Paver Walkway, Patio Restoration & Gutter Extension Project in Riverwoods

 

This hardscape improvement project in Riverwoods, IL focused on restoring and improving several existing brick paver areas throughout the property. The work included rebuilding the front entrance walkway and sidewalk, refreshing the back patio, installing a gutter extension into the front lawn, and addressing low areas that had developed within the existing hardscape.

The project also included careful consideration of an existing River Birch tree located directly beside the sidewalk. Because multiple tree roots interfere with the existing paver area, root removal is required to properly reconstruct the sidewalk. The health and continued life of the tree cannot be guaranteed due to the extent of root removal necessary.

Project Goals

• Restore the existing paver sidewalk at the front entrance.
• Rebuild the existing sidewalk with an improved base.
• Install new edging and secure the pavers properly.
• Clean and refresh the existing pavers and stoop.
• Apply polymeric joint sand to the renovated paver areas.
• Improve low areas within the back patio.
• Extend the gutter into the front lawn to address runoff.
• Carefully address tree roots affecting the sidewalk installation.

Front Entrance Paver Restoration

The existing pavers at the front entrance were removed and set aside to allow the underlying base to be inspected and adjusted. Once the base was properly prepared, the existing pavers were relaid to restore the walkway.

New edging was installed around the paver area and secured with 10-inch nails to provide additional stability and help maintain the layout of the walkway.

The pavers, including the front stoop, were power washed to remove accumulated dirt and surface debris. Polymeric joint sand was then installed throughout the joints, including the stoop, to complete the restoration.

Front Gutter Extension

A gutter extension was installed into the front lawn to help address an existing runoff issue. Extending the gutter discharge farther into the lawn provides a designated path for water away from the immediate area around the home and hardscape.

This improvement was coordinated with the surrounding landscape and front entrance work to provide a more complete approach to surface water management.

Back Patio Improvements

The existing back patio was inspected and several low spots were adjusted to improve the overall surface.

The patio and stoop were power washed to clean the existing pavers and refresh their appearance. Polymeric joint sand was also installed throughout the joints, including the stoop, providing a finished and uniform appearance across the restored patio area.

Sidewalk Reconstruction

The existing paver sidewalk was removed and carefully set aside so the underlying base could be adjusted. After the base was corrected, the existing pavers were relaid and new edging was installed and secured with 10-inch nails.

The completed sidewalk was power washed and finished with polymeric joint sand to restore the joints and provide a clean, finished appearance.

River Birch Root Considerations

An existing River Birch tree is located immediately next to the sidewalk. Because its root system extends into the area being reconstructed, multiple roots will need to be cut and removed to complete the sidewalk work properly.

Due to the extent of root removal required, the health and continued life of the River Birch cannot be guaranteed. This condition is an important consideration when completing the sidewalk reconstruction and preparing the area for a stable paver installation.

Why Proper Paver Restoration Matters

Existing paver walkways and patios can develop low areas, shifting, and joint deterioration over time. Removing the pavers, correcting the underlying base, reinstalling the pavers, and securing the edges provides an opportunity to address these issues while preserving the existing hardscape materials.

Power washing and polymeric joint sand also help refresh the finished appearance and restore the joints between the pavers.

Project Highlights

• Removed and relaid existing front entrance pavers.
• Adjusted the underlying base before reinstalling the pavers.
• Installed new edging secured with 10-inch nails.
• Power washed the front entrance pavers and stoop.
• Installed polymeric joint sand at the front entrance and stoop.
• Extended the gutter discharge into the front lawn.
• Adjusted low spots within the back patio.
• Power washed the back patio and stoop.
• Installed polymeric joint sand throughout the back patio.
• Removed and relaid the existing sidewalk pavers.
• Adjusted the sidewalk base and installed new edging.
• Addressed existing River Birch roots interfering with the sidewalk reconstruction.

As you browse through the photos, you can see the different stages of the paver restoration process, from removing and setting aside the existing pavers to adjusting the base, reinstalling the hardscape, cleaning the surfaces, and completing the joints. The project also included drainage improvements and adjustments to the back patio.

The completed work restores several important hardscape areas throughout the Riverwoods property while improving the appearance, stability, and overall condition of the existing paver installations.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.