Because they are easy to repair, maintain, are beautiful to look at, and resilient to boot, many people love having a stone patio as a home addition. However, when you opt for a stone patio, it often is susceptible to sinking over time. You can help prevent future damage by figuring out a few of the reasons that your patio might sink.
Reason #1 – A Shifting Foundation
Your patio always has its base in some form of a foundation. If you worked with a licensed contractor when you had the patio built, this is likely to be a gravel base with a foundation of sand. However, it is possible for these foundations to shift over time. This can be for a number of natural reasons, oftentimes because the soil below the foundation gradually shifts as time goes by. This is not something that you can necessarily prevent, but it is certainly something that you want to keep an eye out for.
Reason #2 – Tree Roots
Large shrubs or trees that are planted too close to the patio can often find their way into the sand and gravel base. This is a great place for the shrubs or trees to spread their roots. When we look underneath the tree’s canopy, the root system may be twice as large around it. Even if you once had a tree but since removed it (without removing all the roots) the patio sinking could be explained by the decomposition of this tree’s roots. This is another reason why you always want a professional to help you with the installation of your patio.
Reason #3 – Erosion
If you want to figure out the most common reason for a patio to dip or sink, water erosion is it. You will find all-natural soil underneath the sand gravel foundation. The water erosion that goes on underneath your patio (in the soil) can lead to a sinking in your patio. It is also possible that you notice the erosion of joint sand between your pavers. This is going to let more water through the pavers, which in turn is going to lead to more erosion. That could be the reason that your patio is no longer level.
What Can You Do?
If you really need professional patio repair, calling an experienced patio repair company is always a good idea. Having them resolve the issue will lead to long-term solutions. Make sure that you call licensed professionals to assess the situation when you notice that your patio is sinking for whatever reason.
