Interlock pavers give outdoor spaces a clean, finished look. Whether lining a walkway, driveway, or backyard patio, they help tie everything together. But when those same pavers start to shift, sink, or become uneven, the effect on your property can be frustrating. It’s not just about appearance either. Uneven stonework can be unsafe, turning into tripping hazards and areas where water collects, causing faster erosion.
This type of issue is common in Ottawa, especially with the freeze-thaw cycles each year. As temperatures change, the underlying soil shifts and settles. If the original installation wasn’t done properly or if the drainage isn’t managed well, the pavers can start to move around. Knowing how and why it happens, and what to do about it, can help you keep your outdoor areas safer and looking better for longer.
Identifying the Cause of Sinking or Uneven Interlock Pavers
Before you repair anything, it’s good to understand what led to the problem. Ottawa deals with a mix of weather events each year. With freezing winters, wet springs, and occasional summer heat, the soil does a lot of expanding and contracting. This movement puts tension on anything above it, including your interlock.
Here are some of the usual causes:
– A base that wasn’t compacted enough during installation
– Water pooling under the surface because of poor drainage
– Freeze-thaw cycles that shift the soil and base layers
– Roots from trees or shrubs disturbing the base underneath
– Weight from heavy use on paths, patios, or driveways causing stress points
You’ll typically notice signs before things get worse. Wobbling pavers, low spots where water sits, or stones that no longer follow the clean lines they once did are clear signals something’s off. Fixing it early can keep the issue from spreading further across your surface.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Sinking or Uneven Interlock Pavers
You don’t always need to redo your whole patio or driveway. In many cases, a localized fix makes a huge difference. The key is following proper steps to make sure it stays fixed long-term and doesn’t create fresh issues.
Here’s how we approach repairs:
1. Gather the tools: You’ll need a pry bar or flat shovel, rubber mallet, level, screening stone or gravel, and if possible, a plate compactor.
2. Remove the affected pavers: Lift them slowly and carefully to avoid damage. Place them aside in the same order to make relaying easier.
3. Clear the base area: Dig out the old material underneath. Check for soft or muddy spots and get rid of anything that’s no longer stable.
4. Add a fresh base: Replace with new screening stone or gravel. Pack it down tightly using a tamper or compactor. Do this in layers to get solid coverage.
5. Relevel the area: Use a level to match the surface height to the surrounding pavers.
6. Lay the pavers back in: Reinstall them one at a time, tapping gently with a rubber mallet to fit snugly.
7. Fill joints and compact: Sweep in polymeric sand between the pavers to lock them in place and help stop weed growth. Compact everything again, check your levels, and lightly spray the surface to activate the sand.
Skipping any of these steps, especially the base compaction or water drainage check, can bring the same issue right back. It’s worth taking the time to get it right.
Preventative Measures to Maintain Interlock Pavers
Now that your pavers are level again, the next step is prevention. Since Ottawa’s weather can put stress on outdoor features, regular upkeep helps protect your investment.
Keep a close eye on your interlock once the snow melts in spring and again before everything freezes in early winter. This is when the biggest changes tend to show up.
Ongoing care tips include:
– Check for dips after heavy rain or snowmelt and address them early
– Reapply polymeric sand every couple of years to keep joints tight
– Clear leaves and dirt regularly so water doesn’t sit on the surface
– Use a hose with low pressure to wash the area without displacing material underneath
– Reseal pavers every few seasons to protect against moisture, staining, and UV exposure
– Make sure grading still directs water away from patios, paths, or driveways
– Keep an eye on nearby plants or trees whose roots might grow under the pavers
This type of routine work has a big impact. You’ll notice longer-lasting stability and less shifting as seasons change. Addressing small issues while they’re still manageable prevents large-scale repairs later.
Professional Help vs. DIY: What’s Best for Your Project
Sometimes uneven pavers look like a simple fix. It might feel like all you need is a shovel and a few minutes to lift a stone and put it back in place. But that surface-level fix often misses the deeper cause.
Getting professionals involved means you’re also getting a trained eye on grading, slope alignment, solid base work, and proper compaction. These are the parts that really count when it comes to long-term results.
If only a single paver is out of place on the edge of a patio, a handy homeowner might be able to handle it. But when the issue is repeated often or affects large areas, it usually points to something deeper. At that point, experience makes a big difference.
We’ve seen many examples here in Ottawa where the root of the issue was hidden. One case involved a corner of a driveway that sank every fall. At first, it seemed like regular settling, but the actual problem was excess water underneath caused by sloped grading toward the house. Once that was corrected and the right materials were used, the issue never came back.
Enjoy Long-Lasting Interlock Pavers in Your Ottawa Home
Fixing interlock that’s uneven or sinking might feel like patchwork, but in reality, you’re protecting dozens of elements around your property. Smooth, stable pavers don’t just look better, they stop water from pooling, prevent trips and falls, and extend the life of everything from your garden beds to the foundation near your home.
Ottawa’s soil and temperature swings aren’t going to change, but how you prepare and care for your interlock can make a world of difference. It starts with a solid base and continues with regular upkeep and smart drainage.
If your walkway or patio has started to dip or shift, it’s worth taking a closer look now. Addressing the problem early can save money and frustration down the road. And if a quick check turns into something more complicated, the team at Impressions Group Ottawa Inc. is here to help with expert guidance and hands-on support.
To get the most out of your outdoor surfaces and preserve the look and function of your interlock in Ottawa, work with a team that knows the local climate and soil conditions inside and out. At Impressions Group Ottawa Inc., we focus on proper site preparation and base work to give you long-lasting results. Learn more about how our grading services can support a better base for your project interlock in Ottawa.