Whether your goal is to add aesthetic appeal to your home or create more room to park your car, there are many reasons why homeowners choose to pave their yard or garden. However, paving is not as easy as laying down tiles and being done with them. There are many things you have to consider and rules you have to adhere to; otherwise, you will find yourself spending a lot of money as you fix pavers. However, if you want your pavers to last long and avoid fines and problems when selling your home in future, you should get permission to get your yard paved.
Why are there rules for paving?
The question homeowners ask is why they can’t simply lay down paving stones and be done with it. Besides, it is your home, why can’t you do whatever you want? The answer is there are rules that have been set to help with the maintenance of your property and the environment. Failing to follow these rules may cause you to be forced to fix pavers, which doesn’t come cheap.
The main reason there are rules for paving is because of water management. Paving is mostly done using non-porous materials. This means water flows freely across the pavers without being absorbed. Surfaces that have been paved without the proper grading to allow the free flow of water away from the house cause many issues. Consequences of poor water management include the following:
- Structural integrity problems
- Potential water intrusion into the house
- Mold growth in the house
- Musty indoor air quality
- Increased pest problems
- Safety and health issues
As you plan to get your garden or yard paved, you must think about water management. Before laying down the new pavers, you need proper grading and site preparation. Water should flow naturally away from your home. The pavers must also have a solid base so they don’t shift or break under pressure.
Considerations for climate
Before you install pavers, you must always consider the climate in your area. For example, some areas experience heavy rainfall. As a result, local codes must be followed to adhere to the region’s stormwater management strategies. Some of the considerations you must make include:
- Installing adequately sized gutters, downspouts and kick-out diverters which send water to a dry well, swale or an appropriate location.
- Installing rain barrels which collect and store rainwater for use on the garden.
- Installing porous pavers
As you can see, there are many considerations you have to make before you start installing pavers. In addition to slope planning for water management, you must adhere to the regulations. Working with a professional installer will keep you from making costly mistakes.
