I'm currently working on building a patio with pavers, but I forgot to lay down landscaping fabric beneath the gravel. The gravel, which is a mix of rock and sand recommended by a supplier, is already compacted. Now I'm wondering if it's worth it to place the fabric on top before adding the sand, or if that's just a waste. Also, with heavy rain expected tomorrow, should I be concerned about my leveling? And do I need to wait for things to dry before I continue? On top of that, I've noticed some soft spots have formed after a bit of rain. Should I be worried about those? Any tips specific to Calgary, AB would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Good news—you might have dodged a bullet by not using the fabric! Honestly, if you were to add it now, it wouldn't make much of a difference. Just focus on leveling everything out. You can rake the wet gravel, which can actually help with settling. I'd recommend filling those soft spots with more gravel or sand before laying your pavers down. As for the rain, it's normal—just make sure to check on it afterward. If it's really pouring, you can use some boards to prevent anything from getting washed away. Just take a deep breath; it's not as tough as it seems!
Make sure to hold off on putting down the sand until after the heavy rain—otherwise it'll just wash away. Soft spots are a concern since they can cause the pavers to sink later on. You might want to compact the area and add more gravel to get a solid base before you proceed. Not sure about adding fabric now, but I really wouldn't risk it before the sand.
How exactly do I fix those soft spots? Is compacting them enough?
Thanks for calming my nerves! I appreciate the reassurance.