Are you considering a paver patio but worried about some of the issues with pavers you may have heard of? You may know or have heard of someone who has had problems with their paver patios, such as cracked pavers or pavers sinking years after they were installed. You might be wondering whether these are legitimate concerns or if they are isolated incidents affecting only a few people.

The last thing that you want is to end up with an outdoor space that is embarrassing to show off or, worse, dangerous for your kids. Investigating potential paver problems is a wise decision, as undertaking a paver installation project is a huge investment for you and your family. You want to make the best choice when it comes to your patio and a choice that will have you repeating the benefits for many years to come.

Let’s review some of the most prevalent issues when it comes to pavers.

1. Why Are My Pavers Sinking?

A number of factors cause sunken pavers. Two of the most common factors that sink pavers are improper installation and poor drainage.

Improper installation usually means that not enough compaction was done on the base (gravel) and sub-base (soil) of the pavers. It could also mean that not enough base was used. For a standard walkway, 4″ of gravel is needed, while a driveway would need 8″ compacted in 4″ lifts (that is compacted every 4″). 

Not installing pavers to this standard creates a weak foundation for the entire structure and causes the pavers to fail from the bottom up as pressure is applied to them. You can liken a shaky paver foundation to a house built on quicksand. Even if the house is structurally sound, the house will still eventually or gradually sink with time.

Improper drainage can not only sink pavers but also crack them. Given enough time, uncorrected drainage issues begin to “cave in” your pavers as the ground underneath them erodes under the pressure of collected water. Sunken pavers can also lead to water “pooling” on top of the patio. Pooling can also occur when the pitch isn’t correct. This could lead to low areas that will always collect water.

But poor drainage can cause other problems as well. If you have plant beds surrounding the patio, they can get washed away when water rushes across the patio instead of being properly channeled away from your patio and home.

What’s worse is that rainwater collects underneath your patio due to poor drainage and can begin to destroy the integrity of the foundation of your home, even progressing to affect the interior of your home. In a poor design, water can become trapped. With nowhere to go, it may flow toward your house and wind up in your basement, leading to tens of thousands of dollars worth of repair work.

2. Why Are My Pavers Cracking?

A mixture of manufacturing defects and improper use usually causes cracked pavers. About 1 in every 50 or so paver bricks are brittle on the top face and corners. These are typically caught during installation. Also, if they are improperly used, as in too much pressure is concentrated on them, or if they are experiencing extreme temperature changes, they will crack. 

The latter typically happens when people use them for or near fire pit installations. Insulation is usually needed to protect the bricks, or specially designed bricks that can withstand such temperature changes.

Sometimes, when a paver starts sinking, it can put too much pressure on those pavers since the weight no longer becomes evenly distributed. This can also cause paver bricks to crack and fail.

3. Why Are My Pavers Shifting?

Pavers can shift over time due to several factors: improper bedding sand installation, generally poor installation, long linear lines, tree root growth, temperature fluctuations, and ground movement.

Improperly Installed Bedding Sand

Improper installation of bedding sand is one of the most common reasons pavers shift over time. Bedding sand serves as a nice cushion between the pavers and the subbase material. If the bedding sand is not compacted properly or consists of too much moisture, the pavers will shift, leading to gaps and an uneven surface.

Professionally installed pavers are installed using a process called “screeding” to ensure the bedding sand has a consistent depth. After providing consistent depth, a plate compactor is used to ensure the bedding sand is properly compacted. This process ensures the pavers are not overly supported or allowed to shift.

Poor Installation of Pavers

The installation of pavers is more involved than simply laying them down. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the pavers are laid correctly. The installation process includes ensuring there are proper gaps between each paver and the correct amount of bedding sand or mortar. If the pavers are not laid correctly, they can shift, creating a gap that gets worse over time. These gaps oftentimes result in an unsafe walking surface.

We at SleekScapes have extensive experience installing and restoring pavers. We understand that installing pavers is a meticulous process that requires professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable in the proper techniques and materials that reduce issues many people face later on down the line.

 

Drastic Temperature Fluctuations

Temperatures in New York State can be highly volatile. These volatile temperature shifts can also cause pavers to shift over time. During the winter months, when temperatures drop below freezing and freeze-thaw cycles occur, pavers can change due to the expansion and contraction of the materials used in the installation.

Frequent temperature changes can also cause small gaps to appear between the pavers. Professional installers use polymeric sand in the installation process to minimize temperature-related paver shifting. Polymeric sand is designed to expand and contract with the temperature, reducing the chances of shifting gaps between the pavers.

Improper Edging & Long Linear Lines

The third cause of paver shifting is the installation of pavers with long linear lines. When pavers are laid out in long, straight lines, there is more pressure on the edges of the pavers, and they can easily move or shift due to ground movement.

Pavers installed in long linear lines compromise the integrity of the entire installation, and it is advised to use a variety of patterns when laying pavers. A design featuring curves, circles, and angles evenly distributes pressure and minimizes the risk of movement over time.

 

Tree Root Growth

We have all seen how tree roots can grow and break through various hardscapes such as concrete sidewalks, driveways, and pavers patios. When tree roots grow underneath the pavers, they can push them upwards, leading to an uneven and potentially unsafe walking area. Tree roots can also cause pavers to crack and shift as they grow, spread, and expand.

Thankfully, this issue is extremely avoidable. Be aware of any trees nearby when preparing to install pavers. If there are, then it is best to remove the trees, or if they are smaller, uproot them and plant them elsewhere. We recommend trees should be 3 to 6 feet away from a paver installation.

4. Why are my pavers crumbling?

Crumbling pavers have the same causes as cracking pavers, including, but not limited to, improper installation, poor drainage, or exposure to harsh winter weather conditions. Usually, a combination of these factors contributes to the eventual crumbling of your paver installation. 

The most common cause of crumbling pavers, excluding isolated incidents of cracking, is harsh weather conditions. Here in New York State, temperatures can get below freezing. During the late winter and early spring months, rainwater or snowwater can seep into paver concrete, freeze, and then thaw, effectively expanding and contracting the paver. This process can crack and crumble pavers. Manufactural defects and improper installation also contribute to the degradation of your pavers.

5. Why Do Pavers Fade?

Fading pavers are typically caused by a combination of age and consistent extreme conditions, such as heavy rainfall, salt from deicing during winter, strong sunlight, or flooding, which can significantly contribute to this fading. Applying a fresh new coat of paver sealer can refresh the look of your pavers. There are various levels of gloss and color available to enhance the appearance of your pavers.

How Do I Address Paver Issues?

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to get some pros on the job. SleekScapes has proven professionals who thoroughly understand the proper techniques, materials, and processes that come with installing pavers that last a lifetime with the minimum, if any, restoration projects. We restore pavers of all types while meticulously following proper procedures to make sure your project is implemented in such a way that restores your pavers back to their day-one quality, as well as avoids future issues.