HF #227 | Christine Stoman

As with most things in life, if the foundation is wrong, you can expect problems. Success is ultimately built on a solid base, whether we are talking business, marriage or paving.

The solidity needed for paving is called the sub-base, followed by the aggregate base, and then either by moist sand bedding (for flexibility) or a concrete bedding (for rigid tension). Then only is the area ready for the pavers. Each application needs the right base and, compacted well, could last a generation. However, faulty groundwork will lead to cracks, dips or irregular water run-off.

Water drainage is vital. Even better, drains should be installed. Under no circumstances do you want puddles of rainwater against your home or outbuildings, and definitely not in the middle of the driveway where the females of your household enter or exit the car. Can you hear their squeals? We Namibians love water, but it can also be our enemy if the necessary gradient was not sloped when creating the deep-lying sub- and aggregate bases.

Pavers should ideally also be properly grouted and sealed, especially around a salt chlorinated pool or on a paved BBQ patio. Use only specially formulated grout and sealant for maximum environmental resistance.

The edges of paving need to be properly bordered as well. Not only does it look neater, but solid edging also keeps water from entering from the side and seeping into the sub-base. Edges should be bedded and haunched in concrete, so that even the layers underneath are protected. Adding kerbs to reinforce edges is always a good idea.

Maintaining your paved area
Do regular inspections every six months, checking for any loose, damaged or stained paving, or any dislodged jointing material. If the paving is loose, the cause of the movement must be found and fixed before replacing or re-bedding the pavers. Where individual units have been damaged, these can be replaced.

Flexible installations using jointing sand can be topped up by sweeping additional sand over the paved surface. If grouting was used in a rigid installation and is being washed out, replace with specialised jointing material, not cement grouting.

Have a few extra pavers on hand for repairs. Having to buy additional pavers later means unwanted colour variances.

Regular sweeping and hosing, sprayed at an angle and not directly into joints, are necessary. Your paving will look neat, but it will also prevent weeds from taking root if they are not left undisturbed to germinate in the dust between the pavers. Never use acid to clean pavers.

Each property owner will need to make the call: Are the paving problems patchable? Simply patching the surface will likely not be a long-term solution. Unless you are a 100% DIYer, it would be best to contact professional paving contractors. Let them assess the extent of the damage, identify the root cause, and recommend the most effective repair strategy. Be prepared to start at the very beginning, if needs be.