Driveway, Garden and Patio Paving & Sealing
With Men@WorX when correctly installed, block paving is extremely durable and resistant to all forms of daily wear and tear. As such, it should remain looking in the same immaculate condition for many years to come.
However, one of the most common root causes of issues developing in block paved driveways and patios is incorrectly laid groundwork. Although you might not realise it, this is the cause of a huge range of issues, including everything from sagging to weeds.
So, to ensure your block paving achieves - and keeps the perfect, flawless finish, we’ve shared our method guide to correctly preparing the ground for paving with Men@WorX.
Queries Quotes Appointments Email : [email protected]
Call 063 088 8968 Bruce Wood - Project Manager
Business WhatsApp 078 666 5368 - Office Email : [email protected]
Why is preparing the ground for block paving important?
One of the main reasons why block paved driveways and patios develop issues over time is if the groundwork has not been completed correctly, or to a sufficient standard.
Issues such as becoming uneven, sagging or sunken, or weeds growing through can all be caused by incorrectly prepared groundwork.
Other common mistakes in laying groundwork (which can lead to these issues arising) include if the installed sub-base and laying course are made from the wrong materials, or the jointing sand hasn’t been properly compacted. If either of these issues are present, then you might begin to find low spots, which then build to cause uneven paving.
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The reasons Men@WorX find it so important to correctly prepare the ground for block paving include:
- Ensuring the stability, longevity and durability of your paving
- Removing the risk of cracking
- Removing the risk of sinking
- Removing the risk of your paving from becoming uneven
- Removing the risk of the blocks shifting over time
- Ensuring good drainage – this will prevent water pooling
- Ensuring a smooth, even and level finish
On the flipside, if your block paving has been installed correctly, then there is very little risk of your block paving sinking.
At Men@WorX the best way to prepare the ground for paving is by preparing the ground for block paving is key to ensuring that it is laid correctly, and that no issues develop in the future.
With Men@WorX our method to correctly prepare the ground for paving, complete the following steps:
1. Measuring and marking out the area
Measure the space where we will be laying the paving. Then, mark it off with twine and stakes, ensuring that the lines of the marked area are parallel.
2. Removing existing materials
Remove (and either recycle or discard) any old pavement or debris that is in the area that we are paving.
3. Digging the area
We will then need to remove the topsoil (so that we reach the subgrade subsoil underneath), as well as any grass, plants, weeds and their roots. Using a spade, dig up the surface of the area to a minimum depth of 153mm.
4. Checking the slope of the surface
Using a rake and a level, we ensure that the surface is completely level, throughout the entire area.
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5. Compacting the soil
Men@WorX will compress the soil using either a hand tamper or a plate compactor. Then, we check the slope of the surface again, to ensure that it is still even across the full area.
6. Adding the sub-base layer
Using a hand tamper, we lay down the sub-base layer to a minimum depth of 100mm.
7. Adding the bedding layer
Then, we add the bedding layer evenly, to a minimum depth of 25mm. Then, the area is ready for us to lay the paving.
Ensuring a smooth and even paving finish
As we prepare your site, Men@WorX ensures that all of these layers are smooth and even. This is critical to ensuring strong and durable paving.
Queries Quotes Appointments Email : [email protected]
Call 063 088 8968 Bruce Wood - Project Manager
Business WhatsApp 078 666 5368 - Office
Email : [email protected]
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It is also key that the right materials are used for each of the different layers. The materials of the sub-base and bedding will vary, depending on the specific project and its requirements.
- The sub-base is the most important layer of paving’s structure. It acts as the foundation of the paving, giving it stability and durability.
- Sub-base materials are available in a wide variety of different grades, which are designed to suit different project types. For example, Type 1 is the highest grade of sub-base, and this is used for paving on areas that need to withstand heavy traffic, such as the block paved driveway for a commercial or industrial premises.
- Alternatively, a sub-base containing a mixture of ballast and crusher run would be ideal for a domestic paving project, such as a block paved driveway or a block paved garden.
- Equally, the choice of bedding material should also be based on the specific nature of your paving project.
- For concrete block paving, it is best to use unbound sharp sand, which is then compacted to provide a solid, even base.
- If you are using paving made of natural sandstone, we suggest using a bedding made from a moist mixture of sharp sand and cement.
- Sharp sand is a much better choice for bedding than building sand, because sharp sand achieves much better draining, and a far more stable base.
Men@WorX adheres to these steps, we can ensure that your paving remains stable and attractive for many years to come.
And if you have any further questions about achieving the best results from your paving project, or you would like to enlist the services of a trusted and premium quality paving service, the Men@WorX team are on hand to assist.
Queries Quotes Appointments Email : [email protected]
Call 063 088 8968 Bruce Wood - Project Manager
Business WhatsApp 078 666 5368 - Office
Email : [email protected]
