Paving Over Existing Concrete: Installing Pavers

When it comes to creating robust and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces, pavers have always taken center stage. One common question that arises is whether pavers can be installed over existing concrete. The answer is yes, but it's crucial to approach this project carefully to ensure longevity and durability. Let's delve into the details of installing pavers over concrete.

The first step in this process is ensuring the concrete surface is clean, flat, and stable. This lays the foundation for a successful paver installation. Now, let's explore the intricacies of this process under two main topics: Preparation and Installation.

Preparation

Thorough preparation is key to a successful paver installation. Before laying your first paver, you need to ensure the concrete surface is ready.

The concrete surface should be clean and free of debris. Use a concrete cleaner or a power washer to remove any dirt, grease, or mildew. If the concrete is severely cracked or damaged, it might be best to replace it before proceeding.

Leveling the Concrete

Concrete slabs can settle over time, creating an uneven surface. Before installing pavers, ensure the concrete is level. Use a self-leveling compound or sand-cement mix to fill depressions and create a smooth surface.

Alternatively, you can use a mudjacking or slabjacking process to lift and level the concrete. This involves drilling small holes in the concrete, injecting a grout-like material to lift it, then filling the holes. This process should be done professionally to avoid damaging the concrete further.

Allowing for Moisture Vapor Transmission

Concrete naturally releases moisture vapor, which can push up through pavers and cause them to fail if not handled properly. To prevent this, apply a vapor barrier to the concrete surface before installing the pavers.

Commonly used vapor barriers include bituminous membrane, acrylic liquid membrane, and plastic sheets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Remember to seal the edges of the barrier to prevent moisture from seeping around it.

Installation

After preparing the concrete surface, you're ready to install your pavers. The installation process involves several steps to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful result.

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials: pavers, a laying pattern you like, sharp pins and string for setting up gridlines, saws for cutting pavers, a rubber mallet, trowel, level, and polymeric sand for joining.

Laying the Pavers

Start by marking out your gridlines, spacing them to match the dimensions of your pavers. Begin laying the pavers at the highest point of your installation area to allow for water drainage. Ensure each paver is level and aligned with the gridlines, tapping them down gently with a rubber mallet if necessary.

As you lay the pavers, maintain a consistent joint width - typically around 1/8" to 1/4". Use half pavers or cut pavers as needed to fit around the edges or around obstacles like plumbing fixtures.

Sealing the Joints

After all pavers are laid, clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, apply polymeric sand to the joints. This fills the voids, helps prevent weed growth, and improves stability.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Typically, you spread a layer of sand over the surface, sweep it into the joints using a push broom, and then squeegee off any excess. Allow the sand to cure according to the package directions before washing off any residue.

Installing pavers over concrete can create a stunning, durable finish for your outdoor space. However, it's crucial to ensure the concrete surface is clean, level, and stable before proceeding. By following these steps and taking the time to prepare the surface correctly, your paver installation will last for years to come. Now that you know the ins and outs of paving over concrete, why not start planning your next outdoor project?