Non-motoring > Block Paving - Aaaarh!	Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Fullchat	Replies: 65

Fri 17 Aug 12 22:32   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Fullchat

I have quite a long drive and and area infront of the garage that will easily take two cars side by side which is all block paved. Only certain parts of it get direct sunlight which tends to dry out the carp that accumulates between the joints. This tends to sweep out. This year I started the sweeping and then one thing led to another and I'm on my hands and knees scraping out the joints and pulling weeds. I tend to do a bit at a time and then come back to it. When that was completed I got the Karcher out with paving scrubber attachment and gave it a going over. Let it dry Brushed in some kiln dry sand and then weed killer sprayed on. And that's just the car standing which I did a couple of years ago. The main drive is still to do and has never been done. I must say it does look the business but what a lot of work. Block paving spawn of the devil! Only thing in it's favour is that you can lift and replace it for any work underneath. I know I should get a life. Reply to this message | Report message

Fri 17 Aug 12 22:48   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Woodster

Well that's off your chest then fullchat! Sent my wife and kids away for 12 days because I couldn't get time off (some sports day somewhere) and I've pulled down and removed my old 12 x 10 shed, laid a new base, new shed to put together, felt the roofand slap on some preservative tomorrow. Nice cool day for it... Reply to this message | Report message

Fri 17 Aug 12 23:22   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Fullchat

"Well that's off your chest then fullchat! Sent my wife and kids away for 12 days because I couldn't get time off (some sports day somewhere)" That will be the moratorium then. Either way there is something fulfilling about standing back and appreciating the fruits of your labours. 12 X 10 that's a man size shed! Now felt? Mine lasted exactly 2 years before the wind got under it. Replaced with some of that corrugated bitumin sheeting hopefully last a whole lot longer. Last edited by: Fullchat on Fri 17 Aug 12 at 23:24 Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 07:07   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

>>Block paving spawn of the devil! I couldn't agree more. Clearing block paving is a never-ending summertime job. Neighbours in my road will spend many hours yanking out the weeds with a variety of tools specifically designed for the purpose, none of which make the task look anything less than hard work. And by the time they reach one end of their drive, it's time to start again at the other. I kid you not. Last edited by: Clk Sec on Sat 18 Aug 12 at 07:10 Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 07:25   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> Block paving spawn of the devil! Only thing in it's favour is that you can lift >> and replace it for any work underneath. It doesn't wear like tarmac, and it doesn't crack like concrete. I deal with the weeds in our block paved drive with weedkiller ~ currently glysophate. My favourite total weedkiller used to be sodium chlorate until some EU busybodies went and banned it. Last edited by: L'escargot on Sat 18 Aug 12 at 07:26 Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 08:33   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Lygonos

>>My favourite total weedkiller used to be sodium chlorate until some EU busybodies went and banned it. You can still get it but it has 'fire retardant' added. If you know how to remove the fire retardant it can still be used to make homemade fireworks.... EDIT - just checked wiki - apparently it was banned 2009/2010 - that'll keep the firemen happy I guess. Last edited by: Lygonos on Sat 18 Aug 12 at 08:35 Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 07:37   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dog

>>Block paving spawn of the devil!<< Neighb at previous owse had plenty of green folding stuff (worked ard for it!) and musta spent upwards of 50 big ones on his property in the 5 years we lived next door. Had the ole blockhead drive con-structed, looked really luvly compared to our con-crete jobbie. Come the ice age, he's (on a slope) was like a skating rink (really, really dangerous) un-like my con-crete jobbie. :) Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 08:12   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - MD

Sheds. Have the roof Fibreglassed. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 10:17   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - R.P.

musta spent upwards of 50 big ones on his property in the 5 years we lived next door. A whole 50 quid ! :-) Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 10:25   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

That was just for the weedkiller... Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 10:37   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dog

>>A whole 50 quid ! :-)<< Polish builders mostly, although a scouser (from Perranporth) did the roof goo.gl/maps/MJtu1 Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 08:44   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> When that was completed I got the Karcher out with paving >> scrubber attachment and gave it a going over. I've always been under the impression that using a pressure washer on a block paved drive was liable to disturb the foundations of the drive. Am I wrong? Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 08:49   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Fullchat

