The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
The longevity of the overall installation of this paving material is typically higher than that of other materials. The best thing about pavers is that they are designed to last a lifetime. They may develop cracks at some point, but that's not a problem because they can easily be replaced.
Cobblestones are one of the most durable paver options; cobblestones should last for at least a century.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
Con: Paver Patios Grow Weeds Over Time
Paver patios are built from individual small pieces. They have a lot of joints that are filled with sand when first installed. Over time the sand can wash out and needs to be replenished and maintained.
Pavers should be resealed every 3 to 4 years on average. You will know when your pavers need to be resealed because water will stop beading on the surface and the sheen will diminish. In addition, you may notice weeds starting to grow in between joints and the pavers may start to lose their color.
When considering a patio replacement or tackling any other outdoor project, most people assume spring or early summer is the best time. While this time of year does have its benefits, we believe the cooler, autumn months are the perfect time to update your outdoor space.
Unfortunately, pavers sink from time-to-time, most commonly because of uneven soil drainage. There is hope, however! To fix sunken pavers, follow the six-step process we've outlined below. Sunken pavers are quite the tripping hazard and can leave you with large, unsightly puddles of water.
Whether you use cement pavers or want stone driveway paving, paving bricks and stones are typically stronger than concrete and can hold more weight on the surface before a crack shows up. Most pavers can withstand up to 8,000 psi (pounds per square inch) as opposed to concrete, which can support up to 2,500 psi.
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
Concrete is prone to cracking and breaking over time along with color degradation, while pavers are much more durable and can withstand heavy traffic without showing signs of wear. In terms of appearance, pavers add a natural elegance to any outdoor space that concrete simply cannot match.
The truth is that pavers can add value to your home. The amount of value that is added will depend on several different factors. For instance, the first factor to consider is your property's current size and the area in which it is located. Aside from this, how the pavers are used will also make a difference.
The sealant will wear with time, of course, but generally, you don't need to reseal at intervals less than three to five years to keep your pavers protected, prevent weed growth, and keep the original color vibrant and deep. Be sure that the same sealant that was originally applied is used in the resealing process.
Lay the New Paving Slabs: With the surface level and prepared, you can now lay the new paving slabs on top of the old ones. Use a full mortar bed on top of the old slabs to ensure an even bed on which to lay the new paving.
Pavers are Durable
Patio pavers not only look good, but they are also very durable. They're strong, abrasion-resistant, and flexible. They can take a lot of hits without cracking, and they are extremely weather resistant. Snow, ice, rain, and even small earthquakes won't damage your patio.
Pavers are great for patios, since they allow water to seep through and not form puddles and pools.
It's simple science. Water moves in between things and by adding pavers to your landscaping, you're ensuring there are cracks and joints between them, which allows water to drain through. One thing to remember though is to allow sufficient space between pavers to allow water drainage.
Whilst it is technically possible to lay pavers on bare, unprepared ground, this practice is not recommended as the ground will shift over time, causing the pavers to develop a sunken look, or even crack.
The traditional base for a paver patio is 4–6” of compacted gravel above your dirt. If you're installing a driveway or road intended for vehicular traffic, you'll need to double the thickness of your gravel layer.
First launched by Techniseal in the early 2000s, polymeric sand is today considered as the ultimate paver jointing material out there!
How Much Does It Cost to Clean and Reseal Pavers per Square Foot? In total, you should expect to pay around $2 per square foot to clean and seal pavers. The price may vary between $1 and $3 per square foot, depending on the sealant and method of cleaning.
You're wondering what happens if you don't seal pavers. Your pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they'll likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. You'll also need to clean them more often, and the stains won't be as easy to remove.