The golden rule of paving repair
The most common mistake in repairs: the symptoms get treated, the cause does not. If pavers have sunk, the base is almost always to blame – jointing sand washed out by water, poor compaction, or water standing in the bedding layer after a torrential downpour. If the blocks are simply lifted without repairing the base, they sink again within a few months.
We always deal with the cause first, and only then relay the pavers.
Typical problems we repair
| Problem | Likely cause | Repair method |
|---|---|---|
| Sunken pavers | Loose base, washed-out fines, standing water | Lifting, base repair, relaying |
| Rutting | Bedding layer too thick, weak base | Full lifting, base strengthening |
| Undulations | Uneven base, uncompacted bedding | Re-levelling and relaying |
| Washed-out joints | Drainage fault, unsuitable jointing sand | Fixing the drainage + re-jointing |
| Broken blocks | Laid too tight, overloading, poor quality | Individual replacement, cause analysis |
| Rocking blocks | Empty joints, washed-out bedding | Lifting, base topping-up, relaying |
| Displaced kerb | No haunching, weak concrete bed | Re-concreting the kerb with haunching |
The repair process step by step
- On-site condition survey – identifying the affected area and the cause of the failure.
- Lifting the pavers – removing the units, undamaged where possible.
- Removing the jointing material.
- Inspecting the bedding and base – replacing washed-out, loosened or silted material.
- Eliminating the drainage cause – where needed, re-forming falls and repairing drainage channels.
- Topping up and compacting the base – with suitable granular material, vibrated.
- Spreading the bedding layer – 3–5 cm of grit, screeded level.
- Relaying the pavers – in the original pattern, to string lines.
- Jointing and compaction – with a rubber-matted plate compactor.
- Final check – no rocking blocks, joints full, falls correct.
Our prices
Paving repair: from €30/m²
The exact price depends on the size of the affected area, the extent of base repair needed and the material required. After a free site survey we give you an exact, no-obligation quote.
When is a surface repair NOT enough?
- If the base beneath the pavers is also washed out or loose – only repairing the base lasts.
- If more than 20–30 % of the area is sinking – a full renovation is more economical.
- If the kerb has also moved – the kerb must be fixed first.
Request a site survey for your repair!
We find the cause and give you an exact quote – without unnecessary work. We cover the whole province of Málaga, from Nerja to Manilva.