Nothing is as peaceful as going out on your patio after a day of hard work till you realize that your stones are not in place, causing sloppy surfaces and uneven formations with dangerous tripping effects. Have you ever wondered why your neatly laid-out patio stones always appear to have moved after a heavy rainfall? You are not alone. The reality is that water is stronger than most house owners can imagine and unless they prepare it, the strongest patios may lose their balance.
The Science behind Moving Patio Stones
It is not just that heavy rains make your patio wet, but can weaken even the foundation of your stonework. The vast majority of patio stones are placed on the sand, gravel or soil, which can all erode. When the rain water percolates across these layers it erodes the fine particles and leaves a hole under the stones. The stones may sink or lean or move completely without any support.
But it is not only erosion that is a culprit. Soil can also swell and shrink due to water. When heavy soils are wet they swell and when dry they contract producing movement that dislodges stones. Even an ideal level patio may be distanced following a series of wet-dry cycles.
Typical Indications that Your Patio Stones are Moving.
Early detection of the issue will save you time of frustration and expensive fixes. Be aware of the following indications as these tell whether your patio stones are moving:
Lumpy surfaces: Stones are unsteady to step on or they have noticeable holes.
Puddling water: The low area does not drain, but collects water.
Cracked edges: Stones pushed against one another or hard edges can crack or chip.
Misaligned joints: Pavers are no longer aligned in a regular manner and they give out jagged effect.
So when you see any of these signs, take action before a minor change is transformed into a complete disaster of the patio.
How to Stop Patio Stones from Sliding.
The positive aspect is that the majority of the problems in shifting can be prevented using the correct methods. The following are some of the measures that the owners of the homes can take to ensure that their patio stones do not move:
Build a Solid Base
A stable patio is important in terms of a strong foundation. Begin with a bed of packed gravel or crushed stone in order to form a hard drainage base. This layer allows water to get through and does not erode the soil under the stones. Sprinkle the gravel with a dressing of coarse sand or stone dust, so as to make the surface smooth and level.
Good Drainage is Necessary.
Even a top base would not help when water gathers in your patio. Make sure that there is a small gradient, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in 1 foot, in order to have water move away. Another solution is to install a French drain or perimeter drainage system, which will ensure that water does not accumulate underneath your stones.
Use Edge Restraints
Stones do not spread out since they are restrained with edges (edged with metal or plastic). They are required to create pinpoint movements; otherwise, any movements by water or passing people will cause misalignment. Well-fitted edging will keep your patio stones in place and ensure your design does not get lost.
Fill the Joints Correctly
There is polymeric sand or jointing sand between stones to hold the stones together and harden when moist. It does not shift like ordinary sand when it rains heavily, hence making your patio firm.
Regular Maintenance
A patio is not a set and forget about it thing. Check your stones periodically, reset any filled-out joints, and inspect low spots that can hold water. Timely prevention means that small problems will not turn into big ones.
When to Call the Experts
You may want to hire some professionals in case your patio stones never stop moving no matter how much you have tried to make them stay. A landscaping or patio installation company is able to determine the underlying reasons, rectify the level of your stones and provide a drainage solution that will last several years.
Decks N Stones focuses on designing patios that not only appear to be beautiful but also endure time and weather. We invest sincere efforts to make your outdoors look and feel safe, even during the most intense rain. Thus, your patio looks beautiful and is without drainage issues.
Do not allow the rolling stones to spoil your outdoor fun. Call Contact Decks N’ Stones and make your patio a long-lasting, stable retreat.