If you are planning for an aesthetic upgrade to your outdoor living space or a concrete patio but want to avoid the hassle of tearing up your existing concrete slab, opting for pavers is your best solution. Though you can install pavers over the concrete patio, there are certain precautions to take to prevent any drainage issues, cracking, and settling. So here is a guide about installing pavers over a concrete patio.
Drainage
The biggest challenge when laying pavers over a concrete patio is the drainage. If the slope is not proper, the concrete can prevent water from properly draining. So, before you install pavers over the concrete patio, ensure that water does not puddle on the existing concrete patio. Keep the drainage slope in mind when overlaying the pavers make sure that the edge that drains stays low and is made of permeable material. You may also drill small holes through the concrete every few inches to allow water to seep into the ground.
Fill the Joints with Polymeric Sand
After laying the pavers, make sure you firm them up by adding polymeric sand to fill the joints. Sand joints are porous, but they allow water to drain from the surface thus avoiding puddling.
Edging
The concrete patio will require edging to keep the pavers in place and to prevent the pavers from sliding. The edging should allow water to drain. The patio could turn into a puddle when it rains if it is watertight.
Semi-Mortared
You can use a mortar or concrete adhesive for edging to hold the perimeter course of the pavers in place. For this, you need to first clean the perimeter around the sand bed. The sand bed and mortar should be of the same thickness to keep the block level. However, this method may create a non-permeable edge that can cause water to puddle underneath the pavers.
Height
Remember that overlaying pavers will increase the height of your patio by at least three inches. So, ensure that you plan for any transitions to other areas of your landscaping, especially if the patio is connected to your home. Also, check for local building codes. Check if your municipality specifies how far the patio needs to be from a home’s siding. You may also need to install flashing to satisfy your local building code.
Condition of your Existing Concrete Slab
If your existing concrete patio is broken, cracked, or in bad shape, you may need to rethink overlaying pavers. This also applies if adding pavers will block doorways or cause a tripping hazard.
Overlaying is not for Driveways
The overlay is not suitable for driveways as the pavers are more likely to rock or crack.
Final Take
Overlaying pavers over the concrete patios is an excellent way to improve your home’s appeal and functionality. Pavers are extremely durable and can add value to your home. But make sure you consider these tips before installing pavers on a concrete patio. You may also speak with a hardscaping contract to determine the best methods.
