Is your interlock walkway starting to look a little worse for wear? Is it beginning to look a bit too damaged, worn, or uneven? You may be wondering if it’s time to replace it as part of your interlock landscaping in Ottawa. If so, you’ve come to the right place.
In this short blog post with NeighborScape, let’s delve into a few of the most common signs your interlock walkway may need a replacement. Read on to learn more.
#1: It’s Becoming Uneven
An interlock walkway should provide a smooth, level path throughout your home’s outdoor space—not feel like an obstacle course. Achieving this requires several key steps to keep the area even, including proper excavation, compaction, and levelling before bedding and interlock pavers are installed.
That said, even the most exceptionally laid interlock can eventually shift and become uneven. This movement is often caused by changes in the base beneath the surface. There are many reasons this happens over time, including the 70+ freeze-thaw cycles the Ottawa Valley experiences during the average winter.
An uneven walkway should be addressed right away. Beyond looking worn, it also increases the risk for trips, falls, and other injuries if left unattended.
#2: Grass Is Growing Between Pavers
While lush green grass is a welcome addition to most outdoor spaces, one place it doesn’t quite belong is in between pavers. Over time, the joint bedding that holds interlock pavers can naturally separate due to rain, snow, and other kinds of erosion. If these gaps remain open, grass, weed seeds, and dirt can eventually settle and sprout with enough time.
The result? An unintended garden bed between your pavers.
#3: Cracked or Broken Pavers
If your walkway is starting to show cracks, that’s a clear sign that it may be time for interlock replacement and landscaping in Ottawa. Unlike some of the other indicators on this list, cracks in pavers aren’t easily remedied. This type of damage typically occurs due to natural ground shifts, but it can also develop over time under heavy loads.
Multiple broken pavers go beyond standard resetting and re-levelling, and often point to deeper degradation. While a few stones can be replaced, widespread cracking throughout the entire walkway usually means a full replacement is the smarter choice.
#4: Water Is Having a Hard Time Draining
If your interlock walkway has started to double as an unintentional bird bath, you may be dealing with drainage issues. A properly-working interlock walkway should have a slight slope to allow water to run off the surface.
When water isn’t fully draining, it can begin to pool on the surface. If left unattended, this standing water can eventually seep into the base and gradually erode it. As the base weakens, the pavers can begin to sink, drift, and move from their original position.
#5: You Feel It’s Starting to Look Outdated
Interlock naturally ages over time. As the years pass, colours can become sun-washed and fade from exposure to the elements. It’s also just as common for the older shapes and styles of pavers to start to clash with the newer updates around your home.
After multiple seasons of improving your yard, whether planting a garden, building a deck or adding other features, it’s natural for an older walkway to seem out of place. Refreshing your interlock landscaping in Ottawa can help tie your outdoor space together. It’s the perfect finishing touch to highlight all the work you’ve put in.
Your Pathway to a New Walkway
Revitalize your home’s outdoor path, one stunning walkway at a time. For two decades, NeighborScape has been providing reliable end-to-end lawn maintenance, garden services, and interlock landscaping throughout the Ottawa Valley.
Get in touch with our team to get started on designing your home’s new landscaping project this spring.
