The five most common paver problems — and how we fix them
Most paver problems show up 3-7 years after installation and almost all of them are repairable for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Knowing what category your issue falls into helps you understand the estimate before we arrive on site.
1. Settled pavers (sunken sections)
Cause: base under-compaction, washout under the pavers, or tree root push from below. Fix: lift the affected pavers (typically 10-40 pavers), excavate the underlying base, address the cause (regrade, root remove, washout repair), re-compact, replace bedding sand, reset pavers. Cost: $400-$1,500 for typical localized settlement.
2. Polymeric sand washout
Cause: improper original activation, age, pressure washing too aggressively. Fix: clean out remaining sand, sweep in fresh polymeric sand, activate per ICPI spec. Cost: $400-$1,200 depending on driveway size.
3. Cracked or chipped pavers
Cause: heavy point load (vehicle wheel, dropped object), original manufacturing defect, freeze-thaw stress on uncovered pavers. Fix: lift damaged paver, replace with matching unit, re-sand joints. Cost: $200-$600 for 1-3 cracked pavers; more for extensive damage.
4. Edge restraint failure
Cause: spike failure, base undermining at edges, tree root push, original poor installation. Fix: remove failed restraint, re-install with proper spike depth and spacing. Cost: $400-$1,500 depending on linear footage.
5. Weed growth in joints
Cause: polymeric sand failure or original sand loss; sun + moisture exposure. Fix: kill existing weeds, clean joints completely, fresh polymeric sand application. Cost: $400-$900 depending on driveway size.