Paver Repair • Greater Knoxville Area

Paver Repair & Re-Leveling

Restore A Safer, Smoother Surface

Repair sunken, uneven, loose and shifted pavers to restore the appearance and function of your existing patio, walkway, driveway or hardscape.

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Sunken Pavers Uneven Areas Loose Pavers Re-Leveling
Existing Pavers Can Be Repaired

When Pavers Start To Shift.

Paver surfaces can change over time. Individual pavers or sections of a hardscape may begin to settle, shift, loosen or become uneven, leaving an area that no longer looks or functions the way it once did.

The good news is that a problem area does not automatically mean the entire hardscape needs to be replaced. Depending on the condition of the existing surface, targeted paver repair and re-leveling may allow the affected area to be corrected while keeping the surrounding hardscape in place.

Repair Before Replacement

Fix The Problem Area. Keep The Hardscape.

ACE focuses on the condition of the existing pavers and the area around them. When repair is appropriate, the goal is to address the affected section rather than assuming an otherwise usable hardscape needs complete replacement.

01 Sunken Pavers
02 Uneven Areas
03 Loose Pavers
04 Shifted Pavers
Start With The Condition Of The Existing Surface. Some areas may be good candidates for targeted repair and re-leveling, while more extensive movement, damage or deterioration may require a broader restoration approach. ACE can evaluate the hardscape and determine what level of service makes sense for the existing surface.
Know What To Look For

Signs Your Pavers May Need Repair.

Changes in a paver surface can start in one small area or become noticeable across a larger section. Sunken, uneven, loose or shifting pavers can be signs that the affected area needs attention. ACE can evaluate the existing hardscape to determine whether targeted paver repair and re-leveling may be appropriate.
01

Sunken Pavers

Individual pavers or larger sections can settle lower than the surrounding surface, creating noticeable dips or changes in elevation.

02

Uneven Surfaces

When neighboring pavers no longer sit at a similar height, the hardscape can develop raised edges, dips and an inconsistent walking surface.

03

Loose Pavers

Pavers that rock, move or feel unstable underfoot may need to be reset rather than simply left to continue moving within the surface.

04

Shifted Pavers

Pavers can move out of their original alignment, leaving uneven spacing, crooked lines or areas that no longer fit together as intended.

05

Low Spots

Depressed sections of a paver surface may become visually noticeable and can allow water to collect in areas where the surrounding pavers sit higher.

06

Failing Or Open Joints

Wider gaps, missing joint material or changes between neighboring pavers can be signs that an area should be evaluated along with the condition of the surrounding surface.

One Problem Area Does Not Always Mean Starting Over. The condition of the existing hardscape matters. Depending on what is happening beneath and around the affected pavers, targeted repair and re-leveling may be an option. More extensive movement or deterioration may call for a broader restoration approach.
Understanding The Problem

What Causes Pavers To Become Uneven?

There is not always one obvious reason a paver surface begins to move. Several conditions can contribute to settling, shifting, loose pavers or uneven areas over time. Identifying what is happening with the existing hardscape is an important part of determining the appropriate repair.
01

Settling Beneath The Pavers

Changes beneath a paver surface can allow sections to settle lower than the surrounding area. The result may appear as isolated sunken pavers, dips or larger uneven sections.

02

Water Movement & Erosion

The way water moves around or beneath a hardscape can sometimes contribute to changes in the supporting material and the position of the pavers above it.

03

Joint Material Loss

When material between neighboring pavers becomes depleted or joints begin to open, the surface may have less support between individual units and should be evaluated along with the surrounding area.

04

Repeated Use & Traffic

Areas that regularly experience foot traffic, vehicles or other repeated use can change over time. The amount and type of use can be one factor considered when evaluating a problem area.

05

Edge Movement

Movement near the outside edge of a paver area can affect alignment and spacing. Pavers may begin to spread, shift or sit differently than neighboring sections.

06

Changes Over Time

Outdoor hardscapes are exposed to weather, moisture, use and changing conditions year after year. Sometimes uneven areas develop gradually rather than from one single event.

