patio

[becky blue]

Can I lay new paving slabs on top of existing paving slabs or do I have to take the old ones up?

[jas1002]

Don't know much about the subject except to make sure you don't raise you floor over your damp proof.

[Ethel]

Are the existing ones in good condition - no subsidence is what I really mean.

If they are firm and level, no wobbles or sinking, it should be fine.

[fleckboy]

you must take up the old ones, and lay new sand and level out the ground ,then lay your new ones. if you lay them on top of each other, your end up with a terrible patio, and if the water from rain gets under them they could all end up being cracked within a few months. if your going to do a job like this and you cant do it right, then hire someone who can. your be wasting your own money by doing the job by half.

[fleckboy]

i was just talking to a friend online i know who's a builder, and he recommends you follow this link below as it will tell you all you need to do and how to do it.

http://www.cemex.co.uk/file/HowToLayAPatio.pdf

[foxy3]

http://www.topline-fascias.co.uk/frmsE/articles_patio.asp

this site was really good in helping my neighbour lay my patio for me.

[Simeon]

Undoubtedly the best patio laying web site in the whole wide world is this one

http://www.pavingexpert.com/pavguide.htm

and the answer to your question is probably

[cascarelli]

No, you dont have to lift them, but you will have to spread a good layer of sand over them, first making sure its flat and sloping away from the house if possible, for the new slabs to bed into. That's always assuming the existing slabs are stable and not loose etc etc. Either way you're aiming for a firm base beneath the new slabs and if the old slabs are in good condition then you'll only be making work for your self by lifting them.

Do check, as someone else has also said, that the extra height wont take you above the damp course.