The Question of Paving Failure…Answered!
27th June 2026In busy urban environments, where foot and vehicle traffic never lets up, keeping block paving structurally sound is essential. Heavy use leads to joint displacement, sand erosion and localised settlement, all of which undermine the paving and lead to costly repairs.
What is paving failure?
Paving failure is the breakdown of a block pavement’s structure, usually starting at the joints. Once jointing sand is lost, blocks lose their interlock, water reaches the layers below and the surface begins to move and settle.
Warning signs to look out for
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Empty jointsGaps where the sand has washed or been swept out
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Loose blocksBlocks that rock, shift or sit proud of the surface
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SettlementDips, ruts or sunken areas, often along wheel tracks
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Weed growthWeeds taking root in open joints
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Standing waterPuddles forming or sand washing onto nearby areas
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Trip hazardsUneven edges that put pedestrians at risk
Why joint stabilisation matters
The joint between segmental paving units is not just a filler. It supports the frictional interlock between independent blocks and is designed to accommodate small elastic deflections under load, spreading that load and reducing stress within the pavement structure.
When joints are left unprotected, traffic and cleaning wear the sand away and water reaches the layers below. It erodes the sub-base and forms voids, leading to settlement, trip hazards and expensive repairs. Stabilising the joints stops this at the start: the sand stays in place, water stays out and the pavement keeps its structural performance.
Resiblock 22 and Resiblock 22WB
Resiblock offers two products designed specifically for stabilising joints on block pavements. Both bind the jointing sand particles together and to the vertical faces of the pavers, while allowing the pavement to keep its normal flexibility.
Resiblock 22
- TypeSpecialist pre-polymer urethane
- Coverage1.8 to 2m² per litre
- Pack sizes5L, 25L, 200L, 1,000L
- Best forRoads, car parks, airports, ports
Resiblock 22WB
- TypeWater-based, solvent free
- Coverage1.6 to 2.4m² per litre
- Pack size25L
- Best forEco-led projects, internal spaces
Both products cure quickly, are unaffected by de-icing salts and help prevent weed growth, reducing ongoing maintenance and saving time and money over the life of the pavement.
Proven on demanding sites
With over 30 years in paving protection and more than 100 million square metres treated, Resiblock is trusted on some of the most demanding sites in the world. Resiblock 22 has been installed everywhere from RAF Kinloss in Scotland to Christchurch Airport in New Zealand.
For more on protecting commercial paving, read Preventing Paving Failure with Resiblock or visit our paving failure page.
See the difference on your site
Our team can trial Resiblock on your paving or provide a no-obligation quote for your project.
Paving Failure FAQs
What causes block paving to fail?
Block paving usually fails when jointing sand is eroded, allowing joints to open up and water to get into the layers beneath.
Once water reaches the sub-base, it can wash out material and create voids, leading to uneven surfaces, localised settlement and trip hazards. Interpave, the precast concrete paving association, publishes guidance on designing and maintaining block paving that explains why well filled joints matter.
Find out how Resiblock tackles the problem on commercial sites on the Resiblock paving failure page, or request a free site trial.
Why is joint stabilisation important for heavily trafficked paving?
Joint stabilisation keeps jointing sand in place, which preserves the interlock between blocks and stops water getting into the pavement.
The joint lets the paving flex slightly under load and spreads that load across neighbouring blocks. When the sand is lost, that ability goes too and the structural performance of the pavement declines.
For high-traffic areas, Resiblock 22 stabilises joints with a strong but flexible bond. Read more about keeping water under control on the Resiblock SUDS and water management page.
What is the difference between Resiblock 22 and Resiblock 22WB?
Resiblock 22 is a specialist pre-polymer urethane (SPPU) jointing sand stabiliser, while Resiblock 22WB is its water-based, solvent free alternative.
Both bind the jointing sand, keep water out and help prevent weed growth, and both cure quickly for projects on tight timescales. Resiblock 22WB is also safe for internal use, making it suitable where an environmentally friendly formulation is a priority.
Compare the two on the Resiblock 22 and Resiblock 22WB product pages, or request a free quote from Resiblock for your project.