Few renovation projects will drastically improve your home’s curb appeal like converting an old stained and cracked concrete driveway to a stunning paver driveway. And nothing transforms an outdated pool like a beautiful contemporary paver pool deck. However, these types of projects typically call for the painstaking, costly and time-consuming process of ripping out that old concrete. Or do they?
Overlay Pavers: Creating a Resilient Bedding Surface
Thanks to the incredible patent-pending formula of advanced Techniseal® dry mudset, concrete removal is completely unnecessary, as long as the slab is structurally sound. A driveway, patio, walkway or pool deck can be completely transformed in less than 48 hours, and for significantly less cost than concrete removal and replacement.
Dry mudset installs like sand — filling the cracks and seams of a sound concrete slab — to provide a bedding surface for the installation of thin overlay pavers (including concrete pavers, porcelain pavers, or natural stone.) Activated with water, dry mudset sets like concrete to create a durable bond. The result is a stunning outdoor living space with lasting beauty.
Driveway Transformation
Belgard Products that Work with Dry Mudset
(consult a local installer for additional styles in your area)
See Dry Mudset in Action
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For more overlay project ideas, check out this blog on Overlay Transformations, with more before and after pics.
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115 comments
Sounds like a great idea what about covering Futurastone? ( this is small pebbles covered with an epoxy ) Hope to hear from you! Sincerely, Patricia Losberg
To answer this question, it would be best to reach out to Techniseal directly. Click here to go to their support page.
What about asphalt? Can the pavers be used over asphalt?
The answer to that question depends on the condition of the asphalt and would need to be answered by a qualified contractor who can examine the site in person. To find a Belgard Authorized Contractor in your area, visit our contractor locator page at Belgard.com/locator.
My asphalt driveway is in perfect condition, can dribond be use for overlaying it with 2 3/8 laffit Belgard pavers?
Unfortunately, because asphalt is oil-based, it’s not a good bonding agent for DriBond. However, there are other options. Please refer to this article on the Belgard Commercial site.
Glad to see u are offering overlay pavers. My wife & I love Classic brick and wanted to suggest that as a product line. I thought that if it can be done on walls then a overlay paver would be a possibility.
Thanks.
Dan / Phx.
Can this be used over cool deck or does that need to be removed?
I checked with the Techniseal technical team and am told that DriBond has not been tested for that scenario. To be safe, you would probably do well to scrape the cool deck coating off of the concrete prior to application.
Can your product be used on asphalt driveway?
Roger,
Thanks for your question. You could overlay a full thickness paver on top of asphalt but only with a small layer of sand – not DriBond or thinset – either of those won’t stick. I personally would remove the asphalt though if that’s an option, and just use the gravel base as the substrate for the pavers like a traditional paver install.
For quicker response on technical product questions, you may want to contact Techniseal directly at service@techniseal.com.
I’m getting ready to do this but have one concern.
How do you deal with the transition from the driveway to the street, garage and other walkways?
Excellent question! I will reach out to our installation experts and get back with you shortly.
Regarding the transitions, here are your options:
1) Leave a lip and have the garage door company adjust the height.
2) Grind down the concrete on the ends to adjust for the height difference.
3) Pour concrete edging to create a softer edge.
4) You can break up and re-pour the concrete near the transitions. This would be a last resort.
For each of these, make sure you’re not creating a drainage issue with the transition.
Did you get a response to questions about transitions into garages? What do you do about height difference?
Regarding the transitions, here are your options:
1) Leave a lip and have the garage door company adjust the height.
2) Grind down the concrete on the ends to adjust for the height difference.
3) Pour concrete edging to create a softer edge.
4) You can break up and re-pour the concrete near the transitions. This would be a last resort.
For each of these, make sure you’re not creating a drainage issue with the transition.
We installed Laffit overlay pavers over a concrete pool deck. How do we keep the paver sand from washing out around the exterior edges?
