How do I fix a sunken paver in my Ottawa interlock driveway?

A sunken paver in your Ottawa interlock driveway can usually be fixed by lifting the affected pavers, adding bedding sand, re-compacting, and relaying them. This is a manageable DIY repair if only a few pavers are involved, but extensive settling indicates base problems that require professional attention.

The repair process involves removing the sunken pavers using flat pry bars or screwdrivers to lift them without damaging the edges. Once removed, you'll see the bedding sand layer beneath — this is likely where the problem lies. Add coarse bedding sand (concrete sand works well) to bring the level up to match the surrounding pavers, then compact it firmly with a hand tamper or the flat end of a 2x4. Test-fit the pavers to ensure they sit level with their neighbors, adding or removing sand as needed. Once the level is correct, relay the pavers and tap them into place with a rubber mallet.

Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles are often the culprit behind sunken pavers. Water infiltrates the bedding sand layer, freezes and expands, then thaws and allows the sand to wash away or compact further. This is especially common where downspouts discharge near the driveway, where snow accumulates and melts repeatedly, or in low spots where water pools. The 50+ freeze-thaw cycles Ottawa experiences each winter gradually displace bedding sand, causing pavers to settle unevenly.

Check your polymeric sand joints while making the repair. If the jointing sand has washed out or cracked, water can penetrate more easily and accelerate settling. After releveling the sunken pavers, sweep out any loose or damaged polymeric sand from the surrounding joints and reapply fresh polymeric sand according to manufacturer instructions. This typically involves sweeping the sand into joints, compacting lightly, sweeping excess, and activating with a gentle water mist.

Signs this needs professional attention include multiple sunken areas across the driveway, pavers that keep settling after repair, or visible gaps between the driveway edge and the house foundation. These symptoms suggest the granular base beneath the bedding sand has failed — a problem that requires excavation, fresh base material, proper compaction, and complete re-installation. In Ottawa's clay soil conditions, inadequate base depth (less than 450mm total) or poor drainage often causes widespread settling that cannot be fixed by adding bedding sand alone.

Prevention for the future includes ensuring proper drainage away from the driveway, extending downspouts at least 2 metres from paved areas, and maintaining polymeric sand joints every 3-5 years. Consider having a contractor evaluate the overall drainage if you're seeing repeated settling in the same areas.

Need help finding a driveway contractor if the settling is extensive? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local interlock specialists who understand Ottawa's soil and climate challenges.