Outdoor Concepts has been building custom outdoor environments in Gilbert, Arizona for over 18 years. Whether it’s a patio, walkway, firepit, or outdoor kitchen, we understand that great hardscape design is more than just good looks. It needs to stand strong over time, especially with the desert heat and changing soil below.
Even the toughest materials can shift or crack. When that happens, it doesn’t just take away from your space’s beauty. It can also create safety problems and make areas less usable. That’s why catching settlement early and preventing cracks where possible matters to your yard’s value and function.
Understanding Settlement in Hardscapes
Settlement is what happens when the ground underneath a hardscape moves or weakens. This kind of soil shift is common in places like Gilbert, where dry spells and sudden rains create big temperature and moisture swings in the soil. If the base wasn’t built correctly—or if time and weather have taken their toll—you might start noticing changes on the surface.
Some signs of settlement include:
– Uneven or sloping surfaces that weren’t there before
– Gaps forming between bricks or pavers
– Sunken or sagging areas in patios, especially after rain
– Pooling water that wasn’t an issue in the past
– Walls that tilt or lean slightly
– Cracks that slowly widen over time
These changes may seem small at first, but they often grow worse. A tilted paver can become a tripping hazard. A sagging wall might lose stability. Catching these early helps prevent bigger, more costly problems later.
Causes of Cracking in Hardscape Features
A cracked surface doesn’t always mean something’s wrong underneath, but cracks are usually a sign that something has changed. Some cracks are cosmetic, while others mean the hardscape is under stress. Understanding where these problems start helps prevent them or fix them the right way.
Common causes of cracking include:
1. Poor Base Preparation
The most common reason for hardscape failure is starting with a weak base. If the ground wasn’t properly compacted, it won’t support the weight on top. As water filters through or heat dries out the soil, the base may shift.
2. Expanding and Contracting Soil
Arizona’s dry spells and rain cycles can cause desert soil to swell and shrink. This movement stresses the material above and slowly creates cracks or misalignment.
3. Tree Roots
Trees or shrubs can look harmless when planted, but as they grow, their roots expand. If they’re close to walkways or patios, they can push up from beneath and shift or break sections of the surface.
4. Large Temperature Swings
Local temperatures can rise during the afternoon and drop sharply overnight. The heating and cooling make materials expand and contract, which adds stress over time. Eventually, the surface gives in and cracks develop.
5. Heavy Loads
A patio isn’t always made to bear the weight of things like hot tubs or large grills. When added later, without extra support, these features can cause the surface to sag and split.
Understanding these factors helps explain why cracking doesn’t always mean poor work. The environment itself plays a big role in how materials react. Still, with careful planning and routine checks, many of these issues can be minimized or avoided.
Preventative Measures And Maintenance Tips
Most long-term issues in hardscapes begin at the start of the build. If the site isn’t prepared correctly, or if the materials used aren’t right for local conditions, it’s only a matter of time before problems appear. The good news is that good preparation and regular care are often enough to keep those problems from taking hold.
When planning a hardscape in Gilbert, smart steps include:
– Compacting the base thoroughly
– Making sure proper drainage is in place
– Using pavers or materials suited to desert heat
– Leaving space for shifts in temperature
Even once a hardscape is built well, it needs some attention now and then. Simple, regular care goes a long way in extending its lifespan:
– Sweep and rinse walkways or patios monthly
– Reapply sealer every two years, before storm season
– Check retaining walls and steps for small movements
– Fix loose bricks or pavers early
– Keep trees trimmed if they’re growing too close
If something small grows into a larger issue—like a patio with deep cracks or leaning walls—don’t delay. These warning signs often mean something’s shifting below the surface. Acting quickly can save you from needing a partial or full rebuild later on.
Professional Solutions For Hardscape Issues
Over time, even a well-built hardscape can show wear. Arizona’s dry climate brings dust, root movement, and temperature extremes—all of which put stress on surfaces. That’s where expert local knowledge and the right tools matter.
Professional crews know how to check underneath the surface and figure out what’s really causing problems. Is it tree roots? Poor drainage? Soil erosion? Each issue needs the right fix, or the results won’t last. In Gilbert, where the soil runs dry for months and floods quickly with summer storms, experience counts.
Solutions for common problems might include:
– Resetting pavers that have sunk or shifted
– Building a stronger base layer
– Removing and rebuilding parts of a cracked patio
– Installing better slope or drainage to fight erosion
– Matching old surfaces with longer-lasting repairs
Working with professionals also avoids some of the risks that come with guesswork or temporary fixes. Instead of just patching a surface crack, a good repair addresses why the crack formed in the first place. That’s how long-term durability is achieved.
Keep Your Outdoor Hardscapes Looking Great
Living in Gilbert means soaking up sunny days, cooling off during monsoon rains, and enjoying your backyard nearly year-round. Your outdoor space adds real value to your home, and hardscapes bring structure, comfort, and style to that space.
But the ground can move. The heat can crack even strong materials. And what looks like a small flaw can grow into something bigger if left alone. That’s why staying ahead of settlement and cracking is more than a cosmetic choice. It’s how you keep your space safe, useful, and good-looking for the long run.
Whether you just noticed a few trouble spots or you’re starting a brand-new project, it helps to partner with a team that understands Arizona soil and how to build for it. That way, your hardscapes stay sharp, level, and ready to enjoy—no matter what the summer heat brings.
If you’re looking to update your yard with lasting, practical upgrades, Outdoor Concepts can help bring those plans to life with expert design and craftsmanship. From patios to full makeovers, we build with the Arizona climate in mind. Explore how we incorporate durable hardscapes that elevate both form and function in your outdoor space.