Ottawa Experts

Interlock Drainage Repair Ottawa

Interlock drainage repair in Ottawa corrects poor grading and pooling water that leads to sinking and frost damage. Water is the number one enemy of interlock—when it does not drain properly, every other problem follows.

  • Free Estimates
  • 5-Year Warranty
  • Ottawa-Wide Service

Get Your Free Estimate

Signs You Need Interlock Drainage Repair

Water Pooling On Surface – Standing water indicates drainage failure from insufficient slope or structural settlement
Freeze-Thaw Damage – Pooled water freezes and expands, heaving pavers from below with repeated cycles compounding damage
Base Erosion – Water infiltration washes out base material, creating depressions and further drainage problems
Ice Formation in Winter – Low spots collect water that freezes, creating dangerous ice hazards on walkways and driveways
Reverse Slope Toward Structure – Water flowing toward foundation instead of away causes serious structural risks

Why Water Pools on Interlock

Standing water indicates drainage failure:

Grading Issues

  • Insufficient slope (minimum 2% required)
  • Reverse slope toward structures
  • Low spots from settlement
  • Incorrect original grading

Structural Causes

  • Base erosion creating depressions
  • Pavers sinking from base failure
  • Edge restraint failure allowing spread
  • Compaction over time

Obstruction Problems

  • Debris blocking drainage paths
  • Failed joints preventing water flow
  • Sealed surfaces reducing permeability
  • Adjacent landscaping changes

Design Flaws

  • No drainage plan in original installation
  • Inadequate slope for surface area
  • Missing drainage infrastructure
  • Poor integration with property drainage

Drainage Issues Unique to Ottawa

Our climate creates specific challenges:

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

  • Pooled water freezes and expands
  • Ice heaves pavers from below
  • Repeated cycles compound damage
  • Spring thaw creates worst conditions

Snow Melt

  • Large water volumes in short periods
  • Frozen ground prevents absorption
  • Ice dams redirect water
  • Salt accelerates deterioration

Clay Soil

  • Common in Ottawa region
  • Poor drainage characteristics
  • Expands when wet, shrinks when dry
  • Requires specific base design

Seasonal Variations

  • Spring: Maximum water, frozen ground
  • Summer: Heavy rain events
  • Fall: Saturated soil before freeze
  • Winter: Ice formation in low spots

Our Drainage Correction Methods

We use multiple approaches based on situation:

Grade Correction

  • Lift and relay to establish proper slope
  • Minimum 2% slope away from structures
  • Create subtle swales for water direction
  • Integrate with overall property drainage

French Drains

  • Perforated pipe in gravel trench
  • Collects subsurface water
  • Directs to appropriate discharge
  • Installed at base level

Channel Drains

  • Surface collection for concentrated flow
  • At base of slopes
  • Across driveways at grade changes
  • Connected to storm system

Permeable Solutions

  • Open-joint pavers allow infiltration
  • Permeable base materials
  • Reduces surface runoff
  • May require base modification

Base and Slope Adjustments

Proper drainage requires structural changes:

Slope Requirements

  • Minimum 2% away from buildings
  • 1-2% for walkways
  • 2-3% for driveways
  • Maximum 5% for pedestrian areas

Base Modifications

  • Remove and replace failed sections
  • Add granular material for grade
  • Compact in lifts for stability
  • Install proper bedding layer

Integration Points

  • Connect to existing drainage
  • Coordinate with downspouts
  • Match adjacent grades
  • Consider neighbor impact

Long-Term Drainage Prevention

After repair, maintain drainage function:

Regular Maintenance

  • Keep surface clean of debris
  • Clear drain grates and channels
  • Monitor for new low spots
  • Address settlement early

Seasonal Attention

  • Fall: Clear leaves from drainage paths
  • Winter: Careful snow removal
  • Spring: Check for frost damage
  • Summer: Verify drainage during rain

System Maintenance

  • Clean French drains annually
  • Clear channel drain grates
  • Check discharge points
  • Inspect after major storms

Our Interlock Drainage Repair Process

We follow a proven process:

1

Grade Correction

Lift and relay to establish minimum 2% slope away from structures, create subtle swales for water direction

2

French Drains

Perforated pipe in gravel trench collects subsurface water and directs to appropriate discharge at base level

3

Channel Drains

Surface collection for concentrated flow at base of slopes, across driveways at grade changes, connected to storm system

4

Permeable Solutions

Open-joint pavers allow infiltration with permeable base materials to reduce surface runoff

5

Base Modifications

Remove and replace failed sections, add granular material for grade, compact in lifts, install proper bedding layer

Interlock Drainage Repair Cost in Ottawa

Typical Price Range
$12 - $85 per sq ft or linear ft

Project Examples:

  • Grade correction $12 - $25/sq ft
  • French drain installation $35 - $65/linear ft
  • Channel drain installation $50 - $85/linear ft
  • Minor grade adjustment $1,000 - $2,500
  • French drain (20-40 ft) $1,200 - $2,800
  • Comprehensive drainage repair $3,000 - $8,000

Get Your Free Estimate

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate for your interlock drainage repair project.

Call Now Get Free Quote