When you install an overlay with DriBond, it applies like sand, but is activated with water and sets like concrete so erosion of the bedding material is not an issue. If you used a standard sand bedding layer, I’ll have to check with my team and see if they have a solution for you.
We were advised to use thin set. I hope that was not a mistake.
The team suggested using a joint stabilizing sealer to stabilize the sand. Techniseal offers a fantastic Joint Stabilizing Protector in Natural Look Semi-Gloss, Wet Look Gloss Water Based and Wet Look Gloss Solvent Based. You may also want to bring the grade up by adding soil and/or applying a tapered mortared edge.
Can i install the 3/4 inch porcelain tile using a standard tile setting installation? we are tile setters and the customer wants us to set it on a covered patio that has a solid concrete slab.
Chris
3/4 inch porcelain pavers can be installed over sound concrete using sand or adhesive as described in this porcelain paver installation guide. Another option would be to use Techniseal DriBond mudset, which applies like sand and hardens like concrete when activated with water. The benefits to using DriBond versus another adhesive is that it applies much more quickly, and it fills in any existing cracks in the concrete. For more information, contact your local Belgard rep at 877-BELGARD or 877-235-4273.
So you can use Techniseal DriBond mud to set/adhere the porcelain paver to the concrete? I did not see that listed as an option in the porcelain pacer installation guide.
It’s a newer process, so wasn’t in the original porcelain installation guide. It hasn’t been tested yet in climates with extreme freeze/thaw conditions, but has been tested elsewhere and performed well.
I’m glad that you mentioned that a driveway can be changed in less than forty-eight hours because of paving over it rather than removing and replacing the concrete. My driveway is pretty beat up and I want to have it repaved. This information you shared will help me find a good contractor to pave my driveway.
Good luck! If you need help finding a qualified contractor, visit Belgard.com/locator.
I liked that you said that there are different options for paving your driveway. I would imagine that a professional would know best which option I should go with. I will be sure to hire a professional to help me in installing a new driveway.
I like that you said that mixing water with DriBond concrete to create a durable bond. My parents are thinking about changing their concrete patio. I’m going to share your tip with them.
My wife and I are looking at repairing our driveway and I ran across your site re Dri-bond etc. Do you share pricing or do I need to contact Belgrade? We live near St.Augustine, Fl
To find a contractor who can help you with your project, click here to search our contractor locator.
I have an existing pool deck made up of 30yr old tumbled marble tiles installed on a concrete deck. Does the DriBond Asher to that? Thanks
The DriBond may or may not adhere to the tiles, but you should honestly remove the tiles to make sure the concrete is sound. If the concrete base shifts over time, your project could be jeopardized.
Can you please tell me if this can be installed on painted concrete drive? How can I get pricing for self installation?
I’m checking with the Techniseal team regarding the painted concrete and will get back with you. Regarding where to buy, do you have a PoolCorp in your area?
Techniseal suggests using a grinder to remove the paint so that the DriBond will adhere to the concrete.
How thick should/can the Dribond product be installed?
I have a large concrete patio that is structurally sound but poured in slightly uneven sections. Can I use the Dribond to even it out by going 1/2” think in some areas and 2” in others? What is the range of acceptable thickness?
I’m checking with the Techniseal team and will report back shortly.
Are there any environmental/site restrictions regarding the installation and use of the dry bond technique for your one inch pavers or for tiles in general? I live in bend Oregon so I need a solution that will work for our environment/climate. Thanks
Joseph,
We can provide Material Safety Data Sheet on this product if needed if you are looking for anything specific. Please contact us at 877-Belgard and we are more than happy to assist. thanks!
The response from Techniseal is that DriBond is a veneering product. It mirrors the surface it is being overlayed on. It isn’t for leveling. That being said, the minimum thickness is 1/4 inch thick — which is the recommended thickness for a standard project. They are comfortable using DriBond up to 1/2 of an inch, if that helps achieve your leveling goals. Any thicker than that, and you inhibit the product’s ability to achieve the proper bond.
Do you have thinset pavers that are the same style that match normal thickness pavers. If so what paver series?
