How to Fix a Loose Paver: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Getting a headache from loose and uneven pavers? If so, then you're not alone in this. Loose paving stones ruin a property's landscape and pose safety hazards. They stick out like a sore thumb on your otherwise picture-perfect exterior. However, you can fix them with the right guidance to return your driveway and patio to their former glory.

This is where this guide comes in. Here, you will learn all about how to fix a loose paver. We discuss why pavers come loose and how to fix them. You will also learn about some common mistakes to avoid and tips on maintaining beautiful pavers for your property.

Your guide to fixing pavers starts here!

Why Do Pavers Come Loose?

We will try to provide a comprehensive guide on repairing loose pavers. To that extent, let us start by understanding why they come undone in the first place. There are quite a few reasons that can loosen your beautiful pavers. These reasons include having a large space between pavers, a poorly compacted sand base, and more. 

Too Much Space Between Pavers

Spaced-apart pavers are doomed to fail. It is never a good idea to leave too much of a gap between them, as it causes them to loosen and shift over time. Instead, nice and close pavers are the way to go. It improves more than just aesthetics; it also ensures structural integrity. Contractors use devices called spacers during the installation to make sure the gap is just right.

Not Compacting the Sand Base

Your pavers become loose if they are laid without having a compact sand base underneath. A solid foundation holds the pavers in place and makes them firm. If the compactness is inadequate, the surface will become wobbly and eventually loosen.

Skimping on Filler Sand

When laying pavers, you want to make sure there is excess sand between the pavers. It binds the pavers more securely for a solid fit. If there is a lack of sand in the joints, the pavers will go loose after some time.

Ignoring the Edges

Pavers start wearing out from the edges. This means if the borders aren't properly secured, they will become unstable. There are several techniques that contractors can use to secure the edges of pavers.

Potentially Poor Drainage

Drainage affects the stability of pavers. This is why it is best to install them at a slight angle. It creates an incline that can help pass water along with better flow. If drainage is not ensured, the moisture can seep into the pavers and damage them from within.

How to Fix a Loose Paver?

Now that you know the whys, let us move on to how you can fix the loose pavers. To start, check how loose the pavers are. If the situation calls for it, you may need to remove the stones and even renew the base. You can then adjust the foundation layer, re-lay the pavers, and sweep up. Here's a step by step guide on how you can repair loose pavers:

1. Assess the Situation

We recommend you start by assessing the overall picture. Check everything from how loose the pavers are to how many are affected. If possible, you should also observe the state of the foundation layer.

2. Remove the Old Stones

Once you assess and identify your damaged pavers, you can go ahead and remove them. You can use simple tools like a screwdriver or a chisel to pick up the old stones and take them out of the ground. Make sure you don't use excessive force here, as you don't want to damage the neighboring pavers.

3. Remove the Base and Edge Restraint

The next step is to remove the base and restraints around the edges. Clean the area of debris and old joint sand. You can use a broom to sweep away the dirt and prepare the area for the new pavers. Check the edge restraints too. These are obstructions that hold the pavers in place and keep them from shifting. If damaged, remove them as well.

4. Adjust the Base

Now it's time to adjust the foundation. You need to make sure it's a strong base for the paver installation. As such, spread the sand out into a flat layer. You can pour one cup of sand in each hole left by the loose pavers. Use a level to make sure the sand is even and solid. This helps to stabilize the area.

5. Re-lay the Pavers

At this point, you are ready to lay the new pavers. Set them in place and make sure they align with the surrounding stones. If needed, you can rock them back and forth to make sure they are uniform with their neighbors. You can gently tap them with tools such as rubber mallets. This will ensure a solid fit for the concrete walkway and patio pavers. If they are still loose, repeat the process until they are snugly in place.

6. Replace the Edge Restraints

Replacing the edge restraints comes next. Place a new restraint at the same spot where the previous one was. Nail it in place or use spikes to secure it firmly to the ground. Make sure to cover it up with dirt or sand, as it will ensure you properly install the restraints and avoid warping.

7. Tamp and Sweep

You can finish up the paver repair process by tamping the area with a mechanical compactor to level the stones. Also, try to sweep polymeric sand into the joints and fill the gaps. Afterwards, use water to wet the sand, as it will activate the binding properties of the sand. This will strengthen the base and hold the stones in place.

That's it—your paver repair process is complete!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We mentioned above that this is a comprehensive guide on fixing loose pavers. To ensure it really is the case, here are some common mistakes you can avoid throughout the process:

Skipping the Base Adjustment

This is a critical error that many people make when repairing loose pavers. An unadjusted base can cause undulations and destabilize the pavers, which leads to loosening over time.

Using Regular Sand

Regular sand is not the best choice when setting the base layer. Instead, use generous amounts of polymeric sand to fill joints. This type of sand is more durable and resists erosion better than the regular kind. It also prevents weeds from growing beneath and between pavers and causing cracks.

Not Securing Edge Restraints

If you fail to secure the edge restraints, it might displace your pavers. The surface becomes unstable, which causes tripping hazards.

Overlooking Alignment

Another crucial mistake that many people make is to overlook alignment. You need to make sure that the surface is completely leveled out, as a lopsided walkway or driveway ruins aesthetics and shortens the lifespan of pavers.

Tips for Maintaining Pavers

We are determined to make this guide a one-stop solution for all your loose paver queries. As such, here are some tips and tricks that can help you maintain pavers:

• Inspect pavers routinely.
• Refill joints with polymeric sand on a regular basis.
• Clean the paver area to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.
• Ensure proper drainage around the area to remove pooling water.
• Protect against heavy impacts or dragging objects across the surface.

When to Call a Professional

As much as you might want to DIY paver repairs, sometimes it is better to call professionals. If the scope of work gets too difficult, leave it to the experts. They can help with structural issues and fix pavers that have suffered extensive damage. Professional paver layers will be able to handle complex projects, finish tasks within the schedule, and ensure high-quality work that can last for years without problems.

Conclusion

In short, loose pavers are cause for concern. They pose safety hazards and ruin your property's exterior aesthetics. However, you can fix them with the right knowledge. That is exactly what we've tried to provide in this guide. You can follow our repair process, avoid common mistakes, and maintain pavers with some good practices. For more difficult tasks, hire professional paver layers. They will ensure your work is done on time and within budget without cutting any corners.

Speaking of professional paver layers, ever wondered what world-class customer service feels like? Call us at Outdoor Escapes to find out! We can help with all your paver needs. We have been proudly serving clients in Central Florida for 25 years. From repairing loose and uneven stones to installing new ones—our experts will complete it all with honesty, integrity, and efficiency.

Call us today to schedule an appointment, or visit our website for more information.