Winnipeg’s Premier Paving Stone Restoration & Repair

The Winnipeg Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Why Stones Sink

In Manitoba, our hardscaping faces some of the most brutal weather conditions in North America. The extreme temperature swings from -30°C winters to scorching +30°C summers create a devastating freeze-thaw cycle. Moisture penetrates the ground, freezes, expands, and heaves the earth beneath your stones.

When the jointing sand between your paving stones washes away or degrades, water gets trapped in the base layer. This leads directly to sunken driveways, uneven patio stones, shifting retaining walls, and aggressive weed growth. At The Paving Stone Pros, we don't just cosmetically wash your stones. We diagnose the root cause of the base failure, perform structural re-leveling, and apply commercial-grade sealants.

1. Deep Cleansing & Efflorescence Removal

We begin with industrial hot-water pressure washing to strip away years of embedded dirt, vehicle fluids, moss, and algae. More importantly, we treat efflorescence—that stubborn, chalky white salt residue that naturally leeches out of concrete pavers. It requires specialized, eco-friendly chemical treatments to open the pores of the stone.

2. Sub-Base Repair & Structural Re-Leveling

Every repair is unique. Depending on the age and condition of your hardscape, we approach base repair in two ways:

• The Simple Re-level: For older installations (years or decades old) where the base has naturally settled over time, a simple lift is often all that is needed. We extract the sunken stones, add fresh crushed limestone or bedding sand, re-level the area perfectly flush, and re-set your original stones.
• The Full Base Rebuild: If the sub-base has completely failed, holds pooling water, or was installed incorrectly by a previous contractor, we perform a full base rebuild. We excavate the compromised material and install a fresh, mechanically tamped limestone foundation to ensure it never sinks again.

3. High-Performance Polymeric Sand

Once the surface is completely dry, we sweep in premium, commercial-grade polymeric sand. Unlike regular jointing sand which washes away in the rain, polymeric sand contains binding agents that harden like concrete when activated with water. This permanently locks the pavers in place and prevents weed growth and insect infestations.

4. Professional Grade Paver Sealing

The final step is protecting your investment. We apply a breathable, penetrating paver sealer. You can choose between a "Natural Look" or a "Wet Look" (color-enhancing gloss). Sealing protects against UV fading, oil spills, and winter road salt erosion.

Paving Stone Repair Cost Guide in Winnipeg

Transparency is key. While every project requires an on-site assessment, here is what you can expect when budgeting for paver repair:

• Clean, Sand & Seal: The most cost-effective way to refresh a structurally sound patio or driveway.
• Spot Re-leveling: Fixing sunken tire ruts or trip hazards. Priced based on the amount of lifting and base material required.
• Full Lift & Relay: If the stones are in good shape but the entire base has failed, we can lift the entire area, rebuild the base, and relay your existing stones for a fraction of the cost of buying brand-new materials.

How long does paving stone sealing last in Winnipeg?

In the harsh Manitoba climate, a high-quality acrylic or penetrating sealer typically lasts between 3 to 5 years. Driveways exposed to heavy winter road salt and snow clearing may require resealing closer to the 3-year mark.

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Can you fix a sunken driveway without replacing all the stones?

Yes. If your interlocking bricks are not cracked or crumbling, we can extract the stones in the sunken area, repair the base underneath, and relay your original stones.

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When is the best time of year to repair and seal my patio?

The optimal window for polymeric sand and sealing in Winnipeg is from late May through September. The stones must be completely dry and the ambient temperature needs to remain above 10°C.