Paving repairs in Pretoria
Sunken, cracked, or loose pavers? Most Pretoria paving problems can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Submit your project and we'll arrange a free assessment.
When to repair vs replace
Repair (lift, re-level, re-lay) makes sense when:
- Pavers are intact (no cracks or major chips)
- Damage is localised (less than 30% of total area)
- Sub-base failure is shallow (top 50-100mm)
- Original pavers are still available (Infraset, Bosun, Corobrik, etc.)
Replacement makes sense when:
- Pavers are broken, crumbling, or severely faded
- More than 50% of the area is affected
- Sub-base has failed completely (deep washout, tree roots)
- You want a different paver style anyway
When you submit your project, we'll arrange a free assessment. The contractor looks at the paving, tells you honestly whether repair or replacement is the right call, and gives you a written quote for the right option. No pressure.
Common repair problems in Pretoria
Sunken driveway
Caused by clay subsoil movement (Pretoria has heavy clay) or sub-base washout. Lifting, adding crusher run, re-compacting, and re-laying solves 90% of cases.
Loose or rocking pavers
Usually jointing sand has washed away. Re-grouting with fresh plaster sand and compacting fixes most cases.
Cracked pavers
Individual pavers crack from heavy point loads (car jack, dropped heavy object) or freeze-thaw. Single-paver replacement is straightforward.
Edge failure
The edge restraints have failed and pavers are spreading. Re-set edge restraints, cut and re-lay edge pavers.
Stained or discoloured paving
Not a structural repair. Pressure wash + seal restores colour. See cleaning & sealing.
Why Pretoria paving fails
The most common causes we see across the metro:
- Clay subsoil movement — Pretoria sits on heavy clay that swells and shrinks with moisture. Drives need proper sub-base (100mm+ compacted crusher run) to survive.
- Poor original installation — sub-base too thin, no compaction, no edge restraints. Cheap paving doesn't last.
- Tree roots — large trees within 3m of paving lift sections.
- Water damage — poor drainage or sprinkler overspray erodes the sub-base over years.
- Heavy vehicle traffic — 50mm pavers are for cars. Trucks need 60-80mm commercial pavers.