So What Is Block Paving?
Block Paving also known as brick paving is a commonly used decorative method of creating a pavement or hard-standing. The main benefit of using bricks over other materials is that individual blocks can be lifted and replaced when they suffer damage or become worn. Block paving is a brilliant material as its flat, easy to install and easy to repair, rather than lifting the whole block, you can replace one or two as they break meaning its more affordable ongoing and less maintenance.
The bricks used are typically made up from concrete or clay, and sometimes other composite materials. The concrete style blocks most commonly used are made from porous materials; many are made up from recycled materials such as crushed glass and old building rubble.
Using blocks can achieve many different laying patterns, one of the most popular is the herringbone pattern; as it offers the strongest bond due to it’s interlocking. Make sure you always seek the advice of a quality driveway company before you undertake any projects.
Where Do You Use Block Paving?
Block paving is mainly used for patios and driveways as well as pathways. You’ll see many driveways using block paving because it looks great and is affordable and also comes in many different colours.
Why is Block Paving a good option?
Block paving is the option of choice for a surface solution due to the huge range of benefits it has, it can be more costlier than the tarmac driveway or concrete options but it looks so much better and is much more durable than the other options.
Benefits Of Block Paving:
- Adds value to your property and real kerb appeal
- Enhances the look of a property or area
- Variety of colours
- Variety of shapes
- Can be designed in a range of patterns
- Interlocking provides enhanced strength
- No costly repairs, individual bricks can be replaced
- Offers a more fade resistance surface than alternatives
- Allows for easy drainage without the needs for seperate drainage
Who installs Block Paving?
Block paving is usually installed by driveway specialists, this is because they know the best way to lay and interlock the bricks in the correct way. By employing a company to carry out installation of the blocked paving you will be guaranteed a perfect drive, they will work with you to ensure you have a design and pattern you like and will also help you choose the right colour to match the style of your property or the surroundings. If you are thinking of installing a block paving driveway, we recommend you speak to a quality driveway company with a proven background in driveways and patios, its not easy to install block paving if you have never done this before. You need to ensure type 1 hardcore is laid and a membrane set down to protect against weeds.
It takes a bit of time to install block paving, it depends on the size of the area, but a standard 2 car driveway can take around 3 days from start to finish all going well.
How is Block Paving installed?
Block paving starts off with site preparation and excavation, the site will need to be inspected and then excavated depending on the land and if there is already an existing driveway. If you have soft land or soft spots a sub base may need to be installed to provide a more stable foundation.
The site will need to be edged out so you have a set space to excavate and lay out the block paving, all block paving come with a standard sub base. The land will be compacted with a compactor and then a layer of sharp sand will need to be laid on top of it, which should be raked and then checked with string lines and screeding rails to ensure it is level.
The installer will then start to lay the block paving ensuring it is laid out in your desired pattern and the colours flow in a way that’s appropriate for the chosen pattern. They will use blocks from different packs to ensure you aren’t left with noticeable different shadings of colour patches.
Once the laying of the blocks is finished kiln dried sand will be brushed into the joints, and compacted using a vibrating plate, this helps to strengthen the interlocking and also ensures the blocks are laid level. The process will be carried out a second time to ensure no joints are left unfilled.
Different colours etc..
One of the reasons people choose block paving is because of the stylish choices, available in a range of colours and the ability to lay them in a range of designs and patterns, and now with a choice of shaped and sized blocks, the possibilities are endless. A block paving experts will help you choose the best colours that match your property they will also go through a range of designs with you. Once a pattern or design is chosen you’ll be able to select the colour bricks you want and how many different colours you wish to use. As a surfacing option it remains one of the most popular options for homeowners especially for use on driveways.
Complete Driveway and Wall Installation in Newhall
We recently completed this driveway and wall installation to a lovely home on Ashover Road, Newhall. For this particular driveway project we used a mini digger to remove a lot of the ground work creating a blank canvas before laying the MOT and leveled.
This client had chosen block paved driveway and was finished to a very high standard that will last for years.
The Most Popular Driveway Materials
Do you want the best driveway in your neighbourhood or corporate estate? – Of course you do.
