West Seattle replace broken pavers
Homeowner’s Issue
In West Seattle yards you’re up against a specific set of realities: heavy fall–spring rains, compacted glacial till or clay pockets, shady north-facing slopes that hold moss, and sun-exposed terraces near the bluff that bake in summer. Many driveways and patios around Admiral, Alki, and Morgan Junction settle unevenly because of tree roots and poor base compaction. That leads to cracked or sunken pavers, tripping hazards, and puddles that degrade joints and promote moss and weed growth.
HOAs and neighbors expect tidy edges and level walks; salted or shifting pavers on sloped approaches become an eyesore and liability. Drainage matters here—water that doesn’t move away from foundations or slopes will undermine base material over a few winters. Weed pressure is seasonal: oxalis and chickweed explode after the first warm rains, while perennial ivy and moss colonize shaded seams. Seattle rarely enforces severe watering bans, but summer droughts still stress plants and can make newly set pavers shift if the base dries and contracts. We replace and reset pavers using sustainable, non-herbicidal methods—reusing sound units, adding permeable joints, and improving base drainage—so your patio or walkway stands up to West Seattle’s weather without toxic chemicals.
Our Quality Service
We replace broken or settled pavers with a practical, no-nonsense approach. We assess patterns of failure, lift only what’s necessary, reuse intact pavers, and rebuild a stable, drained base with crushed rock and plate compaction. For permeable installs we use open-graded aggregate and sand or polymeric jointing products that are environmentally compatible; for impermeable areas we compact a proper crushed-base and slope to drains.
Typical timelines: small sections (up to 50 sq ft) in one day; medium jobs (driveways, patios) 1–3 days depending on access and drying; larger hardscapes will be scoped with a custom timeline. We bring plate compactors, leveling screeds, automatic tampers, and hand tools. All work follows Seattle green-waste and hauling rules; we offer green-bin compliant disposal or haul-away options. No herbicides — only mechanical and organic weed control.
Benefits: safer walks, improved curb appeal, reduced long-term maintenance, better drainage, and a sustainable finish that fits West Seattle yards.
What’s Included
- On-site assessment and photo documentation.
- Lifting and removal of broken pavers; careful salvage of reusable units.
- Base preparation: excavation to proper depth, gravel/base rock, compaction.
- Re-laying pavers to match pattern and level; edge restraint installation as needed.
- Joint filling with sand or permeable joint material and final compaction.
- Site cleanup; haul-away or green-bin disposal per your choice.
Options / Upgrades
- Permeable joint systems and open-graded base for better drainage.
- Geotextile fabric under base (recommended on soft soils).
- Organic weed-control prep (hand pulling, heat treatment where practical).
- Mulch and fabric around edges to suppress weeds.
- Add edging, step repairs, or gravel channels to direct runoff.
Before & After / Expectations
Expect noise from plate compactors and some heavy lifting. We’ll need 2–6 feet of clear access for equipment and trucks; tight alley or stair access may add time. Work areas can be dusty and muddy during excavation—protective sheeting and tarps are used to limit mess. If we’re reusing your pavers there may be slight color or wear variation; matching 100% is not always possible with older runs.
Debris handling: choose green-bin disposal (city-compliant) or full haul-away. Timelines depend on weather—late spring through early fall is ideal for curing and settling, but we work year-round when soil conditions allow. After installation: avoid heavy traffic for 24–48 hours and avoid washing joints for 3–7 days.
Care tips for West Seattle
- Watch spring moisture: re-sand joints after heavy winter rains.
- Pull oxalis and chickweed early in the season; hand-pull or scrape joints.
- In shady, moss-prone areas, increase sunlight or improve drainage; consider replacing compacted base with open-graded material.
- For sloped walks, check edge restraints each year; tree roots may push pavers over time.
FAQs
Q: How long will a typical repair take?
A: Small repairs can be same-day. Most driveway or patio jobs take 1–3 days; we’ll schedule a visit to confirm.
Q: Do you use herbicides to control weeds between pavers?
A: No. We use mechanical removal, joint-sanding, and organic or thermal options only—no herbicides.
Q: Can you match my existing pavers?
A: We aim to reuse and match where possible. Older pavers may show wear differences; we’ll discuss visible options before work begins.
Q: Will this fix drainage issues?
A: We address drainage by regrading, improving base material, and adding channels or permeable joints—solutions depend on the site.
Q: Do I need permits?
A: Small repairs seldom need permits. Larger hardscape or drainage modifications may; we’ll advise and coordinate if required.
Call to Action
Ready to fix uneven or broken pavers in West Seattle? Book a free estimate and quick scheduling with local pros who know Admiral, Alki, and the rest of West Seattle. We provide honest timelines, sustainable methods, and clean work that lasts.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
We’ll respond with a photo-based estimate or set an on-site visit within a few business days.