Taking up pavers involves carefully applying pressure to dislodge them from their bedding layer.
Removing pavers often requires focused effort to break the bond with the surrounding material and the base. A common technique involves applying upward pressure to lift the paver.
Basic Paver Removal
The fundamental step in taking up pavers is to apply upward force. While various tools can be used, the principle remains the same: lift the paver from its seated position.
Applying Pressure to Loosen Pavers
For pavers that are tightly set, you need to apply strategic pressure. Based on the provided reference:
- Apply Upward Pressure: Use a suitable tool to get under the edge of the paver and apply upward pressure.
- Focus on One Side: To help loosen a stubborn paver, concentrate your upward pressure on one specific side. The reference notes that loosening occurred on one side because "that's where a lot of my pressure" was applied.
- Adjust Your Tool: You may need to adjust the position of your tool or "flip this around" as mentioned in the reference, potentially to get better leverage or access for applying pressure to the desired side.
By focusing pressure on one side, you encourage the paver to pivot slightly, which can be more effective at breaking its hold than trying to lift the entire paver evenly at once.
Practical Tips
- Use a tool designed for lifting pavers, such as a paver extractor or a sturdy pry bar.
- Be patient; some pavers may require repeated attempts or slight adjustments in tool placement.
- Clear any joint sand around the paver you are trying to remove first.
