Installing Drains
The PVC pipes can have holes drilled into the bottom for percolation of water, or they can release the water at another location. A French drain system at the edge of your paver patio can be done on your own or hired out to the landscaping professionals.
Paver Damage
Without proper drainage, paving stones are open to damage from the elements, especially water. 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.
Pavers are great for patios, since they allow water to seep through and not form puddles and pools.
While there are many different types of landscape drainage systems available, these three primary systems are some of the most common and effective solutions. Dry wells, French drains and downspout/sump connections all help to prevent stagnant or pooling water with their respective strong suits.
One of the most common and effective drainage systems is the French drain. This is a subsurface drainage system and can be effective in spreading and diverting pooling problems.
French drains are typically used to drain small, localized areas, while swales are used to drain larger areas. Swales are also generally more visible than French drains. There are pros and cons to each type of drain, and it depends on your specific needs as to which one is better for your property.
The Problem With Polymeric Sands & Water Mitigation
Most polymeric sands don't drain water which meant small stones were used to fill the joints between the interlock. For driveways, this solution isn't a big issue but near a pool or patio, people prefer the smooth uniformity of polymeric sand.
Patios must have a slight slope (1" for every 4' to 8') for proper drainage.
Compacting causes the stones to form a tight bond with the bedding layer, which reduces the chance of your pavers sinking again. Sweep joint sand into the joints between the pavers. Do this by pouring a pile of sand on your hardscape and sweep it over the stones until your joints can't hold any more sand.
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.
Pavers should be flush with the ground for a smooth look and feel.
Without sand, the pavers are likely to shift and sink over time, resulting in an uneven and messy surface. The sand keeps the pavers in place, preventing unnecessary replacements and repairs, as well as keeping your patio free from tripping hazards.
Sealing your pavers can help prevent this fading, which can help maintain the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Decreased Drying Time: Properly sealed pavers do not allow water to absorb inside them. This significantly reduces drain time.
There are a number of options for patio drainage including channel drains, french drains. It is better to plan for the drainage prior to installation, however there are options such a stack drain available that can resolve issues after installation.
A GRAVEL BASE LAYER BEFORE SAND IS A MUST! Using sand alone to set pavers is not enough. The best and recommended paver base is 3/8-inch crushed gravel. The gravel provides a flexible base that absorbs ground tension to prevent frost heaves.
It is crucial to account for proper drainage across the entire structure when designing a paver-patio. There is a standard formula for determining the correct slope of a patio. To prevent water from pooling up under the brick pavers, it is recommended to build your patio at least 1 inch for every 8 feet.
Typically, a minimum grade of 1.5% is ideal to ensure that water flows across the surface. If the slope is lower than this, the water won't move rapidly off of the patio. Slopes can be increased up to 4% to help speed the movement of water, but the pavement surface will be pitched.
Permeable paving should not receive stormwater from other drainage areas, especially any areas that are not fully stabilized. Permeable paving can only be used on gentle slopes (<5%); it cannot be used in high-traffic areas or where it will be subject to heavy axle loads.
Polymeric Sand has many benefits, however, the biggest drawback is that it can be easy to mess up, especially if you don't follow the manufacturer's instructions.
When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.
When properly installed polymeric sand is very weed resistant. There are many factors that can lead to early failure of the sand such as not getting sand deep enough into joints, applying too much OR to little water to activate, paver systems that hold too much moisture, hills, and a lot more.
However, when it comes to the area around your home and patio, there are only two options to consider: traditional trench drains and the Slot Drain System. But, if you want a reliable, low-maintenance drainage system that will last for years to come, there is no other option than the Slot Drain System.
French Drains Can and Will Clog
Some water may come up from under the floor, seeping into the gravel and then making its way into the pipe. All of this water brings silt, soil, and other debris with it. Anything that the gravel doesn't filter out will get into the drainage.
French drain cost by type and size
They cost more because contractors must tear out the basement floor (most often made of concrete), install the drain, and then repair it.