Block Paving

DoubleEntry

Hi All
I'm considering putting down some block paving but some friends have said that I will regret it as weeds will grow in all the joints - I realise that a membrane will stop weeds coming up but what about airborne seeds etc?
I've read that the blocks can be sealed and this also "bonds" the sand in the joints - has anyone had this done and does it do what it says on the tin? Does the sealed sand still come out when power hosing?

Thanks in advance.

savemoney

http://pavingexpert.com/ explains more on sealants

I just redone my block driveway renewing the joints and cleaning block paving up and weed killer etc

I read the sealants for home use are not much better than clear vanish and that the best stuff is hard to get hold off

Sand does come out but is easy to replace it does leave the joints naturally through erosion /wear ist about £3 for a bag of kiln dried sand just brush it in

Martyn_H

I have block paving and I much prefer it to imprinted concrete because I've seen so many of my neighbour's drives develop cracks which are then impossible to hide/repair.

IMHO you are probably over-concerned about the weed problem.
You can buy cheap sachets of weedkiller at Wilkinsons which work very quickly.

If I had to have another drive, I would definitely go for block paving again. I've not used sealant but I've read that it alters the appearance of the blocks. Just make sure your car isn't prone to oil leaks!

Ebe_Scrooge

I had block paving put down a few years ago, very pleased with it. Yes you do get airborne weeds seeding themselves, but they're pretty easy to remove as they have very shallow roots.

The easiest way to maintain it, I found, was once a year give it a blast with a pressure washer. This blasts out the weeds, along with some of the sand ( makes a bit of a mess at the end of the driveway, but easy to scoop up ). Then just buy a bag or two of kiln-dried sand for a few quid and re-sand where necessary.

27col

Apart from self seeding weeds, which are dealt with by a bit of weed killer. The main problem that I have found, is the fact that ants are bringing up the sand/ gravel and this is starting to cause subsidence. It seems to be particularly bad this year. Not sure what is the answer to this problem.

Ebe_Scrooge

27col wrote: »

The main problem that I have found, is the fact that ants are bringing up the sand/ gravel and this is starting to cause subsidence. It seems to be particularly bad this year. Not sure what is the answer to this problem.

Buy an anteater ? Would make an unusual pet, and make you the talk of the neighbourhood :-)

27col

We do not actually see the ants. Just the piles of sand that they bring up. But yes, I will bear in mind 'ant eater'. Perhaps I could look on ebay. Maybe one of their categories is exotic pets.

SatanicHare

Just sealed mine (last month) using resiblock superior, comes in matt or gloss, i got 25ltr of gloss of ebay for about 50quid delivered, it's a 2 coat system and fairly easy to apply. Personally i'm very happy, can't comment on the long term benefits though i'm hoping it cuts down on the annual de-weeding. As others have said don't buy the cheap stuff as it needs re-appling every year.

wallbash

Not a fan of sealer

£50 would buy me a LOT of weed killer.