New Life for Concrete Slabs
Are you thinking about adding pavers to your driveway or patio? A well-chosen pattern can enhance your home's curb appeal or add some flair to your backyard. Do you want a more welcoming driveway? A patio that makes you want to spend more time outside? You don't have to break up and haul away your existing concrete for an outdoor makeover. A professional hardscaper can overlay pavers on your existing concrete for more attractive paved surfaces.
Is paver overlay the right option?
Pavers are a great option if your existing concrete surface is level, free of cracks, and in good condition. If you're not sure if paver overlay is right for your surface, your paving professionals can advise you on its feasibility for your improvement project and suggest alternatives if necessary. The pros at Stepping on Stones offer expert work on a wide variety of hardscaping projects in the Greater New Orleans area.
Paving the way to a successful project
Once it's been determined that your concrete surface be overlaid with pavers, a well-planned overlay project will take several other factors into account. Without careful preparation on and around the existing surface, your paving project could be plagued with drainage, slippage, and discoloration issues in the future.
Pavers need edging to hold them in place on top of a concrete surface. The edging should match the height of the pavers but also have a slight pitch to allow water to roll away from the surface. If the pavers are adjacent to any structures or landscaping features, a hardscaper will need to consider possible elevation and drainage issues.
The surface of the concrete also needs careful preparation before pavers can be laid. A moisture barrier and a leveling medium are essential to prevent pavers from shifting. Without these preparations, the pavers will become uneven during winter freeze and thaw cycles or during heavy summer rains as the ground becomes saturated. Trapped moisture can also lead to discoloration of the pavers as certain minerals leach out of the concrete surface below.
Finish it off
Depending on the condition of your concrete and the amount of use expected on the surface, your hardscaping professional will recommend a certain method of setting. Sand and mortar sets are most common. A far less common bituminous set may be used for walkways or other areas of high foot traffic.
Sealing is recommended for most paver overlay projects. It protects the surface of the pavers and discourages weed growth between them. It also protects against many types of staining, from automotive fluids to food to other organic matter.
With some careful planning and the work of a good hardscaper, you're ready to make the most of your outdoor spaces. Other backyard stonework projects can complement the updated look. For more ideas on how to style your refreshed patio or driveway, be sure to follow TheHomeMage on Facebook and Instagram.
