How To Slope A Paver Patio Away From House

When installing a paver patio, it is important to slope it away from your house to prevent water from pooling and damaging the foundation. The slope should be at least 1/4 inch per foot, and it should be consistent across the entire patio. Here are the steps on how to slope a paver patio away from your house:

1. Determine the slope

The first step is to determine the slope of your patio. You can do this by using a level or a slope gauge. Place the level or slope gauge on the patio and adjust it until it is level. Then, measure the distance between the level or slope gauge and the ground. This measurement will tell you the slope of your patio.

2. Excavate the area

Once you have determined the slope, you need to excavate the area where the patio will be installed. The depth of the excavation will depend on the thickness of the pavers and the slope of the patio. For example, if you are using 2-inch thick pavers and you want the patio to slope 1/4 inch per foot, you will need to excavate the area to a depth of 6 inches.

3. Install the base

Once the area has been excavated, you need to install the base. The base can be made of gravel, crushed stone, or sand. The base should be compacted to create a firm and level surface.

4. Install the pavers

Once the base has been installed, you can begin installing the pavers. Start by laying the pavers in a straight line along the edge of the patio. Then, continue laying the pavers in rows, working your way from the edge of the patio to the center. As you lay the pavers, be sure to slope them away from your house.

5. Fill the joints

Once the pavers have been installed, you need to fill the joints between the pavers. The joints can be filled with sand, polymeric sand, or mortar. Sand is the least expensive option, but it is not as durable as polymeric sand or mortar. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is mixed with a polymer resin. The polymer resin helps to bind the sand together, creating a stronger and more durable joint. Mortar is the most expensive option, but it is also the most durable.

6. Seal the patio

Once the joints have been filled, you need to seal the patio. Sealing the patio will help to protect the pavers from the elements and prevent weeds from growing in the joints. There are a variety of different sealers available, so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for pavers.

By following these steps, you can slope a paver patio away from your house and prevent water from pooling and damaging the foundation.