Do Pavers Crack Easily?

Having cracked pavers in your area can be annoying. I remember the last time I wanted to sell my home, and the outdoor space had cracked pavers, which decreased its value. I had to install new quality pavers to increase the value of my property. The question, though, is, do pavers crack easily?

No, pavers do not crack easily since they are made of materials that mimic the natural density of stones. This means these materials can keep out water, reducing the chances of moisture accumulating. When you reduce moisture accumulation on your pavers, the chances are that they will not crack since they will remain dry.

Gray paved driveway of a luxurious green mansion

Proper paver installation and a strong foundation are other reasons they don’t crack easily. The installation of pavers is done using materials such as sand and gravel. The pavers are also installed in a natural interlocking way between each other. Therefore, the sand joints and the interlocking of pavers allow for expansion and contraction, reducing cracking.

However, you should note that pavers can also crack over time due to some reasons. Some reasons include inadequate jointing, sub-standard paving bases, or moisture accumulation. That is why you need professionals to install your pavers. At Aviara Pavers, we install pavers using standard materials, reducing cracking. We are a reputable company that for all things follows ICPI standards and certifications (driveway depth, patios, swimming pool, and pathways.) related to pavers.

Common Reasons Why Pavers Crack

Pavers do not crack easily as they are made of materials that curb cracking. However, some reasons could make your pavers crack sooner than expected. Here are some of the reasons that could make your pavers crack:

Poor Installation

Paver installation is a process that requires proper attention and professionalism to ensure the job is done to the required standard. Many people opt for DIY projects without the proper skills to save on the cost. This could be a disaster waiting because the installation process may have needed to have been done correctly.

Installing pavers requires a proper foundation before laying pavers on top. When laying a foundation, the first thing is to use the proper materials, such as bedding sand, gravel, or open-graded. These materials make the base even, ensuring the pavers remain laid.

Uneven ground or base makes the pavers shift from their positions when there is heavy traffic. This will lead to paver cracking or breakage, leading to costly repairs.

Climate and Weather Conditions

Climate and weather conditions are other leading causes of paver cracking. The fluctuations in temperature (increase and decrease in temperatures) leads to the expansion and contraction pavers. This expansion and contraction make pavers move from one position to the other.

Immediately the pavers shift from their positions, There will be an uneven surface, making pavers unstable and leading to cracking.

Heavy Loads and Traffic

Heavy loads and traffic causes what is called fatigue or crocodile cracking. When you install pavers in a busy area frequented by heavy trucks, the chances are that they will crack. The heavy loads or traffic in your driveway makes the pavers shift out of position, leading to cracking.

One of the reasons pavers in these areas such as driveways tend to crack easily is the type of paver used. Some people use thin pavers that cannot hold heavy loads longer. An ideal thickness required in such an area is 2 ⅜-inches (60mm) thick.

Unsealed pavers

Besides preventing fading in pavers, sealing pavers can help reduce cracking. Sealed pavers can resist cracking compared to unsealed ones. A sealer prevents the growth of molds, weeds, and mildew. When these plants are allowed to grow, they penetrate the joints, making pavers unstable. This later leads to paver cracking.

Lack of Maintenance

Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring your pavers last longer. If you don’t maintain your pavers properly, they will crack, leading to unnecessary repair costs. Proper maintenance includes regular cleaning, sealing, and repairing chipped or broken pavers in your yard.

Preventive Measures for Paver Cracking

It is the dream of every homeowner to have pavers that last longer. This way, you will be apple to maintain the value of your property and reduce unnecessary repair costs. So how do you prevent paver cracking?

Gray paving stones piled up on the ground

Ensure adequate base preparation: It is vital to ensure the base is even and made using the required materials. This will prevent the shifting of pavers, which could lead to cracking.
Proper sealing and joint filling: Ensure you fill the paver joints to keep your pavers in position. After installation, use a standard sealant to seal the pavers. Paver sealing helps prevent the growth of weeds and molds, which often make pavers break.
Install pavers with ideal thickness. This is an effective way of preventing pavers from cracking when staying in an area with heavy traffic.
Ensure adequate drainage: Proper drainage ensures no water accumulation, which could lead to paver cracking.
Hire a reputable company to do the job: It is essential to involve a professional from a reputable company like Aviara when installing pavers. These professionals have the knowledge and will help you install pavers to the required standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Normal for Pavers to Crack?

Yes, it is normal for pavers to crack over time. Even the strongest paver can crack with time and age. To ensure your pavers crack infrequently, it is vital to install them properly and conduct regular maintenance like cleaning, sealing, repairing, or replacing the cracked pavers.

How Long Should Pavers Last?

Pavers can last up to 25 years without major repairs and regular maintenance. However, to increase the lifespan of your pavers up to 50, ensure proper installation and regular maintenance practices. Some things to do to ensure longevity include proper sealing and ideal drainage.

Are Pavers Better Than Cement?

Yes, concrete pavers are always better and stronger than poured concrete. Pavers are thick and easy to maintain since you only need to replace or repair the chipped or broken one. They also come in different colors and can be installed in an attractive pattern.

Conclusion

Pavers are a great way of creating pathways, patios, and walkways since they add beauty to these areas. They also increase the value of your property. However, they need proper installation and regular maintenance to ensure they don’t crack. This way, you will be able to reduce unnecessary repair costs.