MiyukiEuphaphine
933
13
2
Here's our brick patio. Doesn't look too bad, but you might be able to tell how it's no longer perfectly level. (In particular: see that long dark splotch on the left?)
My wife is looking to re-level it, but it's our first time doing something like this. We have the added complication of having a deck that just barely overhangs it (by one step), and a set of back steps that lead up to the house.
We're also hoping to seal the bricks and prevent weeds from growing, with polymeric sand between the cracks. The bricks themselves have little bumps along the side to ensure proper spacing (maybe 1/16th of an inch?).
The wooden steps that lead up to the back door. We have no idea how these are secured, but they don't seem to be connected to the house in any way.
We'd removed a few bricks from the edge to see how the sand and gravel underneath was doing. The gravel seems fine, but we're pretty sure we'll need additional sand for the leveling process once we get into it.
The step that goes from the patio onto the deck. It overhangs at least some of the brick, so we may need to remove the step to be able to get everything up for a proper re-leveling.
The corner between the back door steps, and the deck steps. You can really see the dip that's forming here.
Dog tax: this is Gracie. She's half-heeler, half-plothound, and 100% in charge. Naturally, she'll be the foreman on this job.
BoblovesMac31415101
You need to ensure run off so you don't get permanent puddles.
Better to leave the bricks not stuck together as that lets drainage happen?
This is a tricky job one of the first jobs I did was a public foot path two and a half miles long, two old guys did it while I did the leg work.
They taught me and 45 years later I would pay someone to do it right, it's tricky to get exactly right.
Unfortunate500
Your dips all appear to be drainage related. Whatever else you do, spend extra time planning that bit.
sindail
Releveling it is gonna require renting a machine to pack that dirt in so it doesn't cave again. Another poster said the dips look drainage related. If that's the case just rent a pressure washer to clean the bricks and seal them up after. I didn't see anything broken in the pictures. A makeover might do the trick.
GigglingWordBearer
I have no advice, I just like the pattern.
tymonaSmasher
This is loads better than my block paving but I am keeping my money in my pocket and not having a load of materials shifted around to make mine level. I have given up fighting nature