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Sunken Interlock Repair Ottawa

Sunken interlock repair in Ottawa fixes settled pavers caused by base failure, erosion, or poor drainage. Sunken areas are not just unsightly—they are trip hazards, drainage problems, and signs of underlying issues that worsen without intervention.

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Signs You Need Sunken Interlock Repair

Trip and Fall Risks – Sunken areas create uneven surfaces dangerous for pedestrians, especially elderly and disabled visitors
Water Pooling – Standing water in sunken areas accelerates deterioration and causes freeze-thaw damage in winter
Settlement Spreading – Without repair, sunken areas expand as adjacent pavers lose support and shift
Ice Accumulation – Low spots collect water that freezes in winter, creating dangerous ice hazards
Joint Sand Washout – Water pooling in sunken areas washes out polymeric sand, destabilizing more pavers

Why Interlock Sinks Over Time

Settlement happens for specific reasons:

Base Failure

  • Insufficient base depth for traffic loads
  • Poor compaction during original installation
  • Wrong base material (clay, organic soil)
  • Base erosion from water infiltration

Water-Related Issues

  • Concentrated drainage washing out base
  • Poor grading directing water under pavers
  • Downspout discharge eroding specific areas
  • High water table destabilizing soil

Soil Conditions

  • Natural soil compaction over time
  • Organic material decomposition
  • Clay soil expansion and contraction
  • Underground void formation

Safety and Drainage Risks of Sunken Pavers

Sunken areas create serious problems:

Safety Hazards

  • Trip and fall risks for pedestrians
  • Uneven surface difficult for elderly/disabled
  • Liability exposure for property owners
  • Vehicle damage from sudden dips
  • Ice accumulation in low spots (winter)

Drainage Problems

  • Water pools in sunken areas
  • Standing water accelerates deterioration
  • Moisture penetrates to base layer
  • Freeze-thaw cycles worsen settlement

Base Rebuild vs Surface Fixes

Understanding when each applies:

Surface Fix (Bedding Adjustment)

  • Minor dips and unevenness
  • Base is firm when exposed
  • No water infiltration issues
  • Isolated small areas

Base Rebuild (Lift and Relay)

  • Significant settlement
  • Soft or eroded base material
  • Water damage evident
  • Recurring settlement after previous repairs

Preventing Future Settlement

After repair, protect your investment:

Drainage Management

  • Extend downspouts away from pavers
  • Ensure proper surface slope
  • Address any grading issues
  • Keep drainage paths clear

Maintenance

  • Monitor for early settlement signs
  • Address small issues promptly
  • Keep joints filled with sand
  • Annual professional inspection

Our Sunken Interlock Repair Process

We follow a proven process:

1

Minor Settlement (under 25mm)

Remove pavers from affected area, add bedding sand to raise level, screed to proper grade, reset pavers, re-compact and re-sand joints

2

Moderate Settlement (25-50mm)

Remove pavers and bedding sand, assess base condition, add granular base material, compact in lifts, install new bedding layer, reset pavers and finish

3

Severe Settlement (50mm+)

Full lift and relay procedure, excavate to stable subgrade, install geotextile if needed, build new base system, address drainage issues, complete reinstallation

4

Base Assessment

Determine if surface fix or base rebuild is needed based on base firmness, water damage evidence, and settlement history

5

Prevention Measures

Extend downspouts away from pavers, ensure proper surface slope, keep joints filled with sand, annual inspection

Sunken Interlock Repair Cost in Ottawa

Typical Price Range
$6 - $28 per square foot

Project Examples:

  • Surface adjustment $6 - $12/sq ft
  • Base rebuild $15 - $28/sq ft
  • Minor repair (25-50 sq ft) $400 - $800
  • Moderate repair (50-150 sq ft) $800 - $2,200
  • Major repair (150+ sq ft) $15 - $25/sq ft

Service Areas

We provide sunken interlock repair throughout Ottawa:

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

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