5 Reasons Your Paving is Cracked
Paving is a popular choice of surface for all gardens and outdoor spaces, offering durability, low maintenance and great aesthetic appeal.
When properly maintained, paving can last up to 30 years – making it one of the best choices in terms of longevity. However, paving can sometimes become damaged, and if you’ve spotted cracks appearing in your surface it could be for a wide range of reasons.
R&J Landscapes (London) has spent over 30 years installing quality paving to homes throughout Watford, Harrow and the surrounding areas, and in this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the main reasons why paving becomes cracked.
Poor installation
If your paving has not been installed correctly, then this is one reason why it may have cracked.
The installation process requires the use of mortar, but some installers opt for a half-baked ‘dot and dab’ technique, which only uses a small amount of mortar in the corners of the slabs. While this is a quicker and cheaper installation method, it means the slabs are less durable and more susceptible to cracking.
Weather and temperature changes
Here in the UK, we’re no stranger to the cold weather – especially during winter.
These sudden drops in temperature can cause damaging freeze-thaw cycles to set in, causing cracks. A freeze-thaw cycle occurs when water seeps into or under a paving slab, freezes and then expands. This fluctuation in temperature and expansion may cause a crack or movement of paving units.
This can then begin a vicious cycle as a crack makes it easier for water to seep into the slab, causing existing cracks to get worse.
Age and wear and tear
The older your paving is, the more likely it is to suffer from wear and tear and damage like cracks.
As mentioned above, well-installed paving can last up to 30 years. Paving can naturally begin to deteriorate due to its age and this may lead to movement and, in worst-case scenarios, damage the paving, – especially if it is receiving a lot of heavy traffic.
Improper maintenance
While paving is a low-maintenance option that requires far less care and attention than other types of surface, you should still take some time to maintain your slabs.
Regularly sweeping, removing debris and cleaning your paving with soap and water can help extend its lifespan and prevent damage such as cracks from occurring. Plus, if you notice any damage like broken joints or small cracks starting to appear, repairing them quickly can prevent the issue from getting worse.
Lack of proper drainage
Paving always needs a proper drainage system or an area suitable to run surface water.
Without drainage, water can pool on the surface of the slabs, causing erosion and cracks to occur. All reputable landscaping companies will ensure a reliable drainage system is in place when installing your paving to mitigate this problem.
Root growth
If you have trees or vegetation located near your paving, roots can cause problems.
As they grow, roots may spread underneath the paving, causing it to expand and crack. To prevent this from happening, contractors will usually install root barriers.
At R&J Landscapes, we’ve spent years installing quality paving for gardens, driveways and all outdoor spaces. For more information or to book a free survey, contact our expert team today.
