Severely Neglected Brick Paver Walkways are Restored

Homeowner was overwhelmed and gave up on Brick Pavers but we did not!

Upon my arrival to this bid, I really did not think the homeowner was serious in restoring these brick paver walkways since they had been severely neglected.  It is not the first time I have witnessed such disregard of maintaining brick pavers, but the extent of neglect was severe.



 The good news was that we can restore these paver walks to there original beauty & function.  The homeowner had doubts but I assured her that it may even look better than the day it was installed. Our goal is to bring back the homeowner's confidence for using brick pavers that they originally believed in.

The homeowner had maintained these walkways for many years, but over the past few years many personal situations became more priority.  The homeowner was unaware that any contractor offered a seasonal maintenance program for brick pavers.  Their past brick paver installer was not interested in addressing any paver repair or cleaning services. In fact, they never even got back with an estimate on restoring the current pavers.  This is where my crew and I stepped in and came to the rescue!


When brick pavers are in this condition, it is imperative that they be completely lifted up and re-installed.  The organic matter from the weeds, grass, and soils in the joints have to be completely removed.  We concluded that @60% of the brick paver walks on this job site needed complete re-installation.  The other stretches of pavers needed paver surface & joint cleaning, new joint sand, re-compaction, and touch-up repairs.

 We also removed all the raised plastic edge restraint and replaced with the tired-and-true hidden cement bead.  Michigan frost does a number on edge restraints and after 30 years, the hidden cement bead edge restraint has performed the best.  Also, it is the easiest & least costly to repair if needed .



The end result of this paver restoration project was total redemption for brick pavers!  The homeowner who has been strong through her challenging times, was very emotional about the results we achieved.  We will be returning next Spring to perform Phase 2 restoring a paver patio & additional paver walks.  At that time, we will perform our Spring maintenance service on the completed Phase 1.  The homeowner is pleased to know that we will be there to maintain for future years and she can avoid any costly restoration expenses.

Raised Paver Patio Repaired After Collapse

Elevated Brick Paver Patios need special attention to avoid expensive repairs

This Raised Brick Pavers Patio in Belleville, MI had a severe collapse of its outer retaining wall block & cap.  The brick pavers above sank and washed out making this patio virtually unusable and unsightly.  Finally, the wall blocks & caps fell over this Summer and this brick pavers patio was at a great risk of deteriorating further.

The homeowner noticed about a year after this pavers patio was installed by an inexperienced landscaper that the wall blocks & caps were leaning out.  The outer rows of brick pavers behind the wall caps had sunk lower than the height of the caps.  The homeowner ignored this sign of stress for the pavers patio and eventually he sits here today with a costly repair.

I pointed out to the homeowner that this particular wall block & cap system was not the proper retaining wall system for a raised pavers patio.  This particular wall block the landscaper used is for low height landscape or gardenwalls around the landscape to border beds or create accents.  When the correct modular retaining wall system is used and properly installed, raised pavers patios will give you the best economical performance over the years.

 For raised paver patios, a strong engineered modular retaining wall system must be implemented.   The cost to replace ALL the current wall blocks for a more sophisticated wall system was too cost inhibited for the homeowner so he elected to reconstruct the paver patio with the same products.   With low cost routine maintenance, he will save money then totally replacing the old wall blocks & caps.

My crew and I reconstructed the outside retaining wall for this patio from the ground up, compacting each layer as we go, and filling any voids.  The brick pavers above were pulled up a few feet into the patio and re-installed in the same shape & design.  The end result was a total revival of this homeowner's pavers patio!  We performed several other touch-up repairs to the patio, steps, and walk.  We also cleaned the pavers and re-sanded with new joint sand.

I took the time to explain to the homeowner that even though the landscaper made a huge miscalculation of  using this product, his own neglect to address the early signs of stress contributed to the severe condition and collapse of this pavers patio.  I explained that any time the outside row of pavings stones sink below the height of the wall cap, they must be reset to allow water to flow over the top of the caps, not behind and under them!