The Appearance Alone Does Not Tell The Whole Story. These are possible contributors, not a diagnosis of every uneven paver surface. ACE evaluates the existing hardscape and the affected area before determining what may be contributing to the problem and what type of repair or re-leveling is appropriate.
How ACE Approaches The Repair

The ACE Repair & Re-Leveling Process.

Every paver problem is a little different. ACE starts by looking at the affected area and the condition of the existing hardscape, then determines what work is appropriate for that particular surface.

01
Step One

Assess

ACE begins by evaluating the affected pavers and surrounding surface to understand where movement, settling or uneven areas are present.

02
Step Two

Access The Area

When appropriate for the repair, affected pavers may be carefully lifted or removed so the area beneath them can be reached and evaluated.

03
Step Three

Correct & Re-Level

The affected area is addressed as needed to establish a more appropriate level for the pavers being repaired. The exact work depends on the condition found during evaluation.

04
Step Four

Reset The Pavers

Existing pavers are reset where appropriate, with attention given to their position, alignment and relationship to the surrounding hardscape.

05
Step Five

Re-Sand & Finish

Joint material and finishing work can be addressed as appropriate for the repaired area and the overall condition of the existing paver surface.

The Exact Repair Depends On What ACE Finds. Not every project requires every step in exactly the same way. The condition of the pavers, the affected area and the surrounding hardscape determine what work is appropriate. ACE evaluates the surface first rather than assuming every uneven paver problem has the same solution.
Targeted Paver Repair

Repair The Problem. Keep The Hardscape.

An uneven section does not necessarily mean an entire paver surface needs to come out. When the surrounding hardscape remains usable, targeted repair and re-leveling may allow ACE to address the problem area while preserving the existing surface around it.
Work With What Is Already There Repair Does Not Always Mean Replacement.
Paver repair and re-leveling can focus on the section that actually needs attention. Depending on the condition of the hardscape, affected pavers may be lifted, addressed and reset while much of the surrounding surface remains in place. The goal is to preserve the existing hardscape whenever targeted repair is appropriate.
Evaluate The Problem ◆ Repair The Area ◆ Preserve The Hardscape
Choosing The Right Level Of Service

Paver Repair vs. Full Restoration.

Repair and restoration can overlap, but they are not always the same job. The condition of the existing hardscape helps determine whether the focus should be on a specific physical problem or a broader combination of services.

Targeted Service

Paver Repair &
Re-Leveling

Repair and re-leveling focus primarily on physical problem areas within an existing paver surface. The work is centered on the sections that have become uneven, loose, sunken or shifted.

  • Sunken pavers
  • Uneven sections
  • Loose or shifted pavers
  • Localized low spots
  • Areas that may need resetting or re-leveling
VS
Broader Service

Hardscape
Restoration

Restoration takes a broader look at the condition of the hardscape. Depending on what the existing surface needs, a restoration project may involve several different services rather than one isolated repair.

  • Cleaning and surface preparation
  • Paver repair where needed
  • Re-leveling affected areas
  • Joint re-sanding where appropriate
  • Sealing and protection where appropriate
Not Sure Which One You Need? Start With The Existing Hardscape.

You do not need to diagnose the problem before contacting ACE. The existing pavers and affected areas can be evaluated to determine whether the project calls for targeted repair and re-leveling or a broader hardscape restoration approach.

Explore Hardscape Restoration
Existing Paver Surfaces

Where Paver Repair May Be Needed.

Settling, shifting and uneven areas can appear across many different types of existing paver hardscapes. ACE evaluates the problem area in the context of the surrounding surface to determine whether targeted repair and re-leveling may be appropriate.
01

Patios

Sunken, loose or uneven areas can interrupt the appearance and consistency of an existing paver patio. Targeted repair may allow the affected section to be addressed while preserving the surrounding patio.

02

Walkways

Individual pavers or sections of a walkway can settle or shift over time, creating changes in elevation, alignment or spacing that may benefit from repair and re-leveling.

03

Driveways

Paver driveways can develop localized settling, movement or uneven sections. ACE can evaluate the affected area and determine whether targeted repair is appropriate for the existing surface.

