use a hammer or mallet to pound the pry bar into the joint. Be careful not to damage the surrounding pavers. Remove as many pavers as you need to repair the patio.
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4
Add new coarse sand to create a new base for the pavers. Make sure the sand is at the same level as the sand under the surrounding pavers so the new pavers will be set at the same height.
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5
Put the new pavers on the sand base and tap them into place with a rubber mallet.
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6
Check to see if the pavers are level with the surrounding pavers by using a 2-foot level.
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7
Sweep sand into the joints between the new pavers.
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8
Spray the new pavers lightly with water to compact the sand and then sweep the remaining sand into the joints.
Mortared Patio
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9
Remove the grout surrounding the pavers using a hammer and chisel.
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10
Insert the pry bar into the joint and pull back until the paver comes loose. Remove as many pavers as you need to repair the patio.
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11
Remove the mortar along the edges of the pavers that are still in the patio with the hammer and chisel. Clean out the paver base to remove any mortar that remains as well.
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12
Mix a batch of mortar by following the instructions on the package. Place a layer of mortar along the base and on the bottom of the pavers with a trowel. Set the pavers in place and make sure they are level with the existing pavers.
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13
Apply grout between the joints using a trowel.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep extra pavers on hand so you will have the same type of paver available to replace a cracked or broken one.
Tapping too hard on the new paver with the mallet may crack or damage it.
