Standard concrete slabs generally have a lower cost per square foot than the alternative. You'll usually pay 10% to 15% more if you choose pavers instead of standard concrete slabs. Another good reason to hire a contractor to dig a base is to remove roots and soil that can cause cracks in the base and replace it with a gravel and sand base for the bed. Your cobblestone patio will be smoother and more even than simply installing pavers over existing concrete.
It can also save you money in the future by having to repair the concrete underneath. Whether you use cement pavers or want to pave stone entrances, pavers and stones are usually stronger than concrete and can support more weight on the surface before a crack appears. Most pavers can withstand up to 8000 psi (pounds per square inch), unlike concrete, which can withstand up to 2500 psi. And if you're wondering about the strength of an asphalt road compared to concrete, concrete is the more durable of the two.
Depending on how you look at it or your needs, installing pavers on concrete is a good option or a cardinal sin. Some builders prefer not to install anything on concrete, while others may justify it based on common limitations, such as time or money. Placing pavers in sand on existing concrete will be less expensive than “gluing a tile” to concrete with a mixture of fine clay or mortar. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Use a pressure washer to remove all that dirt from the existing concrete surface and prepare it for the new cobblestone tiles. While individual pavers are not expensive, laying them requires more time and labor than pouring concrete. The bitumen complex is commonly used for high-impact traffic areas, such as crosswalks, as it helps prevent cobblestone rotation failures. Paving stones are also better for drainage, since the sand bed will absorb excess water from rain and cleaning, but this is avoided if concrete is placed directly underneath.
The best option is usually to completely remove old concrete and start using the traditional gravel, sand and cobblestone design technique again, and while this can be expensive at first, it is likely to save money in the long term due to the durable nature of the method. When laying paving stones, they are placed individually, usually on a deep bed of compressed gravel with a layer of sand on top. One of the reasons why many people choose pavers instead of concrete, because they can play an important role in increasing the external appeal of a home, which is a great investment when looking to sell. If you decide to place pavers in sand on top of existing concrete, you can later pick up the pavers and install the tiles.
After pouring the concrete or laying the pavers, it will be necessary to seal them to extend their useful life and maintain their best appearance. Whether you decide to use pavers instead of concrete as a viable solution for your property, there are a few things you should consider first. Repairing concrete is also more laborious than replacing some individual pavers, since a professional will likely have to tear off an important part and pour in the replacement concrete. While there's nothing wrong with patios or concrete entrances, it's a quick and easy option, and because of this, many people already have a concrete area that they want to replace with pavers.
Regardless of the material you choose, both concrete and pavers will need to be protected to withstand the elements. An experienced paver installer can determine if the concrete is in good condition to avoid costly repairs in the future and advise if concrete needs to be removed. .
