Pavers sink over time as the soil settles, mostly due to uneven soil drainage, leaving low spots or unsightly water puddles. In some cases, premature subsidence also occurs that requires the most attention. Regardless of the types of pavers, this problem is not uncommon, and the causes are many. However, the good news is that sunken brick pavers can be fixed, unlike asphalt or poured concrete, but it is important to identify the cause first. This article shares information on the causes of sunken pavers and the possible solutions to fix them.
So Why Do Pavers Sink?
The main problem behind sunken pavers is not because the paving stones move or disintegrate but because they sink. Sometimes, it is completely rebuilt with new paving, the sidewalk is widened, parking lots are eliminated, and surface materials are changed, but the problem doesn’t stop appearing. Therefore, the first step requires an exhaustive investigation to determine precisely the causes of this deterioration, which will be the previous step to an action that definitively solves the problem.
Following are some of the reasons why pavers sink:
Unstable Ground
An unstable ground beneath the pavers is a common cause in areas with freezing winters. The ground expands in winter and contracts in the spring, thawing to a lower level than before. This lets the pavers shrink, and it is something unavoidable. However, you can fix this problem easily by filling the gap with construction sand under the shrunken pavers. Just lift the sunken bricks, fill the sand and replace them with new pavers. However, it is better to learn how to lay pavers on the sand and calculate the amount of sand adequate for pavers before you opt to fix them yourself!
Water Erosion
Soil surrounding an area with a downspout, stream, or other water source erodes and becomes wet and swampy, causing the pavers to sink. The best solution is to create a drainage ditch to redirect the water or install a rain barrel, if possible. However, to fix the sunken pavers, use the aforementioned method- lift the pavers, lay sand or gravel base under them, and fix new pavers.
Pavers Sink From a Bad Installation
One of the major causes of sunken pavers is their poor installation due to the weak preparation of the foundation or the wrong thickness of the paver. You must use a bed of coarse sand or compacted gravel under the pavers. In addition, the amount of bedding sand must be enough for the pavers depending on their use and the installation surface. Pavers that sink due to poor installation are expensive to fix since they sometimes require removing the entire installation and starting from scratch. Therefore, it is essential to leave the project to professionals in the first place!
Bottom Line!
We hope the information above must have answered the question, why do pavers sink?’ The most prevalent causes are uneven ground, poor installation, or water erosion. It is essential to assess the reason first and then opt for the fixing process. Sometimes the area of sunken pavers is large, or it occurs early even after considering all the factors during installation. The problem might be bigger than you think, and you must seek professional help in such cases.
For more information and detail, contact Platinum Pavers, experts in brick paver installation and repair with experience of 20 years in the field.
