How Do You Install Flagstone In A Heavy Frost Area?
Heavy frost areas cause the most damage to flagstone walkways and patios because moisture seeps into the flagstones prior to the frost and expands as it freezes. This expansion cracks the flagstone or breaks it free from its base. This does not mean that you can’t install flagstone in a heavy frost region, but it does mean that you will need to take extra precautions when installing the stones. The average do-it-yourselfer can complete this project in one to two days, depending on the size and scope of the project. Install perforated pipe in the ground directly beside the concrete base onto which the flagstone will be installed. Choose the side that has the steepest slope. This will be the direction from which water travels. Dig a trench 16 inches deep and 12 inches wide, beginning from the edge of the concrete base–whether a walkway or patio. Add 6-inch perforated pipe into the trench, holes up, making sure that the pipe extends alongside the concrete as far as the sloped ground does
