Tired of that dull, grey concrete? As Angelinos spend more time at their homes, many are finding that their home may be in need of a facelift. Maybe that grey slab patio just isn’t an inviting place to decompress after a long day. Perhaps your boring grey driveway is looking a little worse for the wear with stains and cracks. One way to spruce up the look of your home is by installing pavers. Pavers can be installed anywhere -- walkways, patios, driveways, etc. With a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, pavers can give your home a customized, unique look. However, many homeowners simply do not want to deal with tearing out existing concrete to install the pavers. Did you know that you don’t have to tear out your concrete to get the great look of pavers? In fact, pavers can be installed directly on top of your concrete. It’s time to take another look at pavers. Why should I install pavers over concrete in Los Angeles? Pavers offer almost limitless flexibility in design. What are pavers? Pavers are made by pouring concrete into forms. They’re poured into different sizes and shapes. Color is often added as well. These pavers can then be laid down in a variety of patterns anywhere outside. There are many perks to pavers. No curing time. When you pour new concrete or a concrete overlay, it takes about a week for the concrete to completely set. Not only that, but you also have to water the concrete throughout the curing time. With pavers, they are ready to go as soon as they are laid down. You can use your patio or driveway right away. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors so you can customize the look of your driveway. Additionally, you can lay pavers in a variety of designs, to give your driveway the look you want. Pavers require much less maintenance. With poured concrete, you will inevitably end up with cracks as the ground settles. To repair these cracks can cost a lot of money and time. With pavers, you simply pull up a damaged paver and replace it. Got a stained paver? You can easily clean it up with concrete cleaner. Top tips for installing pavers over concrete in Los Angeles Installing pavers over your concrete is a pretty simple process. The surface of your concrete is cleaned with a power washer and allowed to dry thoroughly. Border pavers are glued down around the edge of the surface. A one inch layer of sand is laid down to allow for drainage. Pavers are set snuggly against each other on top of the sand. Paving sand is swept over the area. The sand settles in between the pavers, allowing the pavers to lock together without using glue. While installing pavers over concrete is a fairly straightforward task, there are many considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important factors in this project is the state of your concrete. If your concrete is compromised, it will be impossible to install pavers on top. While concrete can provide a strong surface, there are some cracks in it’s long-term health. An inadequate concrete mix was used. Water has seeped underneath, compromising the concrete. The ground underneath was not properly prepared before the concrete was poured. Plant roots are lifting the concrete from underneath. The concrete wasn’t properly watered after it was poured. The concrete wasn’t reinforced with rebar. This is commonly found in older poured concrete. You must address any issues with your concrete before laying pavers on top. Otherwise, you are going to end up with issues later on down the road, causing headaches and costing you more money. While the state of your concrete is probably the most important consideration when installing pavers, you also need to determine if you even have room for the pavers. Pavers come in all shapes and sizes. You want to make sure you choose pavers that are not so tall that they become tripping hazards or block doors from opening. Work with an experienced general contractor to ensure that you are choosing the proper pavers for your property. Can I DIY pavers over concrete in Los Angeles? The Internet is filled with videos detailing how to install pavers. However, it can be a labor intensive project and is best completed by a professional general contractor.
There are many considerations to make when installing pavers over concrete -- the size of the pavers, the pattern you want to create, and the condition of the concrete. Not only that, but specific machinery is needed to successfully install pavers. That’s why it’s really best to call a professional. A general contractor will understand all the factors that come into play and will be able to advise you on the best type of pavers to install and will advise you on how to repair your concrete, if necessary. Save yourself time, money and serious headaches by hiring a general Paver Contractor Los Angeles to complete the job. How much does it cost to install pavers over concrete in Los Angeles? Installing pavers on top of your concrete will cost anywhere from $10 to $17 per square foot. The total cost of your project is ultimately going to be determined by the size and complexity of the job. Most homeowners end up spending about $2,000 to $7,000 to install pavers on their patio. The pavers themselves usually cost about $2 to $4. Much of the cost of installing pavers is in the labor. While pavers cost more upfront, they will save you money in the long run. Poured concrete can crack and stain, and those repairs can be costly. With pavers, you can simply remove a damaged paver and replace it. Pavers are also more resistant to extreme weather. Ready to set down some pavers? Just give us a call. Let our experts guide you through the process to help you create a unique look for your driveway, patio, walkway or anywhere around your home. Installing Pavers Over Concrete in Los Angeles Pavers On Concrete in Los Angeles