Belgard offers a variety of thinner profile pavers for overlay projects. To see some of the looks, view our blog on Overlay Project Ideas, go to the section on “Overlay Paver Styles” to see photo galleries of the available pavers. The name of each paver is in the caption.
even ‘sound’ driveways develop cracks over time. how difficult is it to repair belgard pavers shouldsuch cracks affect the pavers?
The beautiful thing about pavers is that if one gets damaged, you can remove it and replace it (versus a large solid surface). And Belgard pavers have a lifetime warranty. Click here for more information.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.|
How does this hold up in extreme temperature variations. ? We live in northern Nevada and we can have 6 degrees overnight and 50 degrees during the day.
The product is currently in testing for climates with extreme freeze/thaw cycles.
Can concrete paver slabs be installed over existing concrete? I am concerned about drainage and I will also be limited in changing the existing slope.
As long as the concrete is in good shape, you should be able to overlay with paver slabs. Depending on your location (not tested for extreme freeze/thaw conditions), DriBond will work to facilitate the overlay. You will just need to activate it with a lot of water due to fewer joints. You could also use outdoor rated thin set adhesive as well. Be sure to account for the extra height and drainage. You may need to install a french drain. They can overlay with porcelain, 30-45 mm overlay pavers or full thickness 60-80mm pavers.
Can the pavers be installed over concrete coatings or should the coating be removed first?
The coating would need to be scraped off first to create a solid bond.
What would be the cost to do a 12 ft. X 20 ft. Concrete patio?
Costs vary by market. To find a Belgard Authorized Contractor in your area, visit Belgard.com/locator.
My drive way has spalling issues related to poor prep and cold temp. It was poured in 2007. Contractors all bankrupt by the time my problems surfaced. Besides the surface, the concrete slab is stable. Is your product able to cover a rough uneven surface?
You would want to check with the Techniseal team to be sure. Click here to upload photos and have them check it out.
Could this overlay method be used to cover a concrete basement floor? Would moisture still be able to permeate up through the pavers, or does the DriBond create a layer that is impermeable to vapor transmission?
Yes, DriBond will allow to permeate through it, just like concrete. It is not a water barrier. The only issue is whether or not the floor has been waxed, sealed or polished. If so, it would need to be stripped and/or sanded for adhesion.
I am fixing to form and pour a concrete driveway. I would like to install your thin paver over newly poured concrete. Do I need to need to worry about control and expansion joints below pavers or will Dribond stop the pavers from cracking?
Expansion joints are still recommended. You might also want to align the joints of the pavers with the expansion joints. DriBond allows some flexibility, but this would be a good preventative measure.
Can the be used over a stamped concrete pool deck ? In New York.
Yes and no. DriBond can be used over stamped concrete because it fills in the crevices from the stamping. But if sealant or stain was used, you may need to strip or grind the concrete prior to DriBond application for proper adhesion. The condition of the concrete is critical. Although minor cracks are ok, it must be sound overall. In consideration with expansion joints, any suspect sections would need to be removed and replaced. The major issue is the geographic location. DriBond is still in testing for use in climates with severe freeze/thaw conditions, which is why Belgard does not currently offer it in any of the New York catalogs. This may change once sufficient testing data is obtained.
Was the product tested in climates with extreme freeze/thaw cycles? I live in Western New York and considering this installation over a 20 x 22 patio.
If you are looking for a test site for extreme freeze/thaw cycles, I have one. Thanks.
🙂
It’s currently in testing for climates with extreme freeze/thaw cycles, but do not have conclusive data yet as not enough time has passed.
This is great! Keep sharing such awesome ideas.
I am laying pavers over my existing concrete patio, would dri bond work on my pavers that are 2 inches thick?
Yes, DriBond works well with 2 inch pavers.
Can DriBond pavers be applied to steps as well as our walkway? Our walkway is 3 different levels.
As long as the steps are concrete and still sound, yes.
