Why drainage is important!

When it comes to hardscape construction, what you don’t see is just as important as what you do see. While pavers, stone, and retaining walls create the finished look, proper drainage is what ensures those features last for decades.

Why drainage matters so much

1. Prevents sinking and shifting

Water trapped beneath hardscaping softens base material over time. As the base weakens, pavers can sink shift or become uneven

2. Protects against Freeze-Thaw damage

In climates like Ontario, water is one of the biggest enemies of hardscaping. When water freezes it expands, when it thaws it contracts. This repeated cycle can cause the stones and the base to have weakened points.

3. Prevents retaining wall failure

Retaining walls don’t fail because of the wall itself-they fail because of water pressure behind them. Without drainage, water builds up, pressure increases ands the walls begin to lean, crack or collapse.

Build it right the first time

At Slate Hardscape, we believe in long-lasting hardscaping starts below the surface. Every project we build is designed with proper drainage to withstand Ontario’s climate.