Brick Pavers Maintenance Tips to do this Fall

Simple Paver Maintenance tasks will insure long term performance

 Fall has arrived and as you begin to do your lawn & landscape pre-winter maintenance tasks, do not forget about your brick paver patio, walkway, porch, steps, driveway, etc.. .  There are some simple paver maintenance tasks that need to be performed in the Midwest before Winter.  If your prior brick paver contractor or landscaper did not properly educate you on these needs, I am here to help you.

 Here is an earlier article I posted regarding Winter Maintenance for Brick Pavers that will help insure endless years of beauty & function of your paver patios, walkways, and driveways.  After 29 years of experience, analysis, & visual feedback, I have spent more time educating my clients on paver maintenance requirements that in turn leads to the reduced need for added future paver repair services. 



I would like to expand on a couple of my paver maintenance tips from the earlier post so we can keep up with the ever evolving feedback I witness and receive back from clients.

The first piece of advice is to remove ALL items from your paver patio, walkway, etc.. that will stay stationary over the Winter.  This includes your patio table.  Each Spring I witness patios with 4 sunken pavers where each leg of the table meets the paving stones.  Just place your patio table in your landscape beds or lawn for the Winter. Do Not forget to remove the umbrella base too!  I am often asked about the grill since most people still use there's during the Winter months.  Just try to relocate (roll) slightly a few times during the winter so the legs & wheels do not stay on the same paving stones all Winter.

Second, touch up sweep any brick paver joints that lack joint sand going into the Winter.  We want to make sure that water during any rains or melt-off this Winter will flow over and off the pavers, not down into the joints.   If you have a raised paver patio with a modular wall block & cap on the outside perimeter, pay special attention to the joint between the outside brick paver and the block cap. This is the same for pavers inside block caps of paver steps and porches.

I am very passionate about the brick paver industry and I never install, repair, or restore a brick paver project with the intent to have to come back and repair.  My goal is to functionally create or bring back to life a paver patio, walkway, driveway, etc.. , educate the customer on maintenance needs they can easily perform themselves, and then be there when the customer needs our brick paver services.

Small Elegant Paver Patio Installed in Ann Arbor

Brick Pavers replace Old Concrete Patio to improve Outdoor Living Space

This past week in Ann Arbor, we replaced an old cement patio with a small and elegant paver patio using Fendt's Old World Vintage.  There was limited space to work with but using some "paver quilting" ideas with patterns & color, we were able to improve this homeowner's Outdoor Living Space.

Brick Pavers has always been the most flexible pavement available for using colors, patterns, shapes, & textures, at a reasonable and affordable cost.  Brick paver patios also offer the best option in long term maintenance & replacement costs.  Performing simple seasonal maintenance requirements like sweeping joint sand each Spring, will give a lifetime of performance, function, and enjoyment.

This homeowner wanted to keep the overall theme of Ann Arbor and their neighborhood by using a tumbled old world paver laid in a simple and elegant style.  A good brick pavers contractor will exhibit their expertise with attention to detail and clean craftsmanship.  We were able to meet these expectations with great impact!

Brick Pavers Walkway and Steps Restored

Curb Appeal is restored for home in Ann Arbor

Paver Walk before

We improved the curb appeal of this home in Ann Arbor this week by repairing, cleaning, and re-sanding the joints of this paver walkway and paver steps.  For years these brick pavers were neglected.  We were able to restore these pavers in a short day's worth of restoration.

Paver Walk after

At a nominal cost, we were able to bring a smile to the homeowner's face!  They had considered total replacement of this walkway & steps but I assured them that the best option was to restore the existing paver installation.

Paver Steps before

  Their only regret was that they waited too many years to have this restoration service performed.  The cost to restore their paver installations was much cheaper and rewarding then having them replaced with another product.