04

Steps & Hardscape Areas

Paver areas around steps, transitions and other hardscape features can also experience movement or changes in elevation. The surrounding construction and condition of the area help determine what type of repair may be appropriate.

05

Other Existing Paver Surfaces

Not every paver installation fits neatly into one category. If an existing paver surface has become sunken, uneven, loose or shifted, ACE can evaluate the area to determine what repair options may make sense.

The Surface Matters. So Does The Condition. Whether the affected pavers are part of a patio, walkway, driveway or another existing hardscape, repair begins with evaluating what is happening in that specific area. ACE can determine whether targeted repair and re-leveling or a broader restoration approach is appropriate.
Beyond The Repair

What Happens After The Repair?

Repairing an uneven or shifted area addresses the physical problem, but it may not be the only care an existing paver surface needs. Depending on the overall condition of the hardscape, additional cleaning, joint care, sealing or ongoing maintenance may also be appropriate.
01

Cleaning

If the surrounding pavers have accumulated dirt, organic buildup or general outdoor wear, cleaning may be considered separately from the physical repair itself.

02

Joint Re-Sanding

Depending on the repaired area and the condition of the surrounding joints, joint material may need to be addressed as part of finishing the surface or a broader restoration service.

03

Sealing

When appropriate for the existing pavers and their condition, sealing can be considered after the necessary preparation to add protection and help maintain the finished surface.

04

Ongoing Maintenance

Once the hardscape is in good condition, recurring paver maintenance can help stay ahead of routine dirt, buildup and everyday outdoor exposure.

Continue Caring For The Surface Repair The Problem. Then Care For The Hardscape.

Not every repaired surface needs every additional service. ACE can evaluate the overall condition of the pavers and determine whether cleaning and sealing or recurring maintenance makes sense after the repair work is complete.

Repair ◆ Cleaning ◆ Sealing ◆ Ongoing Care
Paver Repair Questions

Paver Repair & Re-Leveling FAQ.

Every paver surface is different. These answers cover some of the most common questions about repairing sunken, uneven, loose and shifted pavers.

01
Can sunken pavers be repaired?
In many cases, sunken pavers may be candidates for repair and re-leveling rather than complete replacement. The appropriate repair depends on the condition of the affected area, the surrounding pavers and what ACE finds during the evaluation.
02
Why are my pavers becoming uneven?
Uneven pavers can be associated with several conditions, including settling beneath the pavers, water movement or erosion, joint material loss, edge movement, repeated use and changes that develop over time. The appearance of the surface alone does not necessarily identify the exact cause, which is why the affected area should be evaluated before determining the repair.
03
Do you have to replace the entire patio?
Not necessarily. If the problem is limited to a specific section and the surrounding hardscape remains in suitable condition, targeted repair and re-leveling may be an option. More extensive movement, deterioration or multiple problem areas may call for a broader restoration approach.
04
Can loose pavers be reset?
Depending on their condition and what is happening in the affected area, existing loose pavers may be able to be reset as part of a repair. ACE first evaluates the pavers and surrounding surface to determine what work is appropriate before resetting the area.
05
Can you match existing pavers?
When existing pavers can be reused, keeping them in the repaired area may provide the closest continuity with the surrounding hardscape. If replacement pavers are needed, however, an exact match in color, texture, size or material cannot always be guaranteed. Product availability, age, weathering and differences between manufacturing runs can all affect how closely new material matches the existing surface.
06
What happens if you find a larger underlying problem?
Sometimes the visible uneven area may be only part of the issue. If evaluation or repair work reveals a condition that requires more extensive attention, the scope of the project may need to change. ACE can explain what was found and determine whether additional repair or a broader hardscape restoration approach should be considered.
Every Repair Starts With The Existing Condition. The right approach depends on the pavers, the affected area and the condition of the surrounding hardscape. ACE evaluates the surface before determining whether targeted repair, re-leveling or broader restoration work may be appropriate.
Paver Repair & Re-Leveling

Fix The Problem Before It Gets Worse.

If your pavers are sunken, uneven, loose or shifted, ACE can evaluate the affected area and determine what repair and re-leveling approach may be appropriate for your existing hardscape.

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Serving The Greater Knoxville Area & Surrounding Communities