Paving slabs over existing crazy paving

[Rita]

Hi, just joined and would appreciate some advice.

I have 20 year old crazy paving style paths with cement grout outside. I want something new and easier to keep clean. The existing grouting is cracking in 20%, the paving is solid to walk on. My question is can I lay new slabs over the top of existing crazy paving on a sand/cement base or should I have existing paths taken up. I am not sure of the size of the area but to me it's a large area. Also most slabs I have seen are either sand or lime stone, is one harder wearing, more colour retentive than the other? Thanks.

 

[Ajax123]

Yes. Put a weed block membrane down first then Lay a layer of weak sharp sand and cement. About 7 or 8 to 1 is plenty strong enough. Use a rubber mallet to bed the slave into the sand cement mix.

 

[Ajax123]

Your crazy paving will just act as hardcore.

 

[Blunt Tool]

Hi, just joined and would appreciate some advice.

I have 20 year old crazy paving style paths with cement grout outside. I want something new and easier to keep clean. The existing grouting is cracking in 20%, the paving is solid to walk on. My question is can I lay new slabs over the top of existing crazy paving on a sand/cement base or should I have existing paths taken up. I am not sure of the size of the area but to me it's a large area. Also most slabs I have seen are either sand or lime stone, is one harder wearing, more colour retentive than the other? Thanks.

Just be sure that if the paving is right beside your house that the new paved height does not cover the houses damp course if it does you would be better to take up old paving first 🙂

 

[Ajax123]

Just reread my post... don't use a rubber mallet to bed the slave.... that would be very wrong indeed and possibly illegal... use it to bed the slabs instead... LOL

 

[SJPurdy]

Just be sure that if the paving is right beside your house that the new paved height does not cover the houses damp course if it does you would be better to take up old paving first 🙂

Good point but surface of the paving (or any other solid surface) adjacent to a house wall should remain at least 150mm below the damp proof course, is my understanding of building regs.
If retaining the existing crazy paving as a base then ensure that it is all solidly bedded down and non of it is rocking as you walk over it otherwise the instability will just pass up into the new overlying layer.