Coping Sinking?

Yep, frost heave is soil expansion due to ice forming. See what it looks like once you're into Spring.
Thanks so much. I’ll update :)
Maybe water got between the concrete and the stone and froze.

Probably just need to pull them out and reset them.

I would add an expansion joint with caulk.

You might need to add some drainage holes in the concrete to allow water to drain.

Normally, mortared stone gets grout.

With no grout, water can seep in and get trapped.
I see. I didn’t want it grouted. I requested the French lay without grout. Maybe a mistake on my part but it was just what looked cleanest in my opinion so I’ll live with that choice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JamesW
In my opinion, it is probably not frost heave.

It has to be cold for a long time for the ground to freeze.

A few days of cold weather probably won’t cause a deep ground freeze.

Also, if it was frost heave, it would be more extensive and not just in one small spot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bperry
I’m inclined to think frost heave is not what’s going on either of those stone are mothered to a concrete slab underneath. I’m betting on the decking contracting against the coping and that popped the mortar joint on a few and they’re now loose.
 
I’m inclined to think frost heave is not what’s going on either of those stone are mothered to a concrete slab underneath. I’m betting on the decking contracting against the coping and that popped the mortar joint on a few and they’re now loose.
Can you explain what’s loose because nothing is loose? Where should I be checking? Is there something deeper underneath the travertine?
 
Can you explain what’s loose because nothing is loose? Where should I be checking? Is there something deeper underneath the travertine?
I’m guessing the raised stones are actually broken loose from the mortar bed underneath and and jammed up against the coping stones so they feel tight
 
I would saw cut at the red lines with a continuous concrete blade and that will give you about 1/4" of gap to allow you to lift the stones if they are loose.

Don't cut the hose.
1738030203551.png
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
TFP is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is maintained by user donations.

The people who answer questions are volunteers.

If you find the site to be a good resource, please consider making a donation to help support the site.

Thanks.

 
  • Like
Reactions: TheAntebella
Yes they are coming out this week
Nice. They may share that they've seen many similar this year, or that yours is a one off problem. They may also fix it for free if they feel it's their error and/or its an easy fix and they stand behind their install.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheAntebella
How weird is that???
If water was under there and froze, it's since melted. You mentioned clearing the deck quickly when it snowed. Its possible some snow melted before it stuck when the storm started, which then got under the stones and froze. Or the pool overfilled a little and it seeped under the coping and lifted the 2nd row when that froze.

Screenshot_20250128_070404_Chrome.jpg
 
If water was under there and froze, it's since melted. You mentioned clearing the deck quickly when it snowed. Its possible some snow melted before it stuck when the storm started, which then got under the stones and froze. Or the pool overfilled a little and it seeped under the coping and lifted the 2nd row when that froze.

View attachment 626028
Yes we have had teens and 20s here in NC for about a month very uncharacteristic. Does this mean it was frost heaval? I am so so relieved I can’t even tell you!!!
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.