How a Level Foundation Is Crucial for Successful Hardscaping

Level Your Foundation

Just as a building needs a solid foundation, it’s crucial to build a solid foundation when hardscaping. Although not visible, your patio, driveway, or garden foundation is as important as the aesthetics. That said, we dive into the impact of a level foundation on your hardscape and what it takes.

How a Level Foundation Is Crucial for Successful Hardscaping

A level foundation holds the weight of other materials, such as pavers, stone, or concrete. Apart from that, it ensures that the structure can handle foot and even vehicle traffic without sinking. Therefore, you need to assess the soil’s bearing capacity, which informs the type of material to use. Conducting a Standard Penetration Test (SPT), a Cone Penetration Test (CPT), or a Plate Load Test ensures that you select the proper foundation.

Visual Appeal

Most people prioritize visual appeal over other factors. However, just as you can’t build a house from the roof, the same applies to a hardscape foundation. A level foundation is essential for maintaining the visual appeal of your driveway, patio, yard, or any other structure.

Landscape Blending

You can use hardscape to create focal points such as fountains and waterfalls. Such features require a well-structured foundation to achieve the desired appeal and tranquility. A crooked foundation can divert attention even when you have invested a lot in visual appeal.

Proper Drainage

Stagnant water, soil erosion, or waterlogged patches can be a turn-off. The foundation plays a crucial role in ensuring water is well-drained for your hardscape. Therefore, ensure the foundation is graded and constructed with suitable drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.

Property Value

From curb appeal to increased usable space, a level foundation can make a lot of difference to your property value. This is especially important when looking for potential buyers. The return on investment can be as high as 100% of the amount spent on improving the hardscape.

How to Ensure a Level Foundation

After understanding why, it is essential to have a level foundation for your hardscape, how do you ensure you have one?

• Use a Laser Level: Set up a laser level on a tripod and use it to calibrate a horizontal plane while ensuring the desired elevation.
• Use String Lines and Line Levels: First, use stakes to mark the corners of your project. Then, use a taut string and a level to adjust the height until the bubble is centered or slanted as desired.
• Install Screed Guides and Straightedge:  You can use 1” diameter PVC pipes to create screed guides. Next, spread bedding material over the guides and drag a straightedge across them to make a smooth, even surface.
• Ensure Layered Compaction with Depth Checks: It is advisable to compact 4-6 inches of your materials to achieve maximum compaction. This should be followed by regular checks of depth, moisture content, and uniformity.
• Consult a Professional

When Consulting a Professional is Necessary

When in doubt consulting your hardscaping contractor or a foundation repair specialist may be the safest option. While some evaluations are easy to determine alone, others may need professional evaluations. Some hardscaping companies are experienced in evaluating foundation stability and levels, while others are not. Depending on the circumstances, you may or may not need a second opinion from a foundation repair company.

Get a Level Foundation for Your Landscape

Whether you are installing a patio, driveway, or pathway, ensure the foundation can withstand the weight and enhance the hardscape’s visual appeal. Atlantic Foundation and Crawlspace Repair is the go-to company for all your foundation and crawlspace repair needs. Our extensive experience and industry-grade equipment guarantee durable foundations that blends well with other structures. Our services are not just about installation; we strive to bring out the best in all aspects of your home’s foundation. Call us today for a free homeowner’s consultation to see if we are able to find the right solution.

FAQ

1. Does Atlantic Foundation and Crawlspace Repair supply hardscaping services? While Atlantic Foundation and Crawlspace Repair does not focus on hardscaping services, we provide French Drain Installation which affects the overall well-being and appearance of your yard.

2.Is it possible to hardscape without Foundation repair? You may or may not need to repair your home’s foundation beforehand. Ideally your hardscape installations are not affected by the foundation. However, we recommend a home inspection before your hardscape project begins.

3. Where can I find home inspection providers? Most foundation repair companies provide home inspections. At Atlantic Foundation and Repair we provide home inspections. If you really feel like you need foundation repair services, we offer the home consultation for homeowners.

Sources

• https://blueoakpatios.com/foundation-matters-selecting-the-best-base-for-your-hardscape/
• https://www.buzzcutters.com/why-proper-base-prep-is-the-most-important-part-of-any-hardscaping-project/
• https://www.premiersurfacing.co.uk/hints-tips/importance-of-solid-foundations-for-landscaping-projects/
• https://youtu.be/cQ0OesQ44n0
• Calgary Drywall Ltd | About Us | Drywall Services. https://www.calgarydrywallltd.com/about
• July, 2023 | Todaywebworld.com. https://todaywebworld.com/2023/07/
• HYDGEN PEM Electrolyzers | Hyd-Gen. https://www.hyd-gen.com/hydgen-pem-electrolyzers