Common paving installation problems

Most paving installation problems have a snowball effect, where one problem leads to another, causing yet another problem. This ultimately results in complete and irreparable failure of a paved area.

EARTHWORKS

Paving problems are mainly caused by inferior earthworks. When a paving site’s sub-base has failed due to incorrect earthworks, the result will be disastrous and irreparable.

EDGE RESTRAINTS

Inadequate or inferior edge restraints will lead to movement and subsequent loss of jointing sand.

LEVELLING

Uneven paving is unsightly and dangerous to walk on.

COMPACTION

Inadequate compaction of the sub-base will cause pavers to sag, resulting in water ponding, as seen in Drainage image below.

BEDDING SAND

Inferior or insufficient bedding sand might cause pavers to move and break.

JOINTING SAND

When jointing fails, pavers will move and edges, will chip or break. This might then lead to other problems.

DRAINAGE

Incorrect drainage will cause ponding, so that water infiltrates the sub-base, causing it to fail.

CUTTING

Good cutting will create a beautiful effect. By contrast, bad cutting will be very unsightly.

CAREFUL HANDLING

Careless and indiscriminate handling of paving will cause chipping and breaking.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

If paved lines are not straightened and broken pavers are not removed, other problems could result.

CEMENT STAINING

Cement grouting can cause permanent stains on paving if the grouting is not correctly cleaned off the pavers.

SKILLED ARTISANS

Installing finishing touches is a skill. Small details, done incorrectly, can ultimately ruin an otherwise good installation.