It’s only natural to want the best. You feel like you deserve the best, and the way that you present yourself to the world means everything. So in that respect, it makes a lot of sense to invest in the most popular driveway materials.
What are these materials? What do they mean? What are the characteristics and composition of each? Well, to try and help you figure out exactly what driveway material is the best for you, we thought we would take a look at all of the popular ones.
Here at FM Paving we have compiled a list of the best driveways types and most popular driveway materials we use daily in Loughborough and surrounding areas.
Resin Driveways
The first type of driveway that you could have is a resin variant. These come in two different forms – resin-bound and resin-bonded. Technically speaking, there isn’t a lot of difference between the two, but it’s good to know the distinction.
Your average resin driveway offers a selection of colours and styles. It is always water permeable, and is reasonably durable considering what it is. However, if you don’t prepare a resin driveway properly, it can crack, and if a problem does develop down the line, repairing it can be quite challenging. However, this can also be quite a valuable option and one which does look quite good if done correctly.
Tarmac Driveways
The tarmac driveway is the second variant that we will be looking at, and is one of the most heavy duty on the list. Tarmac is incredibly durable, it’s powerful, and it needs professional assistance to put down properly. However, once it says, it’s an incredibly tough surface to build a driveway from.
Tarmac is used quite a lot in corporate settings because it does have a long lifespan. It’s relatively inexpensive as well, which makes it a good investment, and you wouldn’t need masses of it for your typical domestic driveway. Think of tarmac as being good if you want a driveway that you can put down and promptly forget about for a couple years – you might have to resurface the driveway sometimes, but that’s not so bad.
Block Paving Driveways
The third type of driveway option that you can work with is the block paving choice. This is a good one if you’re looking for a smooth and easy to work with experience, without doubt. The whole thing has been designed to be set down in blocks, hence the name.
However, it’s important to realise that you’re unlikely to be able to lay down the blocks yourself in a complicated fashion, and these types of driveways do require regular cleaning. However, if you’re prepared to put the time and effort in, this is definitely a good choice. With a selection of different styles and configurations for the blocks themselves, you’ll find that this is very much at home for someone who is looking for a sophisticated pattern.
Gravel Driveways
Your typical gravel driveway is something which can be good for people on a budget. Not only is this a strong and versatile product, but it’s also quite cheap to acquire in large quantities. When all of the gravel pieces are together, they form a solid layer upon which a car can rest.
In addition to being pretty cheap to work with, you’ll also come to notice that a gravel driveway is one which is very good for warding off burglars. Being quite a loud substance to walk on means that gravel can be a good choice if you want some warning when someone is coming to your home. Just be aware that you’re going to have to top up your driveway from time to time and you’ll be good to go.
Tegula Paving Driveways
Tegula paving is the last option that we’ll be taking a look at today, and it is also one of the more popular options too. This is the original when it comes to paving options. It’s composed of small, uniform bricks which are neatly arranged in a pattern, suitable for any occasion.
One of the primary advantages to a Tegula paving solution is that it has application in a lot of different places. If you need a solution for a commercial, domestic or even a civil property, then this is the choice to go for. It’s neat, tidy and a pretty good investment. This is one of those choices that you go for when you’re after some nostalgia – it’s one of the more interesting and reliable options, which makes it a good pick for people who want something a little more traditional to work with.
Closing Thoughts
All of these driveway materials make up a spectrum in terms of price, labour requirements, and overall difficulty. Some will be more suited to a given situation than others – a commercial property which has a regular influx of vehicles on site might benefit more from tarmac, for example. Identifying which of the materials is best for you largely boils down to preference, however.
Generally speaking, a good driveway is usually an investment. The overall costs can often be a little higher than you would like, but fundamentally, it will be worth it. The driveway is often the first thing that people see when they approach the property – it forms the basis of their initial impressions. So logically, it’s a good idea to present yourself in a way that works for you.
Giving out a recommendation is understandably tricky to do. You see, it’s often a case of taking a look at the overall aesthetic and style of your property to see what kind of driveway would be best. After all, you need your driveway to match up with the rest of the property otherwise it’ll look out of place. We’re more than happy to sit down with you and help you to figure it out though. We have considerable experience in driveways and helping people to find their perfect fit. If you’re interested, give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.