Paver Steps after

Upon completion, we educated the homeowner on what simple seasonal requirements are needed to avoid this total restoration in the future. We signed them up for our Spring maintenance program so they can enjoy the beauty and performance that interlocking brick pavers can offer.

Push to complete Fall Brick Paver Restorations in Full Gear

Completing Paver Repairs prior to Winter in Michigan is Essential

Our Fall season push for completing Brick Paver repair, sanding, cleaning, and sealing is in full gear.  Fall restoration of paver patios, walkways, driveways, paver steps, etc.. is essential to be completed prior to late Fall rains & Winter ground frost.  Both rain and ground frost are the biggest contributors to expanding the occurrence and size of paver repairs.

Compromised or settled brick pavers & retaining walls are stretched to their limits if left unattended or not properly reset.  Water flowing into settled pavers areas & paver joints results in face paced erosion and further damage.  Winter ground frost will heave and expand the structure and if the brick pavers or retaining walls are not properly set,  the whole interlocking paver system will begin to fail.

Before

When I am bidding in the Fall, I often hear the response from homeowners that "we may wait until next Spring to have this done".  This can be a costly mistake.  Aside from the compromised areas increasing in size and thus more labor or material costs, Fall prices are usually less than Spring prices for services.  Most brick paver and landscape contractors in Michigan are slowing up in demand for services in the Fall.  Once Spring arrives, the demand is incredibly high and the pencil is not so sharp! 

After

I also explain to my customers that usually after Jan 1, our renewals for businesss, auto, workmans comp,& liability insurance occur. These costs are always rising.  Crew member wages usually increase beginning each Spring too. Labor is the largest cost variable in our brick paver services.

This past week we performed some brick pavers restorations that not only improved the performance & appearance of their pavers, but insured that their cost for repairs will not increase by waiting until Spring.  When Spring arrives, these homeowners will enjoy their newly restored pavers and not have to wait to have done when the weather breaks.  Most important is the cost savings having done in the Fall versus the Spring!

Brick Paver Parking Area off Driveway is Restored

Neglected pavers are given repair, cleaning, and sanding in Ann Arbor

Brick Paver Parking Areas or Driveway Strips are a popular use for interlocking brick pavers.  This pavers area off the side of a cement driveway had been left for dead by the homeowner.  In its day, it was used to give additional area of parking for their teenager's vehicles and added space around the basketball net.  But as the children went off to college and no one was playing basketball any longer, this brick paver area was severely neglected.


The homeowner originally wanted to remove the pavers altogether and establish lawn in the area .  After weighing the pricing option of having this brick paver parking area restored to its original beauty & function, they felt that repairing it for the additional nominal cost would better meet their needs.  They still needed the additional parking area for returning college students and visiting guests.


This brick pavers installation was totally lifted up. The existing base material was leveled & re-compacted.  Additional base material was added to eliminate rutted and sunken areas and also compacted.  The proper pitches and finishing heights were determined and the old existing brick pavers were relaid in the approximately the same design, shape, & dimensions.


The old basketball pole & back board was removed and the hole was properly filled & compacted.  The removal of the basketball pole made this area much easier to access for vehicles.  After finishing with paver joint sand and compacting with a power plate compactor, the rejuvenated brick paver parking area had become alive again!


Most of our clients are surprised by the results of a total pavers restoration project at a nominal cost versus replacing with another pavement or landscape product.  Hiring a qualified and experienced brick paver contractor can be very rewarding when deciding to restore versus replacement.  This has always been the special asset of having brick pavers installed in the first place!

Restoration of Brick Pavers Walkway installed 10 years ago

Simple paver maintenance will help avoid repairs and major restoration

This brick pavers walkway in Ann Arbor was recently restored by our company. The condition of this paver walk is a common occurrence that I estimate restoration for on a daily basis.  It was a reminder to me that neglect of simple routine paver maintenance will turn into a major restoration cost in the future.