Dont think so. The blocks are sat on a layer of sharp sand which in turn should be sat on a layer, both are compacted. Pressure washing tends to remove the sand and weeds in between the blocks which has to be replaced. Without the sand the blocks would be loose. Water is forced underneath but they are designed to drain through anyway. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 08:51   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Lygonos

It's a bit like jetwashing your car - use just enough pressure at an angle to do the job and it's fine - use maximum pressure aimed straight down between the blocks and you may well disturb the sharp sand/substructure. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 15:38   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - zookeeper

no snail your correct, i was asked to jet wash my mates block pave drive a few years ago as it was over shadowed by horse chestnut trees and the paving had gone a bit green....after spending all day with the karcher on fulll bore i think i ended up with a barrow full of silt and sand at the bottom of the drive that had pooled.....some blocks came loose, near the edgings Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 09:15   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

I might try some Jeyes Fluid and then let nature take its course. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 09:19   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dog

>>I might try some Jeyes Fluid and then let nature take its course<< Might not get rid of the little weeds, but it'll get rid of the neigh bores alright! Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 09:25   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> >>I might try some Jeyes Fluid and then let nature take its course<< >> >> Might not get rid of the little weeds, .............. I want it to kill the moss between the blocks where they're in the shade of a tree. >> ........... but it'll get rid of the neigh bores alright! Good! Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 09:27   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dog

www.allaboutgod.com/love-thy-neighbor.htm Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 10:09   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

>>I might try some Jeyes Fluid and then let nature take its course. >> Might not get rid of the little weeds,........ www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=9071&m=200900 To be fair, it isn't advertised as a weed killer. Although someone told me that it was quite effective . However, I'm currently using Resolva, as recommended recently by Zero. Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 09:25   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> >>I might try some Jeyes Fluid and then let nature take its course. >> >> Might not get rid of the little weeds,........ >> To be fair, it isn't advertised as a weed killer. I want to use it kill the moss, not the weeds. Last edited by: L'escargot on Sun 19 Aug 12 at 09:25 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 27 Aug 12 13:50   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - TeeCee

I spilled a fair amount of brake fluid on mine a while back. The only action I took at the time was to wash it off with the hose. 18 months later, that patch is still beautifully clean and free of weeds. I'm wondering how much brake fluid I'm going to need to treat the entire drive....... Edit: Oh dear, this is "Non-motoring" too. Apologies :-) Last edited by: TeeCee on Mon 27 Aug 12 at 13:51 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 27 Aug 12 14:24   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - bathtub tom

>>I'm wondering how much brake fluid I'm going to need to treat the entire drive....... You could come to some agreement to dispose of the stuff with these main dealers that insist it should be changed every couple of years. You maybe disappointed with the small amount available says my cynical side. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 27 Aug 12 17:28   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - CGNorwich

Brake fluid contains ethylene glycol and is actually pretty toxic stuff. It will see off your weeds, cats, dogs and self if ingested in sufficient quantity. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 09:22   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - devonite

>> you can lift and replace it for any work underneath. So.......lift it, use the blocks to build edging walls, then do as Doggles, and Con-crete it! Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 10:36   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - R.P.

I bought one of these but with a long handle. Saves all that leaning over nonsense. www.webbsdirect.co.uk/yeoman-block-paving-patio-brush-prod569531/ Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 13:16   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dutchie

Very nice block paving if you keep it clean which lots of people don't do.I kept the old pavers on my drive clean it every so often with a pressure washer. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 15:06   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Fullchat

That's the rub Dutchie, it's keeping it clean particularly if you have a large area. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 15:26   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dutchie

Neighbour across the road always complains about cleaning the pavers.I must admit they do look nice when clean.>:) Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 18 Aug 12 17:02   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Woodster

Shed's up. 2 coats of preservative on all the hard to reach bits. Got to felt it tomorrow. Going to do that early to avoid the sun. In truth, I've been indoors drinking tea more than I've been outdoors doing the shed. Martin, I looked at some compressed fibre corrugated stuff for the roof, but it doesn't look that nice and whilst it's guaranteed for 15 years it ought to be at the price. My other shed is fine after 9 years and felt came with this one, so felt it is for the moment, although I may look at something else when it comes to redoing it. I'll be an old man by then... Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 07:58   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - sherlock47

