Problems generally arise in the first two years after a few freeze and thaw cycles. These cycles mentioned are the expanding and contracting of the ground caused by water and moisture. Most notably these problems will manifest themselves as rutting, pooling or ponding of water or settling near the corners and edges.
Generally these problems go unnoticed and discounted as the aging of an installation or a failure of the product itself. In reality a professional installation will last from 10-15 years depending on the climate. When hiring a contractor to complete your landscape project base preparation is a key question to ask!
These are the 4 most common mistakes when preparing base for new interlock or dry layed flagstone installation.
1.) The use of incorrect bedding material such as mass amounts of limestone screenings should not be used as a base because it traps a large amount of moisture increasing freeze thaw.
2.) If the base is not deep enough it will not support the traffic that must travel over it nor will it be firm enough to stand the test of time.
3.) Poor compaction means that the base material still has room to sink. Time, water and traffic lead to uneven wear resulting in rutting and pooling of water further increasing damage.
4.) The absence of any edge restraint means that pavers are able to migrate apart increasing the gap allowing water to penetrate and when frozen expand and ruin your new installation.
With proper installation a new hardscape installation should be able to last the test of time. The odd time warping and rutting can be attributed to the native soil conditions such as uncompacted fill from new construction. In any case when approaching a new hardscape installation be sure to be aware and ask questions. It all starts from the base.
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