What's the cost to fix interlock that has been damaged by de-icing salt over many years?

Salt damage to interlock pavers typically requires selective paver replacement and ranges from $8-$15 per square foot for moderate damage, or $15-$25 per square foot for extensive damage requiring full relevelling and base repair.

De-icing salt damage manifests in several ways on concrete pavers. Surface scaling appears as flaking, pitting, or powdery deterioration of the paver face — this occurs when salt penetrates the concrete and freeze-thaw cycles cause the surface to spall off. Edge chipping happens where salt concentrates along paver edges and joints. Color fading affects integral colored pavers when salt leaches out pigments over time. The good news is that individual pavers can be replaced without disturbing the entire installation, making repairs more economical than with poured concrete.

For moderate salt damage affecting 20-30% of pavers in a driveway or walkway, expect costs of $2,000-$4,500 for a typical 300 square foot area. This includes lifting damaged pavers, sourcing matching replacements (which can be challenging if the original pavers are discontinued), relevelling the bedding sand, and installing new polymeric sand. Extensive damage requiring 50%+ paver replacement, plus base repair from salt-contaminated soil, runs $4,500-$7,500 for the same area.

Metro Vancouver's marine climate actually reduces salt damage risk compared to Calgary, Toronto, or Ottawa because we experience only 5-15 freeze-thaw cycles annually versus 40-80 cycles in those cities. However, coastal properties in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, and White Rock face natural salt exposure from ocean spray, which creates similar scaling over decades. Properties near major roads treated with road salt (Highway 1, Highway 99, major arterials) also see accelerated deterioration.

Prevention is far more cost-effective than repair. Use sand, kitty litter, or calcium magnesium acetate instead of sodium chloride or calcium chloride for winter traction. If you must use salt, apply sparingly and rinse pavers thoroughly in spring. Sealing pavers every 3-5 years with a penetrating sealer creates a protective barrier that significantly reduces salt penetration — this costs $3-$6 per square foot and prevents thousands in future replacement costs.

Professional assessment is recommended for salt-damaged interlock because the extent of base contamination isn't visible from the surface. Salt that has leached into the granular base can continue causing problems even after surface pavers are replaced. Contractors can determine whether base material needs replacement or can be flushed and neutralized, which affects project scope and cost significantly.

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• Vancouver Safety Surfacing Ltd
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