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.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
They are also easier to clean, because they do not require sealing. Concrete, on the other hand, needs a sealant to prevent staining and cracking. This means you must apply a sealant every year or two to avoid staining. Pavers last longer than concrete.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Paving stones typically cost more than concrete initially. However, we've seen that over time they make up the difference. Here's why: they're easy to maintain, cheaper to repair, and they typically have a longer life. Additionally, installing paving stones adds significant value to your home.
Classic concrete pavers, traditional brick and timeless cobblestones are the three best choices when considering durability.
That makes fall the perfect time to pour. The weather is cool enough to make working outdoors easier, and it's also dry enough that rain shouldn't interfere too much with any excavating you may need to do to put the pavers down.
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.
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.
Pavers that shift out of place can be caused be a number of things. One very common cause is a base that is not deep enough. A contractor can save a lot on materials by skimping the base, but it will compromise the structure of the pavement. Too much sand in the base can also cause pavers to shift or heave.
Porcelain pavers are renowned for their excellent durability. For a more natural approach, granite stone is also incredibly hardwearing.
A 1/2-inch gap between the pavers and the foundation is recommended – once it allows for proper water drainage and prevents water from seeping into your home.
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.
Applying a sealant can prevent stains and other signs of aging plus it makes it far easier to wash away the dirt, grease, and grime that they're regularly exposed to without leaving behind residual effects. Sealers also offer some degree of moisture resistance.
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.
Installing pavers over concrete outdoor living
This can stop the pavers from naturally moving with the earth and cause issues later on. Pavers are also better for drainage since the sand bedding will absorb excess water from rain and cleaning but this is prevented if concrete is placed directly underneath.
Thick pavers are less likely to crack under the intense weight of cars. How thick should driveway pavers be? Weather conditions and soil texture are key elements determining driveway thickness. But it is generally recommended to lay between 2 inch thick pavers to 3 inch thick pavers.