Common Paving Problems We Fix
Paving rarely fails for no reason. Something causes it — whether it's poor original installation, a drainage problem, root intrusion, ground movement, or just general wear over many years. When we do a repair, we try to identify and fix the underlying cause so the problem doesn't simply recur.
Sunken or Dipped Paving
Paving that has sunk in one area usually indicates that the substrate beneath has moved or settled. This can happen for several reasons: the original base wasn't adequately compacted, underground water is washing away base material, or tree roots have disturbed the ground. We lift the affected section, investigate and address the cause, re-prepare the base, and relay the pavers correctly.
Lifting or Heaving Paving
Paving that's lifting upward — the opposite of sinking — is often caused by tree roots growing beneath it. As roots thicken, they push the paving up and eventually break it. Depending on the extent of the problem, the solution may involve removing the root, cutting it back, installing a root barrier, and relaying the paving. In some cases, the route of the path or driveway needs to be reconsidered to move it away from problematic roots.
Cracked or Broken Pavers
Individual cracked or broken pavers can often be lifted and replaced without disturbing the surrounding paving — one advantage of brick or flagstone paving over poured concrete. If the cracking is widespread, it may indicate a more systemic base problem that needs addressing more broadly.
Paving That Drains Poorly
Poorly draining paving is a common complaint. Water pools in hollows, or runs towards the house instead of away from it. Sometimes this is a result of settling since the original installation changed the levels. In other cases, the original installation simply wasn't sloped correctly. We can re-level sections, add drainage channels, or improve joints to correct drainage issues. See also our article on paving problems for more background.
Weed Growth Between Paving
Weeds growing in paving joints are primarily an aesthetic and maintenance issue. We can clear weeds and re-point the joints with appropriate joint-filling material, which reduces the chance of regrowth. Polymeric sand is particularly effective at suppressing weeds in joints.
Edge Restraint Failure
Paving that was laid without adequate edge restraints, or where edge restraints have failed, will spread and loosen over time. Bricks at the edges shift, joints open up, and the whole surface becomes less stable. Reinstalling or strengthening edge restraints and re-bedding loose edge sections can arrest this problem.
When to Repair vs When to Relay
This is a genuine question worth thinking about honestly. Repairing failing paving makes sense when the problem is localised — a section that's sunk, some broken bricks, a drainage issue in one area. When the problems are widespread throughout the paved surface, or when the original installation was fundamentally poor, it can be more cost-effective to relay the entire area properly.
We'll give you an honest assessment. If we visit and conclude that the most practical solution is full replacement, we'll tell you that — along with a quotation for doing it properly. We'd rather give you honest advice than do a repair job that we know will need redoing in two years.
Our article on fixing a bad paving situation goes into this topic in more detail.
Matching Existing Paving
One of the challenges with paving repairs is matching the repaired section to the existing paving. Paving weathers and mellows over time, and new bricks placed into an old surface often look noticeably different initially. We try to source replacement materials that are as close a match as possible, and we can advise you on whether any visual difference is likely to fade with time.
In some cases — particularly with discontinued colours or very old paving — an exact match simply isn't available. We'll be upfront about this and discuss how to handle the repair in a way that looks as consistent as possible.
Paving Repairs FAQs
The most common causes are inadequate base preparation in the original installation (particularly if the soil wasn't properly compacted), underground water eroding the base material, or a leaking water pipe washing material away. Tree roots can also cause localised movement. We'd need to lift the section and investigate to give you a definitive answer.
Yes, this is a very common repair job. Plumbers and other contractors often need to dig up paving to access pipes or cables, and the reinstatement after the work isn't always their strongest skill. We can relay the affected section correctly. The key is that the utility contractor should have kept the removed bricks and base material as carefully as possible for reuse.
We take on paving repairs of various sizes. Very small jobs — two or three loose bricks — may not always be economical to schedule separately, but we try to be practical. Contact us and describe what you have; we can advise whether it makes sense for us to attend to it as a standalone job or whether it's something to combine with other work in the area.
We do our best to source matching materials. New bricks alongside weathered paving may look slightly different initially, but this usually improves over time as the new material weathers. If a very close match isn't possible, we'll discuss your options with you before proceeding.