Why Do Some Paver Patio Installs Fail to Last?
We love pavers and the timelessness of their look and general low maintenance. However, improper paver installation can cause a variety of issues with pavers, from aesthetically pleasing visual damage to structural stability. When they are installed incorrectly, for example if their grading isn't near enough or properly sized, the results may be devastating both structurally as well aesthetically.
Here are some of the common signs that your paver installation was not up to par:
Low Spots or Sunken Areas: When installing pavers, it is important to make sure they are properly compacted. If there are low spots or puddling in the base of your project then this could be an indication that construction wasn't completed enough time before installation began which would result with settling issues later on down the road once traffic starts coming through those areas regularly . Precautions should be taken to compact the base well enough to hold up under expected traffic loads and the extreme change of temperature between seasons, while addressing the drainage needs of your property.
Settling: This can occur where trees or tree roots were removed to allow for the paver installation. These areas should be filled in and the ground should be prepped to ensure it is compacted and level prior to the installation of the paver base. You can’t expect your pavers to be level, if the subgrade wasn’t level to begin with.
Shifting/Unevenness: The edges of a paver system should not be overlooked. Without an established border, any pressure applied to them can cause their placement and structure to shift accordingly. These systems have borders which must remain structured or else there will never been enough stability for your entire project. To avoid this situation, paver edges should be cemented in to secure the paver structure — a detail which a surprising number of inexperienced and unlicensed contractors neglect to do. A competent contractor will compact the subgrade far enough beyond the footprint of the project to ensure proper stability under the edges of the pavers. Uneven pavers that shift out of place can be caused by a number of improper installation methods. Another very common cause is a base that is not deep enough. A contractor can save a lot on materials by skimping on the base, but it will compromise the structure of the pavers in the long term which is why Rock N Roll Stoneworks absolutely does not skimp on this step.
New Homes: Settling will occur 3-4’ around a new foundation and it’s always good to let it settle or make sure you put more base and extra compaction on all new builds. Many times, builders don’t compact well and set up the hardscapers companies for failures. We ensure that new homes receive extra attention due to this and the fact that Colorado expansive soils can cause failures unless properly mitigated.
There are many jobs where pavers are not laid properly, creating a sloppy appearance. The patterns look uneven, or there are large gaps between pavers. This happens most often with inexperienced workers, but rushing through a job can also bring careless results.
No matter what the cause, shifting or improperly laid pavers should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. Not only does shifting or sinking pavers look bad, but they can also lead to pavers breaking or the base being further compromised, creating a structural break. Further, broken, sinking or shifting pavers can become a hazard.
Some paver issues can be easily repaired. For instance, missing edge restraints can typically be installed without ripping up the entire job. However, if the base was not installed properly you may need to pull up existing pavers to correct the base by compacting and/or re-excavating, and re-installing the pavers. Such repairs may end up costing you more than the original job itself.
To ensure your paver project doesn't shift or sink, make sure your contractor has a proper drainage plan and a multi-step base installation process as we always do. Understanding drainage, pitch and code in relation to your home and yard, and planning the installation accordingly, is essential to your project's longevity. Ignoring this process or not performing it properly guarantees one thing - your pavers will sink and shift and you will be spending more money on your paver project in less than 5 years.
Pavers are crafted to last a lifetime. Even if a single paving stone, or group of stones, crack or chip, they can simply be replaced, which means the overall installation could last for future generations for your family to enjoy.
Also, watch out for low bids. No one wants to pay more than they have to, but a super-low bid is a red flag that the contractor is likely to cut corners on time, materials, and a quality installation, leading to project failure. We will honestly admit that we will likely not be your lowest bid, but that is for good reason - our experience and not skimping on materials or any install techniques that would shorten the lifespan of your project.