This pavers walkway had never received any additional sweeping of joint sand since it was installed 10 years ago!  Who is to fault?  Neglect by the homeowner? or the lack of educating the homeowner by the installing contractor?  Either way, the homeowner is now responsible for the cost to restore this pavers walk.

The 2 contributing factors to the deterioration of this pavers walkway was the lack of paver joint sand in the paver joints and the exposure of the cement bead edge restraint.  If these simple maintenance requirements had been addressed, the homeowner would not have the cost of complete re-installation of this paver walkway.

The lack of keeping joint sand in the paver joints allows for water to take the least path of resistance.  Water will rush down the joints instead of running over the paver surface.  The result is the base below slowly erodes over time and allows the paving stones to sink, tilt, or loosen.  Joint sand also is the key factor in keeping the pavers "locked-up" and tight.  Lack of paver joint sand will allow the paving stones to loosen, gap, tilt, and shift.

The lack of the cement bead edge restraint being covered by proper landscaping (i.e. soils, grass, or mulch) allows the edge restraint to erode, crack, and break loose.  In turn, the outside row of pavers begin to "creep" out.  The result is the inner paving stones begin to excessively gap, loosen, and tilt.  I was amazed after 10 years that the cement bead edge restraint was totally exposed.  All the homeowner had to do was allow the grass to grow over the cement bead on the lawn side with a few bags of topsoil & seed and cover with mulch on the inside landscape bed.

We completely lifted up this pavers walkway, re-compacted the existing base, added new base material as needed to re-level, re-installed the pavers in like shape & design, cleaned the pavers, and swept in new pavers joint sand.  The homeowner also elected to have the paver walk sealed to enhance the color and give it the "wet look" appearance. The final result was another successful house call by the Doctor and staff!

Pavers Patio Replaces Old Concrete Patio in Canton, MI

Brick Pavers create a new Beautiful & Functional Patio and Step

The number one request we receive when installing brick pavers is replacing old, cracked, sunken, and deteriorated concrete patios, steps, and walks.  In Canton, MI this month we replaced this unsightly cement patio that drastically sloped back to the house, resulting in water problems around the foundation.  Because the cement patio had sunk, the rise on the cement step was over 12" and causing a safety issue.  It was time for the homeowner to address this unsightly and unsafe outdoor living space.

The homeowner was referred to us by a couple of clients that we had installed pavers patios for over the past few years.  The homeowner did get a couple of quotes from other brick paver contractors in the local area but they did not compare to us in ideas, dependability, and confidence.  Our price was in the middle of the 2 other contractors but the homeowner had complete confidence in our expertise and professionalism.  We did not disappoint!

After removing the old concrete patio & step, we prepped the base material and established the new height of the pavers patio and step.  Not only did we create the proper pitch from the house foundation, but we built the new pavers patio slightly above grade (yard level) to allow proper drainage off the patio.  Using extra base material to set the height, the patio had the appearance of a raised pavers patio without the cost of installing a retaining wall block & cap.

We transitioned the height of the pavers patio with the existing lawn height by stripping an additional 3-4ft of lawn.  We installed topsoil from the outside row of pavers gradually down to the lawn height. This created a new raised landscape bed for the customer to plant dwarf bushes, perennials, or annuals and cover with an organic mulch or stone mulch.  We also installed some flagstone paths off the pavers patio through the landscape beds to allow access into the yard.  You can just install grass, sod or seed, instead of a landscape bed but keep in mind it will have some slope.

The new pavers step was constructed with solid modular retaining wall block & caps.  This helps prevent any ongoing repair to brick paver inlays.  The only drawback is your paver steps or landing must be rectangular and not curved.  We created comfortable and safe 7" rises from the doorwall down to the paver block step and from the paver block step down to the pavers patio.

The homeowner took advantage of increasing the size of the new pavers patio to better facilitate there outdoor living space needs.  The popular "kidney" shaped design met their needs while softening the angles on the home.  The actual size of the patio was determined by placing all the furniture, grill, fire pit, etc.. out and outlining the needed space.  The outline can be executed by using marking paint, stakes, or the garden hose.

