Our Installation Tips For Professional Looking Block Paving
3rd June 2020Are you ready to get started on your next block paving project? It pays to be prepared if you’d like to create a paving installation that looks truly professional.
Before you get started, it’s important to make some key decisions and draw up a detailed plan of your block paving installation so that you go into the project with all the information you require – not forgetting having the right block paving sealer to hand!
Block Paving Basics
Begin by asking yourself the type of block paving products you wish to use – will you be using clay or concrete paving? This may be dependent on budget, colour preferences or your ability to work with the different materials, as clay block paving is more difficult to cut. Remember also that the colour of your block paving installation should complement, rather than clash with, the tone of your house.
Your next step is to draw up a detailed plan of the excavation site, remembering to leave approximately 30cm of room around the edges for your kerb. You can mark out the site of your block paving installation using a spray marker or sand to give you a visual idea of the plot you’ll be working on.
Block Paving Suppliers Tips
Expert block paving suppliers follow a set of steps to ensure that their installation looks professional and allows their craftsmanship to shine.
Excavation
You will need to begin by excavating the site and disposing of the waste. Hiring a mini excavator can save you a lot of time and energy. Your excavated area should be on a slight slope to assist the natural drainage of standing water. Additionally, make sure that the finished level is 15cm below the damp proof course of the brickwork in any adjacent properties.
Edge courses and kerbs
Your edge course block paving bricks can be laid on top of a concrete base. The use of taut strings is integral to the accuracy and craftsmanship in a well-designed edge course. By setting these up, you can check that your guidelines are even and indeed straight. You may also use a spirit level to help you check the accuracy of the angles. You should then haunch the kerb stones so that the concrete extends about halfway up them.
Sub-base
Next up, you can apply, spread and compact a sub-base layer at a minimum of 10cm thick. This should be graded to equal the planned profile of the finished block paving installation, with a degree of accuracy no less than 1 cm. If you discover any gaps or voids in the sub-base layer, these must be finished by filling with dust or grit before applying the layer course.
Screeding
Once your edges and sub-base are laid, you can then apply a level of slightly moist sand, on top of which you’ll apply your block paving products. Your sand should be compacted using a vibrating plate, and then followed by a second layer of sand which also requires levelling.
Block Paving Installation
It’s finally time to put your block paving stones in place. Your choice of block paving suppliers may provide their own instructions for installation, but any professionals will advise that you start from the bottom of a slope and work upwards. You should try to use block paving from across several open packs to minimise the potential for colour banding.
Once your full blocks are in place, you’ll need to cut the smaller block paving using tools such as diamond disc saws or block splitters.
Now that your blocks are laid, it’s time to complete the finishing touches, which will ensure that your installation looks fresh and striking for years to come.
FAQ’s
How do you prepare block paving for jointing sand?
Before carrying out these final steps of your block paving installation, you should prepare the surface area by giving it a thorough sweep. This will help to remove any debris in the vicinity that may have become caught between the blocks. You can apply jointing sand from your choice of block paving suppliers, by sweeping it over the entire installation. Take extra care to check that it is falling neatly between the stones. You should finish by compacting the installation again with a vibrating plate. Carry out this step a couple more times until you’re convinced that each joint is filled adequately with sand.
What are the benefits of using block paving sealer?
After putting a lot of effort into creating the perfect block paving installation, naturally you’ll want your hard work to last. This is where block paving sealer comes in. By applying it on top of your paving, you can preserve your new driveway or path for years to come. Block paving sealer prevents weeds from growing between the cracks in your stones, and also helps your paving to retain its appearance. As the sealant protects against UV sun damage, there is no colour loss or fading when exposed to bright sunlight. Block paving sealer also prevents stains from setting into your stones. So whether you want to protect from oil spills, beverage spills, water pooling or just general dirt and grime, you can be assured that the sealant will prevent any liquids from permeating through to your clay or concrete block paving stones.
Do you need to maintain your block paving installation?
There is very minimal maintenance required with a block paving installation, so long as you have applied your block paving sealer as instructed. Although you will need to top up with a coat of this every few years, there’s very little else you need to do to preserve the life of your installation. A sweep or jet-wash every now and again should be sufficient to keep your paving looking pristine!
If you have any questions about our block paving products including block paving sealer, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Resiblock – your number one choice in block paving suppliers. .