Brick Paver Repair vs. Replacement: Warning Signs to Watch For

When you first got them, your brick pavers were a beautiful enhancement to your property’s curb appeal and functionality. Unfortunately, time wears on all outdoor surfaces that are exposed to the elements. Brick patios, driveways, and walkways must be carefully maintained to protect both their appearance and their structural integrity. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your pavers and save you money. For homeowners with pavers that are already damaged, the choice between repairing existing pavers or replacing them entirely can be a difficult one. At JLR Brick Pavers, we help Michigan homeowners make this decision with confidence.

Common Warning Signs Your Brick Pavers Need Attention

Pavers that need repair or replacement will give you several warning signs:

• Uneven or sunken pavers create tripping problems and suggest underlying issues.
• Cracks or broken bricks allow water infiltration that can damage the base material.
• Shifting or separating pavers indicate a failed interlocking system.
• Drainage problems or standing water show a loss of proper grading.
• Excessive joint erosion creates real estate for weed growth and water damage.

Any of these issues is a reason to consider either repair or replacement of the impacted pavers, or in some cases, the entire installation.

Understanding the Causes: Why Pavers Fail

One of the best ways to prevent future problems is to understand why pavers fail and take steps to avoid those conditions.

• Michigan’s weather extremes and the resulting freeze/thaw cycles cause expansion and contraction that can crack pavers.
• Heavy rain erodes joint sand and the ground beneath pavers, which can undermine the base material and cause shifting.
• A poor initial installation or inadequate base layer will inevitably manifest as several problems within a few years.
• Poor drainage or slope issues can lead to erosion or soil movement under the pavers, causing shifting and related problems.
• High-traffic areas or surfaces that must bear heavy loads, like vehicles, will wear much more quickly than their less-trafficked counterparts.

Even under perfect conditions, all pavers experience natural wear and tear over time. Quality materials and proper installation can mitigate some of those issues, significantly extending lifespan, but cannot prevent them entirely.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

When deciding whether to repair or replace your brick pavers, you’ll need to make an honest assessment of the damage and your long-term goals. For minor cracks that affect just a few pavers, repair is often the best solution. In these cases, repair is cost-effective and can extend the life of the paver by years. However, if most of the pavers are damaged or if pavers have excessive joint spacing that can no longer be properly maintained, replacement becomes the more logical option. Severe drainage problems that require complete reconstruction of the base also make replacement the right choice.

The cost of repairs is also something to factor in. When you do, remember that a new installation comes with a new warranty and greater durability. If the cost of repairs exceeds half the cost of replacement, the long-term financial benefits of replacement tip the scales in favor of replacement. JLR Brick Pavers offers a complete assessment service to help you make the most economical decision, along with expert repair and replacement services.

Maintaining Your Brick Pavers for Longevity

Whether you choose to repair or replace, proper maintenance is an important part of getting the longest lifespan possible out of your pavers. Here are some common maintenance tasks that will keep your pavers looking their best:

• Regular cleaning stops organic growth and staining that can deteriorate the paver’s surface.
• Sealing pavers every few years keeps moisture at bay and protects the color of the paver.
• Maintaining proper drainage stops erosion from wearing at the base of the pavers.
• Promptly refilling joints keeps the interlocking system functioning as intended.

Michigan’s seasonal weather necessitates some extra precautions. In the spring, check for any damage that occurred over the winter from freeze/thaw cycles. In the fall, clean debris from joints and ensure proper drainage before the freezes begin.

Routine inspections are the best way to catch small problems and resolve them before they become more costly. Contact JLR Brick Pavers today to request a quote or book an estimate.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // ungvar