The patio is about 4-5 years old and was installed by my late Dad, who seems to of done a dodgy job. The patio has always had a dip in it where water collects to one side but lately all around the perimeter substantial cracks have appeared in the brick work and edge tiles have come loose. There is no form of drainage on the patio construct (eg drainage holes or a drain or gutter) and it definitely seems generally moist as all most of joins between the tiles sprout moss and weeds.
Lifting one tile today we found the cement layer beneath to be damp, of a an odd blueish hue and contains many air bubble holes; this layer appears to have no adhesion to the bricks and foundations below and crumbles under minimal pressure. Below this the foundation concrete itself appears to be fairly damp and some area in the brick work are the same texture and consistency as unset cement; this foundation while moist does appear to be solid and has dried out reasonably quickly when exposed.
Edit: Its now had time to dry more thoroughly and based on the remaining water pattern I am 90% convinced it is the layer of cement between the tiles and the foundations that is retaining water. and that the foundations themselves are largely dry.
Slightly concerned about the stability and safety of the patio and what, if anything, can be done to solve these issues.
Pictures for illustration, first the crumbling layer from directly below the tiles second the foundations and brick work which is damp and third a example of the worst cracking in the bricks.
Lifting one tile today we found the cement layer beneath to be damp, of a an odd blueish hue and contains many air bubble holes; this layer appears to have no adhesion to the bricks and foundations below and crumbles under minimal pressure. Below this the foundation concrete itself appears to be fairly damp and some area in the brick work are the same texture and consistency as unset cement; this foundation while moist does appear to be solid and has dried out reasonably quickly when exposed.
Edit: Its now had time to dry more thoroughly and based on the remaining water pattern I am 90% convinced it is the layer of cement between the tiles and the foundations that is retaining water. and that the foundations themselves are largely dry.
Slightly concerned about the stability and safety of the patio and what, if anything, can be done to solve these issues.
Pictures for illustration, first the crumbling layer from directly below the tiles second the foundations and brick work which is damp and third a example of the worst cracking in the bricks.