From Worn to Wow: How We Restored This Brick Walkway in Naperville, IL

Your front walkway says a lot about your home—it’s the first thing guests see and the path you travel every day. A well-maintained walkway adds charm, safety, and long-term value. But when brick pavers become uneven, stained, or sunken, they can turn a beautiful entrance into a frustrating eyesore.

That’s exactly what one homeowner in Naperville, IL was facing when they contacted Mission Brick Paving. Their once-pristine brick paver front walkway had fallen into disrepair, and they needed a reliable, cost-effective solution. We delivered just that—and more.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the full restoration process, discuss why paver repair is often better than replacement, and share how you can protect your own brick walkway for years to come.

🧱 The Problem: A Walkway That Lost Its Way

This charming brick walkway was over 15 years old and located in one of Naperville’s well-established neighborhoods. Over time, it had become:

• Uneven and sunken in multiple areas

• Hazardous to walk on, especially for kids and older family members

• Overrun with weeds growing through widened joints

• Discolored and dull from years of sun, rain, and snow

The homeowner loved the original look of their walkway and didn’t want a full demolition. They just wanted it to look clean, smooth, and safe again—without breaking the bank.

🧭 What Causes Brick Paver Walkways to Fail?

If you live in Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, or any Chicagoland suburb, your paver walkway is constantly exposed to tough Midwest weather. Here are some common reasons we see walkways fall into disrepair:

1. Soil Movement

Illinois' clay-heavy soil expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes. This movement causes the ground beneath pavers to shift, leading to dips and uneven surfaces.

2. Poor Drainage

Improper grading or clogged gutters can cause water to pool beneath pavers. Over time, water weakens the base, causing pavers to sink or shift.

3. Lack of Edge Restraints

Without solid edging, pavers gradually migrate outward, loosening the overall pattern.

4. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

In winter, water gets trapped between bricks or beneath the surface. As it freezes and expands, it forces the pavers upward or outward, causing long-term damage.

5. Neglected Maintenance

When joints lose their sand, weeds grow, water infiltrates, and structural issues accelerate.

🔧 The Mission Brick Paving Repair Process

Rather than replacing the entire walkway, we provided a strategic repair solution that preserved the original pavers while strengthening the foundation. This approach saved the homeowner thousands—and delivered incredible results.

🔨 Step 1: On-Site Walkthrough and Inspection

We began by walking the site with the homeowner, listening to their concerns and pointing out potential problem areas. Our team assessed:

• Drainage slope

• Depth of the base

• Structural integrity of the pavers

• Overall alignment and layout

From there, we created a custom repair plan tailored to their needs and budget.

🔨 Step 2: Paver Lifting and Sorting

Our crew carefully removed the loose and sunken pavers in affected zones. These bricks were set aside, cleaned, and prepped for reuse. Any pavers that were chipped or cracked beyond repair were matched and replaced.

This attention to detail helps maintain consistency in the overall look of the walkway.

🔨 Step 3: Rebuilding the Base

This is the most important part of a lasting repair. We dug down to the sub-base and re-compacted a fresh layer of crushed stone and sand. Then, we graded the base to promote proper water runoff, ensuring future rain and snowmelt wouldn’t lead to the same problems.

🔨 Step 4: Precision Reinstallation

Once the foundation was solid, we re-laid the original pavers using their existing pattern and alignment. Using string lines and spacers, we restored a clean, uniform appearance.

For added strength and longevity, we also installed new edge restraints to keep everything locked in place.

🔨 Step 5: Polymeric Sand and Sealing

We swept polymeric sand into all the joints and compacted it to create a tight bond that resists weed growth and water penetration.

To finish, we applied a professional-grade sealant that not only protects the pavers from stains and moisture but also revives their color—bringing out rich reds and browns that had faded over time.

🌟 Before and After: A Dramatic Difference

The transformation was immediate. What was once an aging, uneven front walkway now looks brand new—with sharp lines, consistent height, and vibrant color. The homeowner was thrilled to see their entryway restored to its original beauty (and then some!).

Even better? We completed the entire repair in just two days.

💰 Why Repairing Pavers Is Often Better Than Replacing

Many homeowners assume a damaged walkway means starting over. But that’s not always the case.

Here’s why paver repair is often the smarter investment:

✅ It’s More Affordable

Full replacement can easily cost double or triple what repairs do. If the majority of your pavers are still in good shape, you can save thousands by reusing them.

✅ It’s Faster

Repairs typically take 1–2 days. A full replacement can disrupt your life and landscaping for a week or more.

✅ It’s Eco-Friendly

Reusing your original materials reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact of your project.

✅ It Preserves Character

If your home has unique or vintage brick, replacement pavers may not match. Repair lets you keep that original charm.

🛠️ Our Brick Paver Services in Naperville & Beyond

This project is just one example of what we do. Mission Brick Paving offers a full range of services to upgrade and maintain your outdoor hardscapes, including:

• Brick paver patios

• Walkways and driveways

• Outdoor firepits

• Retaining walls and seating walls

• Outdoor water features

• Cleaning, sanding, and sealing

• Brick paver repairs and restoration

• Pergolas, pavilions, and outdoor kitchens

We’re proud to serve homeowners in Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, St. Charles, Geneva, Wheaton, and throughout the Chicagoland suburbs.

🧼 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Walkway Looking Great

After your repair is complete, it’s important to take steps to protect your investment. Here are a few tips to keep your pavers looking beautiful for years to come:

🧽 1. Clean Regularly

Use a low-pressure washer or garden hose to remove dirt, moss, and debris. Avoid high-pressure blasts, which can damage joints.

🧂 2. Reapply Polymeric Sand as Needed

If you notice joints getting loose or weeds starting to grow, it’s time to re-sand.

☀️ 3. Seal Every 3-5 Years

A high-quality sealant prevents moisture absorption, stains, and color fading. It also enhances the appearance.

❄️ 4. Use De-Icer Cautiously

Avoid rock salt or harsh chemicals. Instead, use calcium magnesium acetate or a product specifically designed for pavers.

📍 Local Expertise. Professional Results.

Choosing a contractor for your home improvement project is a big decision. At Mission Brick Paving, we pride ourselves on expert craftsmanship, honest pricing, and a friendly, no-pressure approach.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, we’ve built a reputation as Naperville’s trusted brick paving company—and we stand behind every job we do.

📞 Ready to Repair Your Brick Paver Walkway?

If your walkway is starting to show signs of wear, don’t wait until it becomes a safety hazard—or an expensive replacement. Let Mission Brick Paving restore its beauty, one brick at a time.

👉 Request your free estimate today at www.missionbrickpaving.com

📞 Call now to schedule your consultation with our local team

🛠️ Reliable. Affordable. Local. That’s Mission Brick Paving.

Location: Naperville, IL