Old pavers can be frustrating to look at and embarrassing, especially when your friends are over for that summer BBQ. If you’ve ever thought, “I paid good money for this patio; why do they look so worn?” You’re not alone. There are a variety of reasons why they dont look their best. We have discussed the most common issues people have seen with their paver patios. However, the most common solution to paver issues is to have them restored to their former glory. But what is paver restoration, and what does it entail? 

What is Paver Restoration?

Paver restoration is the multi-step process to rejuvenate, restore, and protect damaged pavers used in outdoor spaces such as patios, driveways, entryways, walkways, and pool decks. Weather, frequent usage, and poor installments can lead to pavers fading, cracking, shifting, or sinking. Restoration aims to restore their appearance as well as their structural integrity. Paver Restoration usually involves stripping off the old sealer, deep cleaning the surface, repairing any problem areas, and sealing it properly.

Should I Repair or Restore My Pavers?

First, you’ll have to evaluate the severity of your paver issues. Below is a list of problems that call for either a replacement or restoration.

• Shifted, sinking, loose, or protruding pavers
• Weeds growing between pavers
• Crumbled, cracked, or chipped pavers
• Pavers with faded coloring
• Significant gaps between pavers
• Uneven areas of paver installation
• Missing joint sand (empty gaps between pavers)
• Stains and discoloration
• Water pooling in joints
• Weed or grass growth between joints
• Mold or algae growth (green, black, or slippery surface)
• Efflorescence (white powdery substance on paver surface)

Power washing and resealing are all that’s needed in many cases. Power washing is effective in removing weeds and debris in between the pavers, while resealing helps restore any faded color. However, cracked, crumbled, or sunken pavers may signal that it’s time for a restoration project. A properly installed paver patio can last for decades, only requiring basic maintenance. However, improper installation, excessive weather conditions, flooding, or water erosion can cause your paver surface to deform in a number of ways. Restoration is oftentimes the best solution since replacing individual pavers or repairing subsurface damage can be costly and ineffective at addressing root problems. That’s why it’s important to have a professional inspect your paver patio to determine whether repair or restoration is needed. Additionally, spot releveling isn’t recommended since unleveled pavers are an indication of issues affecting the entire installation. 

What Does The Process of Restoring Pavers Look Like?

Paver restoration can be broken down into the steps below.

1. Inspection: The process starts with a thorough inspection of your pavers to identify any damaged or loose pavers, which are then repaired or replaced as needed. 
2. Cleaning and Clearing: We start by cleaning the pavers with a pressure washer within a suitable PSI range (typically between 1,500 to 3,000 PSI) once the examination is complete and restoration is needed. This cleaning removes dirt, grime, and other debris without damaging the surface of your pavers. Some pavers may be made out of sensitive materials like natural stone. With natural stone, a gentler approach using mild detergents may be necessary. Tougher stains are scrubbed. 
3. Repairs and Re-sanding: The repairs needed depend upon the unique damage that needs to be repaired. Repairs could include repairing cracked pavers, repairing the base layer, replacing the actual pavers, ensuring proper compaction and sand, or adding polymeric sand. These are only a few of the most common repairs we’ve seen over the years. Any old coatings are removed to ensure a clean surface for new treatments with cleaning. 
4. Apply Sealer: After re-sanding, the last step is to apply a high-quality, breathable paver sealer to enhance the appearance of your pavers, protect them from future damage, and extend their life. 

Throughout the process, we pay close attention to safety, follow manufacturer guidelines, and allow adequate time for each stage to ensure a successful restoration. If your pavers are looking rough, don’t assume they need to be replaced. More often than not, they dont need to be replaced. They need the right attention from someone who understands what went wrong and how to fix it. Ask questions. Ask who’s done their sealing. Ask about the sealer itself. If someone’s charging half of what everyone else is, there’s usually a reason, and it’s not because they’re just “more affordable.” It’s often because corners are being cut. Paver restoration isn’t about making things look new for a week. It’s about fixing a problem properly so you don’t have to deal with it again in six months.