Interlock Repair in Ottawa West
Interlocking pavers are one of the most durable and versatile choices for patios, walkways, driveways, and front entrances. They offer a clean, timeless appearance while standing up well to Ottawa's changing seasons. Unlike poured concrete, individual pavers can be removed and reinstalled if repairs are ever needed, making them a practical long-term investment for your home.
Over time, however, even the highest-quality pavers can begin to settle or shift if the original base was not installed correctly or if years of weather, drainage issues, and regular use take their toll. You may notice uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, water pooling, or loose pavers.
The good news is that these problems can often be repaired without replacing your entire hardscape. At Poulin Natural Landscapes, we carefully lift the affected pavers, correct the underlying issue, rebuild and compact the base where needed, and reinstall your existing stones to restore both the appearance and function of your outdoor space.
What causes pavers to fail?
Poor Base Preparation
A long-lasting interlock project starts with what's underneath the pavers. Before any clear stone is installed, the area needs to be excavated deep enough to accommodate a properly compacted open-graded stone base, a 1-inch bedding layer, and the pavers themselves.
At Poulin Natural Landscapes, we typically excavate to a depth of approximately 10 inches, including a minimum 6-inch compacted open-graded stone base. This creates a stable foundation that promotes proper drainage and helps reduce settling, shifting, and frost movement over time.
Unfortunately, this step is often rushed or overlooked because deeper excavation requires more labour, more material removal, and higher installation costs.
Poor Choice of Base Material
The base beneath your interlock should allow water to drain freely. When water becomes trapped under your pavers, it can lead to several problems, including shifting, frost heave, sinking, white staining (efflorescence), and the premature failure of the polymeric sand between the joints.
Years ago, stone dust was commonly used as a base material. While it may seem like a solid option, it tends to hold moisture rather than let it drain away. Over time, this trapped water can cause recurring issues that shorten the lifespan of your interlock.
At Poulin Natural Landscapes, we use free-draining base materials that allow water to move away from your hardscape. Combined with proper installation and compaction, this helps create a stronger, longer-lasting foundation that is better suited to Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate.
Geotextile Fabric
Geotextile fabric is installed between the soil and the stone base to help keep the two separate. This helps prevent the base from mixing with the underlying soil over time, allowing it to maintain its strength and stability.
Although it's a relatively inexpensive material, it's a step that's sometimes skipped to reduce installation costs.
At Poulin Natural Landscapes, we believe it's an important part of building a long-lasting foundation. When combined with proper excavation, free-draining base materials, and thorough compaction, geotextile fabric helps improve the overall durability and performance of your interlock.
My Approach
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
Simple ideas
Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
Lasting impact
We build with clarity, act with integrity, and always stay curious.