Question About Paver Patio

[jmvar]

Last year I paid to get a paver patio put in on the back side of our house. Did the 3 contractor bid deal and went with the most expensive guy because I liked his delivery, he seemed like an honest guy, and his foreman was trained and certified by the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute. The same contractor did a sample patio at the paver dealer where the pavers were purchased and it looked great.

Fast forward one year and I am noticing some pavers have movement when I walk on them. So far it is only about 3-4 of the pavers from what I can tell. The rest seem to be in solid. Is this normal or should I have him come back and take a look?

One thing I should note was that I have put in pavers before, and did a lot of research on the subject. A base of crusher run, paving sand, then pavers was what I have done and read is the standard. I assumed this was what the contractor was going to do. When I came home one day I found they had used what looked like stone dust which really surprised me.

 

[Bretny]

Do you get frost? Did they sweep in stone dust or some other material onto of the pavers?

I dont own a paver patio but I did put in a natural flag stone patio years ago. Way tougher stone and pay bigger gaps but no movement..I have a front depth of 4ft.

 

[ford33]

OP, post your location as it will help us answer your question.

I would call the contractor and have them look at the patio. Contractor should have provided a warranty on work and materials and you want to make them aware of the situation now. It is easier to fix things now then later.

Patio paver's should not move when you step on them. It could cause someone to fall and get hurt.

 

[kaymccampbell]

IME, pavers move because of frost, snow, rain, sleet, air, people, bugs, or an absence of any or all of the above. I would just pour a little polymeric sand around the loose pavers, hose them lightly, and call it good.

 

[engineer2]

He should have a warranty. If not, it would be a simple fix. You can use a couple of stout screwdrivers to pry bricks out.

 

[MoonRise]

IME, pavers move because of frost, snow, rain, sleet, air, people, bugs, or an absence of any or all of the above. I would just pour a little polymeric sand around the loose pavers, hose them lightly, and call it good.

Or critters digging or tunneling underneath.

Or not quite right 'underlayment'.

Lift the loose pavers up and out and see what the issue is. Or have the contractor come out to lift the loose pavers up and out to see what the issue is and fix appropriately.

ICPI https://www.icpi.org/ recommends sand as the layer under the pavers.

https://www.icpi.org/paving-systems/concrete-pavers/installation

note: If you use some polymeric sand, don't leave ANY polymeric sand on the surface of the pavers. Sweep it and vibrate it into the cracks/gap between pavers, remove ALL surface sand, then MIST the sand to moisten well (don't wash the sand away, or wash the sand up and out of the cracks/gaps).

 

[glentre]

IME, pavers move because of frost, snow, rain, sleet, air, people, bugs, or an absence of any or all of the above. I would just pour a little polymeric sand around the loose pavers, hose them lightly, and call it good.

I agree this is probably an easy solution. However, it might be a good idea to tell the contractor you are going to do this and get his agreement so he can't void your warranty.

Glen

 

[ZRX61]

He should have a warranty. If not, it would be a simple fix. You can use a couple of stout screwdrivers to pry bricks out.

You read it right here folks, an *engineer* just suggested using screwdrivers as pry bars LOL!!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Actually stiff wire bent in an L shape work good for lifting pavers. It isn't uncommon for some settling, especially in areas with frost. Call the contractor they will probably stop by and fix the loose ones.

 

[manwithtools]

You read it right here folks, an *engineer* just suggested using screwdrivers as pry bars LOL!!

 

[joey1320]

Do you have a warranty?
Yes - call the contractor.

No - remove the pavers and inspect.

 

[engineer2]

an *engineer* just suggested using screwdrivers as pry bars LOL!!

My paver guy swear by it. Don't worry, only Pittsburgh screwdrivers deserve this fate, if they don't bend first.

 

[Kevin54]

You didn't mention HOW loose they are. Have you tried sweeping some more sand into the cracks to tighten things up? And did he tamp the pavers with a plate compactor? You can always do that to set them tight. Just remember to spread sand all over before tamping. Don't try tamping them without sand on top though or the tamper will skate like it's on ice.

 

[jmvar]

Lots of great suggestions. I will try to answer all questions.

I live in Maryland so we do get frost.

Movement is very slight, I will call the contractor and have him take a look.

They compacted the $&^% out of the base and the pavers with a large compactor. I thought they were really thorough.

They did put on poly sand, sweep, and mist. The pavers that have movement look to have solid joints around them.

I will give the contractor a call and let him take a look.

 

[Git]

When we had our pavers installed, about 15 years ago now, they initially set the pavers so that they were proud (stuck up about an inch or so) of the final grade. They then used one of those vibrating plate compactors, which forced the pavers into the sand and any excess sand came up through to the top. Haven't had any problems since