>>when it comes to redoing it. I'll be an old man by then... <<< the secret is to do it it now, - before you become incapable! Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 07:23   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> I bought one of these but with a long handle. Saves all that leaning over >> nonsense. >> >> www.webbsdirect.co.uk/yeoman-block-paving-patio-brush-prod569531/ >> I reckon there are about 2500 blocks, 200mm x 100mm, in our herring bone pattern drive. How many, and what total length, of joints is that to clean? And how long would it take? Last edited by: L'escargot on Sun 19 Aug 12 at 07:24 Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 07:28   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Lygonos

Hire a rotary driveway cleaner. Buy one if it works well. Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 08:28   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

The casters look fairly flimsy. tinyurl.com/czrtaho Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 08:47   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

>> The casters look fairly flimsy. They appear to be the same as we've had on lounge suits and beds in the past, in which case they certainly aren't flimsy. Last edited by: Clk Sec on Sun 19 Aug 12 at 08:47 Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 08:51   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> >> The casters look fairly flimsy. >> >> They appear to be the same as we've had on lounge suits and beds in >> the past, in which case they certainly aren't flimsy. >> The casters on your lounge suits don't have to endure being dragged along a block paved drive and have water squirted at them. Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 08:56   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

>>The casters on your lounge suits don't have to endure being dragged along a block paved drive and have water squirted at them.<< Quite right, L'escargot, but I still think they would cope easily with the job. They're virtually indestructible. Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 09:21   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> >>The casters on your lounge suits ............ I changed the casters on our beds and lounge furniture to Shepherd casters. The furniture moves much easier with Shepherd casters than with the originals. Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 09:18   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Harleyman

>> They appear to be the same as we've had on lounge suits No wonder people don't wear them these days. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message       1

Sun 19 Aug 12 09:22   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> >> >> They appear to be the same as we've had on lounge suits >> >> >> No wonder people don't wear them these days. ;-) You speak for yourself! Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 10:17   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

>>No wonder people don't wear them these days. ;-) Actually, I was just checking to see if Roger was up and about. :) Reply to this message | Report message       1

Sun 19 Aug 12 13:00   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Roger.

¡ Oye ! - I was still troughing on bacon, mushrooms, egg, toast and coffee at that hour! Reply to this message | Report message

Sun 19 Aug 12 18:49   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - VxFan

>> Hire a rotary driveway cleaner. >> Buy one if it works well. I wonder if Argos do them on their 30 day loan scheme ;o) Reply to this message | Report message       1

Wed 22 Aug 12 07:12   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> I bought one of these but with a long handle. Saves all that leaning over >> nonsense. >> >> www.webbsdirect.co.uk/yeoman-block-paving-patio-brush-prod569531/ >> I couldn't make your link work, but I bought a Gardman 5 024160 910011 tinyurl.com/bucu9dw which has a 1.5 metre long handle. Yesterday I cleaned an area of about 20 square metres. It took me a short while to realise that the best way was to clean in lines parallel to one line of joints, sweep the area clean, and then clean in lines at right angles to the first line. I'm just about to order a replacement head 5 024160 910028 for the brush ready for when the original wears out because 20 square metres is only a fraction of the total area. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 21 Aug 12 10:19   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - lancara

"Only thing in it's favour is that you can lift and replace it for any work underneath." Don't try it - never seen a satisfactory re-laying of blocks over repaired areas Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 21 Aug 12 11:26   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - helicopter

+1 Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 21 Aug 12 11:52   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

>> never seen a satisfactory re-laying of blocks over repaired areas Nor me. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 25 Aug 12 07:13   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> >> never seen a satisfactory re-laying of blocks over repaired areas >> >> Nor me. >> I was told by a neighbour that some of ours had been re-layed at some time previously, but there's no visible evidence of it. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 25 Aug 12 09:08   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - R.P.

