BLOCKPAVING IN YOUR GARDEN

Blockpaving despite its recent popularity is not a new idea. About 2000 years ago the Romans brought the art to these shores. Their splendid roads were blockpaved and the durability of these is still evident in some places today.

About a century ago we discovered tarmacadam and this was imported in great quantities. At about the same time the technology to produce concrete in quantity became available and these two "new" surfaces sprang into popularity. Because they were cheap and easy to produce they became an economical solution to hard standing surfaces which were required.

There were disadvantages in that because the earth's surface moves imperceptibly all the time concrete laid in large areas could not withstand this movement and cracks would appear and then the surface would break up, although often the surface had lasted for some time (most people have a 30 year old concrete path running down their back garden!) Similarly tarmac would wear and if petrol had dripped onto the surface it would break up into fine gravel.

The advantages of laying blockpaving are many. The first is the time it will last, Although most of the block paving being laid at present will not be around in 2000 years! It will last a long time. If you visit some of the old Victorian houses their vegetable gardens have block paved paths which although worn with many feet passing over still remain in good condition.

The second reason to choose block paving is the colours, shapes and laying designs. There are several large firms producing the blocks for paving and most have at least 6 different styles of blocks of which some ranges come in 8 different colours. These can be then laid in 45° or 90° herringbone in basket weave or stretcher courses.. You can then cut designs into the blocks laid or insert circle patterns for interest Most builders merchants have brochures available to give you ideas of what to choose.

The most important thing to remember when considering block paving is the preparation. For a pedestrian area the digout should be a minimum of 7-8", for a driveway it should be a minimum of 9" digout. Consider your drainage situation, where will the water flow? If it's a flattish surface just a small tilt from side to side will allow the water to drain off into grass or flowerbeds. If you already have a drain then ensure the flow of water will go into it. The best base for an installation is type 1 roadstone and this needs to be compacted down. Next the perimeter is set in a 3 in 1 mix. Two inches of washed grit or sharp sand is then screeded over the base and you are ready to begin laying the blocks. When they are all laid kiln dried sand is spread over the area and it is compacted.

If you are considering a project and feel you could not attempt it yourself what do you do?

The best recommendation is always a personal one. If you have a friend or neighbour who recently have had work completed speak to them ask if they would use the contractor again. If you know no-one then the yellow pages show many.

How to work out who are the cowboys and who are the indians?! Points to remember:-

Always get a written quotation with a specification. Any reputable Company will always be prepared to state how it lays its installations.

Query anything you do not understand. Find out how deep the digout will be. Is this adequate for your usage? What are their guarantees? Many give insurance backed guarantees linked to the block manufacturer and these give additional protection.

Never be tempted to opt for a "cash deal". This means you will hove no paperwork and therefore no guarantee. Avoid any Contractor who suggests this.

Ask for a list of addresses where work has been completed over the last two years. Visit these. Look at them carefully they should still look new, lithe owners are in the garden ask them how it went. Ask for an address where they are installing at present. Do the men seem polite and helpful? Is the site being managed well? Block paving will cost more than tarmac or cement but will always look so much more interesting and will last many times longer than either of the other products. A good blockpaved installation will add value to your home.

The main thing is the pleasure that it will give you each time you look out of your window or go into your garden.

Archive Winter 2003 | next

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