How to pave over cracked concrete?

[goldenbrad]

Is it possible to re-pave an area with a cracked concrete base? Just want to avoid having to pull up all the concrete and remove in an area that well down the track will probably get demolished. Would leveling and compacting area down with road base work still then sanding and laying pavers?

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @goldenbrad,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

If you were looking for something that would last 20+ years, you would want to remove the concrete and stabilise the base before paving, but if you are happy to accept that there may be some movement which could make the paved surface imperfect sooner than you'd hoped, I don't think there's any reason you couldn't pave over the top.

In saying this, I don't think road base and sand are necessary because you already have a solid surface, although it is uneven. I would be more inclined to use mortar directly over the concrete and set the pavers in place while it is wet. This will allow you to account for the unevenness of the slab as you lay each paver.

You can apply your mortar with a brick trowel, press the paver into the mortar, then use a spirit level to check the level of your pavers. You can make small adjustments with the bottom of the trowel's handle or with a rubber mallet.

Let me know what you think and if you've got further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob