Do I need to leave a gap between my house and paving?

Question

I'm having new block paving laid around the perimeter of my house and was wondering if I should leave a gap or not?

Paul · Accepted Answer

Yes, it is generally recommended to leave a gap between your house and any paving or hard landscaping. This gap is often referred to as a "perimeter joint" and is typically filled with a flexible material, such as silicone or a polyurethane sealant.

Leaving a gap between your house and paving allows for natural expansion and contraction of both the house and the paving due to changes in temperature and moisture levels. Without this gap, the two structures could become tightly bound together, which could cause cracking or other damage over time.

In addition, leaving a gap also helps to prevent water from seeping into your house's foundation, which could lead to dampness, mold, and other moisture-related problems. By leaving a gap and using a flexible material to fill it, you can create a barrier that helps to keep water out while allowing for movement and flexibility.

Ultimately, it is best to consult with a professional to determine the appropriate size and placement of the perimeter joint for your specific situation, as this can vary depending on factors such as the type of paving material, the age and condition of your house, and local climate conditions.

Aaron · Answer

Depends which way the fall of the pavers are, also the height of the pavers should bev150mm below damp preferably falling away from house if this is the case it’s your preference of having a strip, if they are higher than this I would recommend a strip definitely

Shane · Answer

Well yes it’s always the right way for me to leave your paving at least 300 ml away and then you can use the gap as a French drain which will help stop damp breaching your damp course as well so all you will require for the gap is dig out 12 inches of soil and put some membrane and some perforated plastic pipe lay that in the gap and wrap with membrane and then cover with pea shingle and keep it 3 bricks  under ya damp course ok and that’s ya french drain  done which will help towards your paving job or you can have acco drains all the way around the property it’s more expensive but it’s a good drainage system again hope this helps happy to Ofer my services thanks Shane

Arfan · Answer

No as long as under damp course then should be fine

Darren · Answer

Do not leave a gap has block paving needs to be tight so it can not move. You could run a aco drain round to house so it would catch any water runs up to the house

Jake · Answer

No should be fine if it’s block paving remember to stay under your damp course

John · Answer

Not necessarily as long as it’s below the damn course I’m not flow into the house if it is you will need a channel drine

Liam · Answer

YES LEAVE A GAP OF 100MM FOR DRAINAGE AND SO THAT THE AIR VENTS TO THE PROPERTY DO NOT GET BLOCKED

Daryl · Answer

When building a new home, you need to consider the space between the house and the pavers. You should consider the size of the house, the size of pavers, and the space in between.

It is recommended you leave a space of at least 6 inches between your driveway or sidewalk and the outside joist or curb. Pavers are typically placed directly on aggregate. This can be problematic when the surface settlement occurs away from the paver.

Jason · Answer

Not necessarily as long as you’re below the damp course, if the driveway falls towards the property you need to put drainage channels in.

Do I need to leave a gap between my house and paving?

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