We properly installed this new pavers patio and step by meeting or exceeding all industry specifications of installing brick pavers.  The design was both aesthetically pleasing and functional.  The homeowner was educated on future maintenance requirements to insure long-term performance.  The end result was a completely satisfied homeowner and a proud brick pavers owner & crew!

Brick Paver Patio Restoration in Ann Arbor

Pavers Repair, Cleaning, Sanding, and Sealing brings back the beauty of patio

Neglected Pavers Patio

One of the biggest rewards in this brick paver industry is the satisfaction of pleasing homeowners who have given up on their pavers patio, walks, drives, porches, etc.. .  Most homeowners are despair and overwhelmed by neglected and deteriorated paver installations.  This Brick Doctor is here to make House Calls!

We like to offer a pavers restoration package that includes options for brick pavers repair, cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing with an approved brick paver sealant.  Sealing of brick pavers is the one option that customers toil with after I explain the pro's & con's of applying paver sealer. 

Restored Pavers Patio

To restore some of the original beauty & function of the brick pavers requires professional repair, cleaning, and re-sanding.  With some simple maintenance education, homeowner's can now maintain a rewarding outdoor living space for years to come.  A true brick pavers contractor will also offer follow-up maintenance services to better serve homeowner's who are busy and seek professional help.

Pavers Patio Sealed

This pavers patio in Ann Arbor is a perfect example of the many patio restorations we perform on a daily basis.  The homeowner had no idea what to do or where to go until they contacted us for services.  We completed the repairs, cleaning, and sanding in one day and returned in a couple of days to apply the proper paver sealant.  Time to enjoy the backyard as this pavers patio was intended!

Simple and Beautiful Raised Brick Pavers Patio Installed

Brick Doctor Bill and crew installed this simple & beautiful Raised Pavers Patio in Scio Township, MI this past month.  We removed old wooden decks for 2 other family members of this homeowner and replaced their decks with functional, low maintenance, and creative raised brick paver patios.

 This homeowner did not currently have any outdoor living space structures and wanted us to build them a spectacular patio that they will enjoy for many years to come.  Entertainment space and traffic flow were key factors in the homeowner's needs for a paver patio.

We discussed in detail their needs and budget.  We designed and executed a simple design with some creative touches using patterns, colors, and functional paver pads.  We designed a  permanent set of Paver Steps out from their Four Seasons room that transitioned safely down to the newly installed paver patio.

Due to the large back yard, we designed a 500+ sq.ft raised paver patio area that would facilitate patio furniture, loungers, and space for entertaining.  We designed some functional paver pad areas down from the raised patio space to facilitate a grill, smoker, and decorative fire pit.  This design of added paver areas off the raised paver patio helps with traffic flow and comfort.  All of our brick paver installations are custom designed for needs & budgets.


This raised paver patio has a popular "kidney" shaped design and we custom cut each and every wall cap.  Using the traditional Holland 4X8 paving stone laid in a herringbone pattern gives this patio a dramatic look at an economical cost.  The homeowner upgraded to Fendt's Spectrum series color in the paving stones to give deep pigment color appearance.  We used a contrasting lighter color in the Wall blocks & caps framing the raised pavers patio and paver steps.  Not only did this give some dramatic contrasts but it also aids in safety.


When a raised paver patio is properly installed by a qualified brick pavers contractor, the end result in detail, execution, and construction is superior. Design, products & tools, proper compaction, and precise saw cutting all contribute to the overall success of a brick paver installation.  Long-term performance is optimal when both contractor and homeowner are educated on seasonal maintenance requirements too.

Raised Pavers Patio is Redesigned to be more Functional

Multi-Level Paver Patio is reconstructed to One Level for added space

Old Multi-level Patio

This Raised Pavers Patio in Saline, MI was installed by a local landscaper over 5 years ago.  Though the design concept was appealing for the homeowner, the execution of a quality installation and functional design failed.  The quality of detail & cuts was poor to say the least, but the biggest complaint by the homeowner was the lack of useable space.  The scaled drawing they supplied looked so nice on paper but it did not serve the needs of this young growing family.

