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Q - How soon after
completion can I use my drive?
It can safely be used
immediately as the blocks have been compacted and not
embedded in concrete. As a general guide, blocks are
up to 3 times stronger than poured concrete.
Q - Why don't you
lay the blocks directly into concrete - wouldn't that be
stronger?
There is no need to
lay the blocks into concrete if the basic ground preparation
has been done thoroughly and professionally. A
concrete base adds significantly to the overall cost and
does not allow natural drainage between the blocks. In
addition, the gaps between the blocks provide frost
protection in winter and move easily with the soil
conditions without cracking.
Q - Are there any
weight restrictions on the drive?
Driveways tend to be
constructed for either domestic or commercial purposes.
Domestic driveways would not tend to have lorries on the
drive. Please let us know what your requirements are
and we will construct a driveway that will meet your needs.
We have experience with both types of drives.
Q - Should I seal
the drive at a later date?
This is really a
matter of personal preference. Block manufacturers
would not suggest it unless they were being used indoors.
Having said that, many customers do choose to do so in order
to protect it. Most sealants contain fungicides which
restrict the development of vegetation, protect the pavers
against oil and other stains, and can enhance the colour.
If you choose to do so then ensure the drive is thoroughly
swept beforehand and a roller will speed the process.
There are many different types of drive sealant on the
market and we suggest a silicon based product rather than a
water based one as they tend to be more effective in our
opinion.
Q - How can I clean
my drive?
It depends on what the
problem is. Simple brushing with a stiff broom on a
regular basis will usually be enough. If you find that
there is vegetation growing then regular application with a
weedkiller usually sorts that out. If there is an
oil stain then you should use an absorbent powder to
remove the excess, then apply an emulsifier to lift the oil
out. Once that has been done you can use a detergent
to clean the area and finally rinse it thoroughly.
Chewing gum needs to be scrapped off - if it proves
difficult then a freezing agent should be applied first.
Rust stains are more difficult as they are an iron oxide
which is similar to the colour used in the blocks.
Therefore, whatever you use to remove the rust may also
affect the colour of the blocks, so the best method is
simply to carefully use a wire brush on the affected area.
Q - Will you leave
extra blocks when you have finished?
Yes, we will leave you
a good supply of additional blocks.
Q- Can I lay the
blocks myself?
We don't recommend
this as it is a very skilled job - we have many years of
experience and can make a difficult job look easy. The
appearance is key and we are sure you want the job to truly
enhance you property - in which case it is best left to the
experts.
Q - I have a tree
nearby. Can you pave around it?
Yes, we do this quite
often. A gap of 1 meter between the tree and the
blocks is usually a good idea though.
Q - How long do
these blocks last for?
In Europe they have
been known to last for 50 years.
Q - Will the drive
be slippery?
No, the texture of the
blocks means that there is a good adherence both for driving
and walking on the surface.
Q - Will the
colours last?
Yes, the manufacturers
use high quality pigments to ensure the colours last.
Having said that the strong power of the sun means that
colours will fade somewhat over time.
Q - Why should I
choose blocks for my drive or patio rather than imprinted
concrete?
As mentioned earlier,
block paving is up to 3 times stronger than concrete so it
will take the weight of cars and heavy traffic much easier
without damage. In addition, concrete drives are by
their very nature inflexible and can crack should the
subsoil move (expanding and contracting due to changes in
weather conditions. Block paving is not affected in
the same way.
Q - Do I really
need to install curbs or edges?
Yes, as they prevent
the block paving from moving and provide an attractive
edging to the design. In addition they help protect
the garden etc from cars straying off the drive.
Q - If one of the
blocks was damaged or chipped at a later date how easy is it
to replace it?
It is very easy to do
so. Simply rake out the sand round the damaged block
and use a tool like a screwdriver the gently ease it out -
as it isn't concreted in that should not be a problem.
Carefully replace the damaged block with one of the ones we
have left with you and fill the gaps with sand. The
new block may initially look a little different (they can
have a 'dusty' appearance) but this will soon disappear.
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