Removing Pavers Process Made Easy
While you may understand how to replace pavers, removing them from a project before you can lay new pavers can seem like a lot of extra work. However, when you know how to handle paver removal properly, the task becomes much easier. When a client requests a repair, wants pavers replaced, or needs a redesign of their space, the process can go very easily when it's handled with the correct approach. Here's how we recommend you approach the paver removal and replacement process.
Step-By-Step Process to Remove Pavers
Tools and Materials Needed
Here are some of the essential tools that you'll need to have on hand for your paver removal project:
- Rubber mallet
- Paver puller and/or paver popper
- Broom
- Gloves
- Trowel
- Garden hose (optional)
- Grinder or cut-off saw (optional)
Ultimately, you’ll want tools designed to handle the job effectively and efficiently.
Preparing the Area
You'll want to clear any obstacles, and then clean off any debris and dirt. This is important so that you can easily see and access the entire work area. If there are specific pavers that need to be removed, rather than the entire installation, consider marking those pavers so that they're easy to locate as you go forward.
Loosening the Paver Joints
Next, the paver joints may need to be loosened. This step can be skipped if regular masonry sand is swept in or the jointing compound hasn’t been activated. Cutting the joint with a saw or grinder can be very helpful in a situation where the joining material is cured. Another step you can take is to use boiling water to break down the polymers in sand - making it a simple process to remove.
Lifting and Removing the Pavers
Once the paver's joints have been loosened, it's time to lift the pavers out of the way. A paver popper can be used effectively at this point, and a rubber mallet can help loosen the paver further from the surrounding joints. If a paver is stuck, you can further loosen the paver joints by using a dedicated paver popper tool. Suction lifting tools can also come in handy in this situation to prevent body harm.
Repeating the Process for Multiple Pavers
If you're removing multiple pavers, you'll repeat the process, working methodically from one side of the installation to the other to avoid missing any of the pavers that need to be removed. Remain consistent in your approach to avoid damage to the pavers. Once you've removed the pavers, sweep off any dirt or debris that may have come off of the paver, and store the removed pavers in a safe area.
Cleaning the Area Post-Removal
Once the pavers are removed, carefully remove any dirt, debris, or sand from your bedding layer area with a trowel. In larger areas, re-screeding may be necessary. It's important to clean the area to ensure that the new pavers will sit properly and evenly on a smooth, firm, uniform surface.
How to Reinstall or Replace Pavers
Before reinstalling the pavers or installing the replacement pavers, it's important to check that your bedding layer is even and free of damage. If there are any issues, these should be addressed before installing the new paver. Installing with a vacuum solution or a clamp solution can ease the installation process and prevent any pinched fingers and further fatigue. Once that is handled, the new paver can be placed and then compacted to ensure that it is firmly set into the setting bed. Any adjustments can be handled with a rubber mallet. Finally, sweep in new sand or joint compound to ensure that the paver remains where it was placed to avoid issues down the road.
Simplify Your Hardscaping Efforts
Paver removal doesn't have to be a difficult process when you understand how to remove pavers properly. Start by selecting the right tools, preparing the area, loosening paver joints, lifting and removing pavers, and cleaning the area. When you have the right tool to remove pavers and understand the techniques, the process can be straightforward, so be sure to try this process on your upcoming hardscaping projects with existing pavers, and you'll discover that it doesn't need to be a frustrating task. If you have questions about the best paver extractor tool for your next project, Pave Tool's friendly team of experts is always ready to help. Just contact us today to get started!