Patio & Paver Inspection

Proper base is critical for paver longevity. Minimum 6-8" compacted gravel base for pedestrian areas, 10-12" for driveways. Each layer compacted to 95%.

1. Ask about base depth — minimum 6" compacted gravel for patios, 10" for driveways

2. Check that the base was compacted in layers (no more than 4" lifts)

3. Verify base surface is flat and smooth — check with a long straightedge

4. Check slope for drainage — minimum 1/8" per foot (1%) away from the house

5. Verify geotextile fabric was placed under the gravel base (prevents base material migrating into soil)

6. Check bedding sand layer — should be 1" of coarse sharp sand (not play sand)

7. Walk across the patio — should feel solid with no soft or spongy areas

- Insufficient base depth — pavers will settle and become uneven

- Base not properly compacted — settling creates dips and trip hazards

- Wrong type of sand for bedding (play sand or mason sand washes away)

- No slope away from house — water pools against foundation

- No geotextile fabric — base material sinks into subsoil over time

- Bedding sand too thick (over 1.5") — pavers settle unevenly

Paver edges must be restrained to prevent spreading. Permanent edge restraints (aluminum, concrete, plastic spikes) required on all non-fixed edges.

1. Check that all edges without a fixed boundary (wall, step, driveway) have edge restraints

2. Verify edge restraint material — aluminum, heavy-duty plastic, or concrete curb

3. Check that edge restraints are pinned to the base with spikes (not just sitting on top)

4. Pull on the edge restraint — should not move or flex

5. Verify edge restraint follows the paver pattern neatly

6. Check that no pavers have shifted or moved near edges

7. Verify soldier course or border pavers are properly cut and fit

- No edge restraint — pavers will spread apart over time

- Edge restraint not pinned (floats on top of base)

- Gaps between pavers at edges where restraint is loose

- Plastic landscape edging used instead of proper paver restraint

- Edge restraint visible above paver surface

- Missing restraint on some edges

Pavers must be laid in the specified pattern with consistent joints. Polymeric sand recommended for joint filling. Surface should be flat and drain properly.

1. Check paver pattern — should be consistent throughout with no broken pattern areas

2. Verify joint width — consistent spacing (typically 1/8" to 3/16")

3. Check that joints are filled with polymeric sand (hardens when wet, prevents weeds)

4. Test flatness — run a long straightedge across the surface, no lips or dips greater than 1/8"

5. Pour water on the surface — it should drain away, not pool

6. Check for chipped or cracked pavers (especially at cuts)

7. Walk across all areas — should feel stable with no rocking or loose pavers

8. Verify cuts at edges are clean and well-fitted

- Uneven paver surface — trip hazard

- Regular sand used instead of polymeric (weeds will grow, sand washes out)

- Inconsistent joint widths

- Broken pattern at field or borders

- Water pooling on surface

- Rocking pavers from uneven bedding sand

- Poor cuts at edges with large gaps