Would you be happy with this?

stuart45

Sealing probably won't make it look the same, as what has been removed was the cement paste that comes to the surface when a metal tool is put over it. It's the same with joints in brickwork. A metal jointer brings cement laitance to the surface and forms a weathertight joint. As the weather attacks it over the years the skin comes off it and the sand aggregate is exposed changing the colour of the joints.
Pressure washers that are too powerful and with the wrong nozzle are known to do this to pavers. 

jaggyjim

FreeBear said:

jaggyjim said: They do have insurance so only thing i can think of is to turn each block upside down or lift and replace the lot and they’ll need to claim on their insurance.

Whilst you can (in theory) lift each block and flip it over, you will be wasting your time. The top face has a beveled edge which the bottom doesn't. You may well find quite a few of the blocks will have chipped bottom edges. The ones around the perimeter will be set in concrete, so you won't be able to get any of them up..

Marshalls (on of the major manufacturers of paving blocks) suggests a 20 year life span for most domestic blocks. Yours are looking good for 14 year old - I would suggest brushing some kiln dried sand in to the gaps where the jet wash has removed the old stuff.

Thank you for the advice. Ive yet to speak to them about it. They are back on monday. But it does still need sanded so hopefully will look better after thats been done. 

Jeepers_Creepers

Sealer will tend to darken the finish and leave it looking as it does when wet - a lot of folk prefer that as it's a 'richer' colour, but if anything it'll likely highlight the texture more.

I really think the best solution is to PW it all to even it out, add kiln sand (essential), and perhaps then try a test with sealer in an out-of-sight area to see if you prefer the darker finish. Once you seal it, tho', then it'll need redoing at intervals, at least on the most used'worn areas.

Totally understand that you preferred the original finish, but I think to most folk the 'new' one will look equally good, and equally 'expected'. I mean, it doesn't look 'damaged' or anything, just 'different'.

(Did I say I preferred it...)

jaggyjim

DB1904 said:

Are you seriously suggesting replacing the whole drive? It's been down for 14 years, who accepted delivery of the items stored on it?

Well how is replacing the drive any different to replacing a carpet thats has a spillage or burn mark on it?? 

DB1904

jaggyjim said:

DB1904 said:

Are you seriously suggesting replacing the whole drive? It's been down for 14 years, who accepted delivery of the items stored on it?

Well how is replacing the drive any different to replacing a carpet thats has a spillage or burn mark on it?? 

What do you think a 14 years old carpet is worth? You'd be entitled to its value pre spillage or burning. 

jaggyjim

DB1904 said:

jaggyjim said:

DB1904 said:

Are you seriously suggesting replacing the whole drive? It's been down for 14 years, who accepted delivery of the items stored on it?

Well how is replacing the drive any different to replacing a carpet thats has a spillage or burn mark on it?? 

What do you think a 14 years old carpet is worth? You'd be entitled to its value pre spillage or burning. 

No the insurance company would pay for the current cost of replacement not for what the 14yr old carpet was worth. 

DB1904

jaggyjim said:

DB1904 said:

jaggyjim said:

DB1904 said:

Are you seriously suggesting replacing the whole drive? It's been down for 14 years, who accepted delivery of the items stored on it?

Well how is replacing the drive any different to replacing a carpet thats has a spillage or burn mark on it?? 

What do you think a 14 years old carpet is worth? You'd be entitled to its value pre spillage or burning. 

No the insurance company would pay for the current cost of replacement not for what the 14yr old carpet was worth. 

Maybe if you have new for old replacement. It this case you're entitled to the pre damage value of some 14 year old blocks. Google betterment if you doubt me.

stuart45

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Sealer will tend to darken the finish and leave it looking as it does when wet - a lot of folk prefer that as it's a 'richer' colour, but if anything it'll likely highlight the texture more.

It will do, that's one of the reasons for sealing that the aggregate shows up more, apart from protecting the concrete.

twopenny

Your first photo looks like mine. 20yrs old and hardly used.
Your second doesn't look like any of the recent blocks I've bought for something else. 
I've not seen the even colour that you have in the second. So it's possible that if you had the drive relaid you may find that it appears as the one you are worried about. Or you will have to source the even colour.
I'd have a word with the builders and say it really bothers you. They are in the best position to give you alternatives. If they try to fob you off you'll know but what they say may be interesting.
But you need to think that this is very personal to you. My friends wouldn't be concerned or notice, neither would I. But if it really worries you you need to get it right.

stuart45

It's also worth telling them its better to put a board or sheet down before dumping soil on pavers. Soil getting into the joints isn't ideal, even though after a few years leaves etc. do cause some issues.