 The homeowner hired us to re-design this pavers patio to be more functional while using as much as possible the current products on-site so the project was economically possible.  This is where a true experienced brick pavers contractor works at their best.  Any contractor can start a paver project from scratch with nothing there!  Qualified and highly trained brick paver contractors know how to maximize current products and foresee issues & obstacles that may arise. 



My first suggestion was to make the entire pavers patio one level.  This would create one larger patio giving the added space needed for patio furniture, chairs, grill, fire pits, etc.. .  Multi-level raised paver patios are aesthetically pleasing but unless you have a very large design, you end up with 2 smaller patios.  Sometimes the smaller of the two is unusable like in this homeowner's situation.


The pavers patio redesign required us to reconstruct the paver steps coming out the doorwall.  We wanted to make sure they had a safe 3ft out landing step for the young ones & guests.  Because we eliminated the upper level patio and the steps leading down to the lower level patio, the paver steps needed to be transferred to the landing step at the doorwall.  With 12" wide treads, these paver steps were a comfortable and safe transfer to the newly expanded patio.

After disassembling the existing upper level patio pavers, block steps, & sitting wall, the back breaking work of removing the upper level base material began.  We needed to lower the base to the level of the lower level patio so we could install the paving stones flush with the current lower level patio height.  This took 4 workers approx. 7 hours to accomplish. We could not excavate with equipment since it would have disturbed the lower level patio which was to remain.  Many times you have to weigh the decision and trade offs of using good ole fashion man power versus power equipment use.


We completed this redesign and reconstruction of the raised pavers patio in 2 days.  We finished by completely power washing the patio & joints, and sweeping in new paver joint sand.  The transformation was incredible and the homeowner's were ecstatic.  The homeonwers had an upcoming party where they wanted to show off their newly designed patio.  Now, they had enough room for seating and Summer enjoyment!

Brick Pavers Patio and Step Tune-up in Canton

Repair, Rebuild, Cleaning, and Sealing of Brick Pavers will bring back life

In Canton, MI this past week, we performed one of our popular Pavers Patio & Step Tune-ups that will restore some of the original beauty & function of this outdoor living space.  My crew and I have been a leader in this area of expertise in Southeast Michigan for quite some time now offering full brick paver services, education, and follow-up maintenance programs.

This paver patio needed the current paver step rebuilt. The patio had several sunken, gapped, & loose paving stones throughout. The outside soldier course row of pavers where raised and needed re-leveling and we replaced the raised plastic edge restraint with a hidden cement bead.


After performing all the necessary repairs & rebuild of the paver step, we cleaned the patio and prepped it for sealing.  We returned a couple days later to apply a proper brick paver sealant.  The restoration of this pavers patio was very dramatic and well within an acceptable budget for the homeowner. 


Restoration of brick pavers has become a popular option for homeowner's who have neglected or inherited distressed paver patios, walks, driveways, steps, porches, etc.. .  Many homeowners believe they have to replace the current brick pavers with something new paving stones or other products, but in most of my estimates, they are surprised to learn that with some repair, rebuild, redesign, cleaning, & sealing, their existing paver products can look new & beautiful again!


 Of course some weathering effects may exist that can not be reversed, but with some minimal replacement or applying paver sealant, imperfections can be somewhat masked.  Paver restoration benefits usually outweigh the costs of replacing the existing pavers.  Unless a homeowner is adverse to the style or color of the current paving stones, I will always suggest re-using the current products in the restoration, rebuild, or redesign.

It is important for homeowners to know that the restoration of brick pavers is a viable option before getting frustrated and considering replacing them with another product. Your paver installation project needs to be evaluated by an experienced brick pavers contractor to get the best options that will meet your long-term expectations and budget.