USING PAVERS TO UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING CONCRETE PATIO

If your ready for an aesthetic upgrade to your outdoor living space or driveway but aren’t looking forward to the hassle and expense of tearing up your existing concrete slab, you’re in luck. With proper preparation, concrete pavers can be installed on top of concrete without mortar.

While this type of installation is possible, you need to take certain precautions to prevent problems like drainage issues, settling and cracking. Here are some benefits of concrete pavers and timely tips for upgrading your existing concrete patio, driveway or walkway with beautiful concrete pavers.

THE BENEFITS OF CONCRETE PAVERS

Paving stones have become an increasingly popular material for driveways, patios, pool decks and walkways in the California Bay area. That’s because paving stones can add to your homes curb appeal as well as its value.

Paving stones come in literally hundreds of colors, styles, textures, and patterns that give you the opportunity to create a one of a kind look for your pool deck patio or driveway. Pavers have an elegant look when correctly installed can last a lifetime and are much easier to repair than traditional poured concrete or asphalt.

With proper installation, concrete pavers can be installed over existing poured concrete slabs if they’re in relatively good condition. This is known as an overlay, and it can be a great, affordable option for many homeowners.

TIPS FOR INSTALLING PAVERS OVER EXISTING CONCRETE SLABS NEAR YOU

With proper preparation and a little caution you can upgrade your drab concrete slab into beautiful, durable, hardscaping. Here are a few tips to make your overlay easier.

CONSIDER DRAINAGE

This is one of the biggest challenges for laying pavers over a concrete slab. If not properly slope, your concrete slab can prevent water from properly draining. Before you begin, make sure that water doesn’t puddle on your existing slab. Keep this drainage slope in mind when overlaying pavers and make sure that the edge that drains stays low and is constructed of permeable material. You can also drill small holes through the concrete every few inches to allow water to seep into the ground.

FILL JOINTS WITH POLYMERIC SAND

When you’ve finished laying your pavers, firm them up by adding polymeric sand to fill the joints. While sand joints are permeable, when properly set that can allow water to drain from the surface instead of puddling.

EDGING

Like any paver surface, a concrete slab overlay will need edging to keep the stones in place and to prevent the sand and pavers from settling or sliding. Make sure any edging you use allows water to drain. If it’s watertight your patio could turn into a puddle when it rains.

SEMI-MORTARED

If you aren’t interested in edging, you can use mortar or concrete adhesive to hold the perimeter course of pavers in place. To do this, you’ll need to clean the perimeter around the sand bed. Make sure that to sand bed and mortar are the same thickness to keep your blocks level. This method does however, create a non-permeable edge that could cause water to puddle underneath the pavers.

CONSIDER THE HEIGHT

Overlaying pavers will increase the height of your patio by as much as three inches higher than the original slab. Make sure to plan for any transitions to other areas of your landscaping, especially if your patio is connected to your home. Check your local building codes. Many municipalities specify how far a masonry patio needs to be from a home’s siding. You may need to install flashing to satisfy your local building code.

THE CONDITION OF YOUR EXISTING CONCRETE SLAB

If your existing patio is broken, cracked or in bad shape, or if adding pavers will block doorways or cause a tripping hazard, you may need to rethink overlaying pavers.

OVERLAYING IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DRIVEWAYS

As a general rule, overlay is not usable for driveways. The underlying slab doesn’t allow for any give and as a result, pavers are more likely to rock or crack.

Overlaying concrete pavers is an excellent way to up your home’s curb appeal and functionality. Pavers are durable, look great, and can add value to your home. Make sure to consider these tips before starting your project. Or speak with a hardscaping contractor to determine if an overlay is a possible solution.

If you’d like to learn more about overlaying pavers to improve the look of your Sonoma County home, give the experts at Bayside Pavers a call at 1-866-287-2837. We can help you design the perfect solution to meet your unique needs. Our knowledgeable team members are ready to help you create the outdoor living space you’ve been dreaming about!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CONCRETE PAVERS in CONCORD, CA

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area, our location in Concord, CA at  5039 Commercial Circle – Unit F, services East Bay and South Bay homeowners. Our Santa Rosa, CA location at 1619 4th Street Ste 12 can help you with your North Bay hardscaping projects.  Contact us today!