I’m working on a barn renovation and I’m considering the thin 1”/1.25” paver over a concrete floor but I need some advice. I can either mortar the paver with thin-set and the broom in some polymer or I could just float the pavers and broom in the polymer to secure the pavers. What do you think?
Techniseal DriBond works really well for this type of application and would be faster to install then thinset, assuming that the concrete is sound. Cracks are ok, as long as there’s not shifting or heaving. Click here to watch an installation video. This is assuming that the barn has drainage that leads outside, as you would need to activate the DriBond with water. Many barns are constructed so that they can be hosed out, if needed. If your was constructed this way, then you’re good to go. Otherwise, thin-set would work. But again, if you’re talking about jointing with polymeric sand, you would need the drainage capability, as that product is activated with water also. Otherwise, you would need to joint with grout.
Thanks for sharing this tips. So informative. Concrete Foundation Austin
where can ibuy the product?
Click here to find a dealer or installer near you.
How could I get in contact with you?
To call us, dial 877-BELGARD (or 877-235-4273). To ask a specific question, you can click here. To find a contractor, go to Belgard.com/locator.
Is Dribond stable around saltwater pool? I am looking for an alternative to my flaking kool deck and I think this may be the solution if it’s not affected by saltwater.
DriBond works well for this type of application.
Those overlay pavings are really good. I really liked them. How much it will cost ?
Cost can vary by market and by project specifics. To find a local contractor who can provide a quote, go to Belgard.com/locator.
Can you use the dribond to overlay flagstone that has concrete under it?
It can work, but the shape of the stone needs to be as flat as possible. This will allow the DriBond to grip the natural stone. Techniseal only recommends max size of a unit to be 12″x12″ when using DriBond. The larger the units, the more watering that has to take place to reach and activate the DriBond at the center of the paving unit. You will also need to wet a sponge and wipe off the side of the stone that will be placed on the DriBond. This removes contaminants that may have a negative affect on the quality of the bond. Make sure the stones are dry after cleaning them before placing them in the DriBond.
This is a good article and I agree that Few renovation projects will drastically improve your home’s curb appeal like converting an old stained and cracked concrete driveway to a stunning paver driveway. If you need professional driveway repair at Buffalo, NY. Contact us at 716-271-7745 for more information.
Do you have any installer in Phoenix,Az thank you
To find an contractor in your area, visit Belgard.com/locator.
What do you consider “extreme” freeze/thaw? I live in Indianapolis and we do have freeze/thaw (and potholes), but I don’t know if I would call it extreme. You mention ongoing studies. When will they be considered as complete? Where are the studies occuring?
Also, to the thin Belgard pavers have resistance to sodium chloride and calcium chloride used for deicing? Thanks.
Thank you for your question. We have forwarded you request for information to the Techniseal team and will let you know the response. Regarding the use of de-icing agents, click here for a blog on the topic of how to prevent deicing downfalls.
The Techniseal team tells us they’ve had successful DriBond installations in areas such as the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, VA, as well as in Pennsylvania and Chicago.
I would love to know more about DriBond. I’m interested in installing it. Concrete Resurfacing Edmonton
Reach out to the Techniseal customer service department for more information. Their email is service@techniseal.com.
Hello,
Please address the potential breakage of the thin pavers used in driveway applications. I really want to overlay my drive but worry about breakage.
Thank you!
Kelly
As long as the original concrete pad is sound, breakage should not be an issue.
Can Dribond be used under 1″ pavers to set either an electric cable or hydronic pex tubing for melting snow?
Our corporate team is unaware of whether DriBond has been tested for that application. For more information, reach out to service@techniseal.com.
Can DriBond be used on top of a painted and sealed
driveway?
For a painted driveway, you’ll want to pressure wash to remove as much paint as possible to provide a surface for the DriBond to adhere to. In terms of sealant, if water beads off of it, it’s not recommended. If the water seeps in, you can get a bond.
