Most people use asphalt over their concrete pavers to create another surface.
This makes the driveway more walkable for your convenience. You can also use stamped concrete or flagstone to pave over your concrete slab as well. This is the most common practice of paving over an existing concrete surface. Asphalt is made from heavy oils and crushed rocks, so it has a very high density and compressive strength. It is perfect for use as a walking and driving surface because it does not break or crack under foot traffic or vehicular friction. Stamped concrete is one of the most durable alternatives to asphalt. This type of paving comes in a wide variety of colours and textures, so it looks like natural stone or brick pavers. Stamped concrete is often used as an alternative to brick or stone because they are easy to install over any hard surface. For example, you can use stamped concrete on your driveway if it is made from exposed aggregate. Stamped concrete does not require much maintenance, but you must seal the material at least once per year for maximum durability. Brick pavers can be used overexposed aggregate surfaces for walkways and concrete patios; however, they are more expensive than other options such as asphalt or stamped concrete. You can also use flagstone on your concrete pavers. These natural paving stones are perfect for walkways and patios because they come in a wide variety of colours and shapes. You can also stamp flagstone with a textured finish to make it look like natural stone.
Some people decide to install pavers on top of the existing patio because it is a lot easier than digging up the existing driveway. You can simply remove the top layer of gravel and cover your exposed aggregate with asphalt, stamped concrete or flagstone. If you already have an asphalt installation with exposed aggregate, you can also pour a new slab over the asphalt. However, it is very important to note that concrete pavers have a different load-bearing capacity than asphalt or concrete. You should always talk to a paving professional prior to installing concrete pavers over any existing hard slab because the weight and pressure of vehicles can cause serious damage. Do not attempt a concrete patio installation if you are not 100% sure about the design of your paver.
If you use flagstone, stamped concrete, or cobblestone, you will also need gravel to fill underneath the stones for drainage purposes. This is typically not required if you are laying asphalt on top of your existing driveway because asphalt provides its own drainage system. However, most paving professionals recommend adding gravel under any paver installation regardless of the type of material used for better support and stability.
Yes, they can; however, not all types of pavers can be installed directly over an asphalt driveway without doing damage to your existing surface. For example, you can install asphalt, stamped concrete or flagstone over an existing asphalt installation because they are very easy to cut and shape. These materials are also very strong and will not break under the weight of vehicles. However, if you have a concrete driveway that is more than 10 years old, in that case, you should always consult with a paving professional before installing any new material on top of your surface. The concrete condition tends to shrink over time because it is subject to changes in humidity and temperature; this will cause the formation of small cracks all over the surface. If your existing concrete patio has large cracks, installing pavers directly on top of your driveway may do serious damage that will be difficult to repair.
When laying pavers, follow our process below.
Start by raking the sand to remove any large aggregate and debris. Smooth out the surface with a steel rake so that it is even across the entire area where you will be installing your paver installation.
Compact the sand bed by rolling a plate compactor over it in multiple directions. The goal here is to create a flat, hard surface as the concrete base that does not allow water to pool anywhere when it rains or when you run your lawnmower over it. If needed, add more sand after compaction until you have reached the desired consistency.
When it comes to installing pavers to an existing concrete slab, you need mortar for proper installation.
Mix the mortar (typically made of cement, sand and lime) with water until the mixture has a smooth consistency that allows you to apply it directly with a trowel without any effort. You want the mortar to be thick enough so that it does not flow all over your pavers; however, do not make it too dry because you will need some excess material to fill in empty spaces between stones. For large paver installations, pour 1/3 - ½ of your mortar on the first row and evenly spread it across the surface using an edging tool or steel rake.
Once you have applied all the mortar, use the edging tool to create an even edge around your entire paver installation. Flip each stone upside down and press it down firmly until it sticks to the mortar below. Use your fingers to gently tap each stone so that it lines up perfectly with the one next to it. If needed, add more sand or water once you have finished grouting all of your pavers so that you can fill in any gaps between stones.
A smooth concrete surface improves the curb appeal. It is also a tripping hazard deterrent, especially if the concrete patio is installed on pool decks.
Ensure that you drill small drainage holes. Puddling water needs to seep through these small holes. Also, when laying pavers, see to it that they are properly sloped. The drainage slope ensures the runoff does not settle on the surface of the concrete slab paver patio.
Once your paver installation has dried for at least 24 hours, sweep sand over the surface using a leaf blower to even out the area and remove excess material. Sweep sand in multiple directions to create an even surface that does not allow any water to settle into cracks or holes in the pavers.
Glue down the border pavers with a suitable construction adhesive. Applying mortar to the perimeter course enhances the bonding of all the pavers. For more information on concreting, and concrete slabs, take a look at the Australian Government's Your Home website.