Answering that question might be complicated. Yes, a
It's simple science. Water moves in between things and by adding pavers to your landscaping, you're ensuring there are cracks and joints between them, which allows water to drain through.
An influx of water that sits for a long period of time can damage your paver surfaces by weakening the cracks or chips already present. If your pavers are already loose, they may collapse. Flooding can also lead to erosion when soil and rock are transported and deposited into the area.
Because open-graded paver bases allow water to flow freely, they're a great option for permeable paver installations or environmentally friendly landscapes—if you live in an area that's prone to flooding or has drainage issues.
Standing water weakens pavers, leading to chips, cracks, and even erosion. During colder weather, water that gets into these cracks and crevices can freeze, causing cracks to expand and worsen. To prevent pavers holding water, you want to invest in draining the pavers.
There are lots of benefits to using permeable pavers to manage stormwater runoff. They create sustainable landscapes that reduce erosion from fast-moving streams of water and control the flow of water across your property.
Pavers are naturally a low-maintenance solution, but sealant them actually requires more upkeep over time.
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
Concrete is prone to cracking and breaking over time along with color degradation, while pavers are much more durable and can withstand heavy traffic without showing signs of wear. In terms of appearance, pavers add a natural elegance to any outdoor space that concrete simply cannot match.
A 1/2-inch gap between the pavers and the foundation is recommended – once it allows for proper water drainage and prevents water from seeping into your home.
Often, homeowners want to put pavers over top of existing concrete because it's much better than the alternative: tearing up the underlying concrete first, which is a messy and potentially expensive job. Fortunately, you can put pavers directly over existing concrete.
If your backyard doesn't have a natural slope, you can install a filter fabric or geotextile as they are commonly called. They are made of a permeable material that prevents the subgrade from moving while allowing water to drain. By installing this underneath your pavers, you could extend the lifespan of your patio.
A Paver Patio with Poor Drainage
Sunken pavers can lead to water “pooling” on top of the patio. Pooling can also occur when the pitch isn't correct. This could lead to low areas that will always collect water.
Whilst it is technically possible to lay pavers on bare, unprepared ground, this practice is not recommended as the ground will shift over time, causing the pavers to develop a sunken look, or even crack.
The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
The truth is that pavers can add value to your home. The amount of value that is added will depend on several different factors. For instance, the first factor to consider is your property's current size and the area in which it is located. Aside from this, how the pavers are used will also make a difference.
Con: Paver Patios Grow Weeds Over Time
Paver patios are built from individual small pieces. They have a lot of joints that are filled with sand when first installed. Over time the sand can wash out and needs to be replenished and maintained.
Pavers should be resealed every 3 to 4 years on average. You will know when your pavers need to be resealed because water will stop beading on the surface and the sheen will diminish. In addition, you may notice weeds starting to grow in between joints and the pavers may start to lose their color.
To solve patio problems like this, a landscaper will remove pavers and add new soil and pea gravel. As a result, water will run away from your foundation, and water pooling problems will disappear. In many basement water situations, a professional is the only person who can properly diagnose the problem.
Add Some Mulch
The area of your yard where the flooding happens will be elevated with the help of mulch because it will prevent the water from pooling in the area. However, make sure that you are mulching at a minimum of six inches away from your home.
Paving stones typically cost more than concrete initially. However, we've seen that over time they make up the difference. Here's why: they're easy to maintain, cheaper to repair, and they typically have a longer life. Additionally, installing paving stones adds significant value to your home.