I am looking to install the Noon ceramic 12×48 planks over an existing concrete patio (made in several pours) that shows some movement, and some areas are up to 3/8 different heights. Is this a candidate for the low puck/stanchion corner installation, or would you suggest dry bond or sand? I do not want to have these tiles breaking as things underneath move a little or have that hallow sound either.
It would depend on how much shifting. DriBond will fill small cracks and help even out a bad pour. For a more definitive assessment, upload photos to the Techniseal support page.
Can stone/sand underlayment be used to correct slight grade issues with the underlying concrete pad before overlaying the pavers? I have one 5′ wide section where the concrete pad slopes approx. 1 degree in the wrong direction for proper drainage.
If it’s contained with a border material like BorderBond or adhesive, you can fill in the low spot with sand. However, we would recommend using NextGel poly sand and even a sealer to help prevent water from penetrating and pooling. It would be ideal, however, have the slab mud jacked to get the pitcher correct before converting it.
Are there any thin overlay paver lines that Belgard makes besides the Cambridge Cobble, Catalina Stone, and Travertino?
The only other option would be porcelain pavers. We do offer a lot of different aesthetic options of porcelain pavers that include various interpretations of wood and stone. Click here to see the styles that are available in your local area.
Thank you for clarifying that fixing gaps and seams in a solid concrete slab is necessary to create a surface for the thin overlay installation of pavers made of concrete, porcelain, or natural stone. My mom wants to upgrade the landscape garden design. I’ll advise her to purchase the patio pavers with coloured concrete.
If you’re considering tearing up an old concrete slab and starting over, you may want to read this article from Belgard first. Pavers can be used to create a brand new surface on top of the old one, as suggested in the article, without the need to remove the old concrete first. The article is well-written and informative, and it offers useful advice to homeowners thinking about this path.
Great Article.Thanks for sharing .I have been searching for such an informative post since many days and it seems my search just ended here.Good work.Keep posting.
Thank you for sharing this information about overlaying concrete slabs with pavers using Techniseal® DriBond™ advanced mindset. It’s fascinating to learn about an alternative to ripping out old concrete for renovation projects like driveways, pool decks, and walkways. The ability to transform these surfaces in less than 48 hours, without the need for concrete removal, sounds like a convenient and cost-effective option. Creating a durable bond with the overlay pavers using DriBond seems like a great way to achieve a stunning outdoor living space. Please also check us out at http://www.jacksonvillencdrywall.com thanks.
For a paver overlay on concrete, are their local codes that you would need to be concerned with regards to the elevation of the paver and the existing foundation walls?
(Reno, Nv)
I agree completely and this is what I do to save clients a lot of money. I say if a concrete driveway looks bad, just refinish it! There are so many options besides ripping up the old concrete. But for certain projects like laying in large paving stones you have to remove the concrete at times. I also learned a few things reading this. Thanks a ton.
We are installing the overlays on our concrete patio area. Is it required to lay down felt/paper and the polymerique sand before laying the overlay? In other words, directly on the concert. Thanks.
In either overlay method (a layer of bedding sand or DriBond) laying down felt paper is not required nor recommended. Polymeric sand is only used in the joints after the pavers are installed, cut in and restrained with edging.
Hope this helps!
My concrete slab is only a year old in great shape. I want to install old Chicago bricks on the 4 foot sidewalk and 2 patios in Herringbone pattern or running bond. What do you recommend I use ? Thank you for a good information!
Got it! Keep the concrete slab and overlay it with pavers for a stylish and durable solution.
Excellent article filled with valuable information! Keep up the fantastic work and continue sharing insightful updates with everyone. Thank you!
How do we know if the slab is structurally sound?
Mary,
Thanks for your question. Some of the ways you can tell if a slab is structurally sound is by looking for any visible cracks on the slab. We also then look for any major slopes or indentations in the slab. This could indicate a base foundation issue. We also recommend having a concrete professional come take a look and run a few of their tests to ensure a good foundation. Please feel free to call us at 877-Belgard at any time and our sales team is more than happy to assist.
Thanks!