Blocks were replaced here to fix a problem wall. You'd struggle to see the join with the existing blockwork. Reply to this message | Report message

Sat 25 Aug 12 11:43   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - pete4344

I have never seen a satisfactory block paving job, whether a private drive, pavement or the original block paving in Stockport's Mersey Square. After a couple of years the surface always becomes uneven, possibly with some loose blocks. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 27 Aug 12 09:44   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> Block paving spawn of the devil! Only thing in its favour is that you can lift >> and replace it for any work underneath. Another thing in its favour is that rain drains away through it, unlike rain on concrete or tarmac. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 27 Aug 12 09:45   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Clk Sec

Yes, indeed, the weeds get plenty of water... Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 27 Aug 12 10:51   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - CGNorwich

And another thing - it makes a fine sanctuary for ants. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 3 Sep 12 15:02   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

Well, I've brushed all the moss out of our drive. I wore out one brush head but I'd anticipated that so I'd got a replacement ready to fit to the handle. 2500 (estimated) blocks = 2500 (approx) joints @ 300 mm long = 750 metres. No wonder I wore out a brush head. Just out of curiosity, how much would it cost (materials and labour) to have a 2500 block drive laid in a low-wage area of England? It was here when we bought the place so I haven't a clue. Last edited by: L'escargot on Mon 3 Sep 12 at 15:05 Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 3 Sep 12 15:54   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - devonite

Dont know the answer to your last question, but how come your blocks only have apparently one 300mm long edge, do they not have shorter edges at the ends? ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 3 Sep 12 16:25   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> ......... but how come your blocks only have >> apparently one 300mm long edge, do they not have shorter edges at the ends? ;-) >> The blocks are 200mm x 100mm laid in a herringbone pattern, so each joint is the length of the side of one block plus the end of an adjacent block. The opposite sides and ends of those blocks are adjacent to other blocks which are included in the count. I haven't included the joints that are next to edging blocks. Do a sketch and you'll see what I mean. Reply to this message | Report message

Mon 3 Sep 12 17:39   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Runfer D'Hills

Herringbone block paving? Blimey, posh or what? No wonder you feel the need for a Volvo to park on it ! :-) Last edited by: Humph D'Bout on Mon 3 Sep 12 at 17:39 Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 01:00   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - devonite

With a drive that posh I hope you used a "Traditional" Bass-Bristled brush on it! - so common to use anything else you know! Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 07:03   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> With a drive that posh I hope you used a "Traditional" Bass-Bristled brush on it! >> - so common to use anything else you know! >> Bass-bristled? ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 07:00   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> Herringbone block paving? Blimey, posh or what? Aren't most herringbone pattern? I know you can have stretcher bond or basketweave but I've never seen any drives in either of those patterns. >> Blimey, posh or what? No wonder you feel the need for a >> Volvo to park on it ! The only time my car is parked on the drive is when I'm washing it. The rest of the time it's parked snug and secure in our centrally heated garage! (Note: It's my car but our garage!) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 09:55   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - TeeCee

A local DIY shop sold me a 'leccy motor on a stick. Plastic wheel clips on one side, bristly wheel thing that looks like an angle grinder wire brush goes on the motor spindle on the other. Pack of spare bristly wheel thingies in the box. Gangbusters for getting crud/weeds/etc out of block paving and only cost a tenner. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 09:58   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> A local DIY shop sold me a 'leccy motor on a stick. ........... Give us some clues. Make name, item name, part number etc. Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 11:11   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - Dutchie

Leccy motor on a stick I could do with one of them.For a tenner where? Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 15:45   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - zookeeper

leccy motor on a stick?.....have you tried ann summers ? Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 15:49   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - L'escargot

>> leccy motor on a stick?.....have you tried ann summers ? She's run out of them. Somebody called TC bought all her stock. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

Tue 4 Sep 12 18:01   Block Paving - Aaaarh! - henry k

Ask the experts The Worshipful Company of Paviors brings together construction industry professionals involved primarily with roads and pavements. The Paviors are 56th in order of precedence of the City Livery Companies. The Company's roots date to the 15th century and records of Paviors in the City of London date back to 1276. www.paviors.org.uk/ Reply to this message | Report message