When Your Beautiful Paver Patio Starts Sinking: Understanding Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Paver patios, driveways, and walkways are investments in your home’s beauty and functionality. However, over time, many Long Island homeowners notice their once-perfect hardscapes beginning to sink, shift, or develop uneven surfaces. Understanding why this happens and knowing your professional repair options can save you time, money, and frustration while restoring your outdoor spaces to their original splendor.
The Root Causes of Paver Sinking and Shifting
Poor base preparation is the foundation of most paver problems. If the base layer wasn’t installed properly, the pavers can settle unevenly over time. When the base material (typically crushed stone or gravel) isn’t compacted enough during installation, it remains loose. Over time, the weight of people, vehicles, or furniture will cause the ground to settle, making the pavers sink.
Water drainage issues create another major problem. If water isn’t directed away properly, it can seep into the ground under the pavers, washing away the sand and gravel that support them. This is particularly challenging in Nassau and Suffolk County, where the Willamette Valley is known for its dense, clay-rich soil. While good for agriculture, clay is a poor base for hardscaping unless it’s properly mitigated. Clay holds moisture, expands when wet, and contracts when dry, causing ground movement that undermines your patio over time.
Tree roots are another common culprit. Growing roots push up pavers as they expand, displacing the base material and causing pavers to rise. Conversely, if an old tree is removed or its roots rot, the empty space beneath the pavers can cause them to sink.
Heavy Traffic and Environmental Factors
Heavy weight and pressure from vehicles, frequent foot traffic, and heavy furniture put consistent pressure on pavers, which can cause them to sink if the base isn’t strong enough. Even well-compacted bases will settle naturally over time, especially in areas that bear significant weight.
In colder climates like Long Island, freeze-thaw cycles pose additional challenges. Water trapped under pavers freezes and expands, while poor drainage increases the risk of frost heave. Long Island’s climate is particularly brutal on pavers. Our humid summers create perfect conditions for algae and mold growth, while harsh winter freeze-thaw cycles crack and damage surfaces. Heavy spring rains wash away protective joint sand, and coastal winds constantly deposit salt and debris that stain and corrode.
Professional Solutions vs. DIY Attempts
If you’re dealing with sunken pavers, the good news is that they can be fixed with the right approach. Fixing sinking pavers may seem like a big project, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process. Whether it’s your patio, driveway, or walkway, you can restore the smooth, even surface of your pavers by following proper procedures. Taking the time to do it correctly will ensure that your pavers stay in place for years to come.
However, most homeowners try pressure washing themselves, but this often causes more damage than good. Wrong pressure settings erode crucial joint sand, improper nozzles leave permanent marks on surfaces, and inadequate cleaning products leave embedded stains behind.
The Professional Repair Process
Professional paver repair involves a systematic approach that addresses the root causes of sinking and shifting. To repair sunken pavers, remove existing pavers to add more material to the paver bed. Compaction should be done with water-resistant materials like crushed gravel and polymeric sand.
If there are any significant holes, gaps or grading issues in the base layer, professionals address them immediately. Most sinking occurs due to erosion, leaving fairly deep holes that must be filled with compacted dirt. Using geotextile fabric beneath the base helps stabilize the soil and prevent shifting. Making sure the base is deep enough to accommodate different soil conditions is crucial—some areas may need a thicker base for extra support.
Why Choose Professional Paver Restoration
For Long Island homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Paver Savers was started to answer the needs of Nassau and Suffolk County property owners and preserve the aesthetics and durability of their hardscapes. Not long after launching, they established themselves as one of the most trusted paver cleaning, sealing, and restoration contractors on Long Island.
Paver Savers is a fully licensed and insured, locally owned and operated company that specializes in paver cleaning, sealing, and restoration. They’re passionate about providing clients with the highest quality results at the fairest and most affordable prices. Their professionally trained and highly experienced technicians are ready to serve all hardscape cleaning, maintenance, and renovation needs.
Prevention and Long-Term Protection
Adding more polymeric sand to fill in gaps is an easy solution for minor shifting. If shifting looks more extensive, consider digging down 6 to 8 inches below your current bed to add more compacted soil for a firmer base. Better compaction below your polymeric sand increases stabilization for everything on the surface. Additionally, consider installing edge restraints along the perimeter of your paver patio or walkway to increase stabilization.
Polymeric sand is particularly effective because when moistened with water, it hardens somewhat like concrete to keep the pavers from shifting. It also inhibits weed growth.
Don’t let sinking or shifting pavers diminish your property’s beauty and safety. Understanding the causes and working with experienced professionals ensures your outdoor spaces remain functional, attractive, and valuable for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with minor settling or major structural issues, addressing problems early prevents costly replacements and maintains your investment in quality hardscaping.