Paver Repairs: How to Fix Common Problems

How Do You Repair Common Paver Problems?

Re-leveling sunken pavers runs $100 to $400, and resetting a spreading edge with new restraint runs $50 to $150 per linear foot. That repairability is the primary advantage of pavers over poured concrete: any damaged or problem section can be addressed without affecting the surrounding surface.

Sunken or Heaved Pavers

A paver that has sunken (settled lower than the surrounding field) or heaved (risen higher due to frost or root pressure): remove the affected pavers by prying up the perimeter with a flat bar (pavers interlock but are not bonded, so any paver can be removed without damage). Add or remove bedding sand under the affected pavers to restore the correct height. Re-seat the pavers, tamp firmly, and re-fill the joints with polymeric sand. If multiple adjacent pavers have sunken in the same area: the issue is base compaction failure in that zone. Remove the affected pavers and a 12-inch perimeter, excavate to base level, add compacted base material to correct the low spot, and reinstall. Cost for professional repair: $100 to $400 depending on the area affected.

Spreading Edge Pavers

Perimeter pavers that have migrated outward over time: the edge restraints have failed (spikes have pulled out, restraint has broken, or no restraint was installed). Remove the edge pavers, re-install new edge restraint properly (spike at 12-inch intervals), re-set the edge pavers with appropriate joint spacing, and re-fill with polymeric sand. If the spreading is severe (more than 1 inch of lateral movement): the entire perimeter may need to be reset. Cost: $50 to $150 per linear foot for professional edge reset and new restraint installation. (For more on this, see How Much Do Pavers Cost Installed?.)

Weed Growth and Ant Colonization

Weeds growing in paver joints: the joint sand has degraded and is no longer blocking germination. Power wash to flush old sand and weed roots, apply a pre-emergent herbicide after washing, and reinstall polymeric joint sand. Ants forming colonies in the joints: same solution — ants excavate fine sand and their colonies weaken the joint stability. Power wash, apply food-safe ant treatment if needed, and reinstall polymeric sand. Polymeric sand significantly outlasts regular sand for both weed and ant resistance.

Working With a Contractor on This Project

Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.

Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.

Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project.

Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.

Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.

Making a Confident Decision

The information in this article is designed to help you ask better questions of the professionals you work with, evaluate their answers with more confidence, and understand the decisions involved in this type of home services project. It is not a substitute for professional assessment of your specific home.

Every home is different. Roof slopes, local weather, tree exposure, soil conditions, and existing system condition all affect what the right solution is for your specific situation. The general principles here apply broadly, but a professional who assesses your home in person will give you guidance that accounts for the details that general articles cannot.

When you are ready to move forward, getting at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured, local contractors is the most important practical step. It lets you compare approaches, assess contractor quality, and confirm that the solution proposed matches your specific situation and budget.

Paver Cost at a Glance

Cost Factor	Typical Range	Notes
Concrete pavers installed	$10 to $15 per sq ft
Brick pavers installed	$12 to $20 per sq ft
Natural stone pavers installed	$18 to $25 per sq ft
Overall range	$10 to $25 per sq ft	installed, averaging $16 per sq ft Installed cost includes base, bedding sand, edge restraints, pavers, and polymeric joint sand.