Construction Process – Laying Block Paving

The first stage of the construction process is to carefully remove the existing driveway and excavate to a minimum depth of 250mm.

Excavated materials are disposed of in a manner conforming to statutory regulations.

A geo-textile membrane is employed to stabilise the ground and prevent the contamination of the existing sub-grade and the newly installed sub-base. This is achieved whilst also allowing water to flow freely into the ground.

A sub-base consisting of granular material Type 1 is installed to a minimum depth of 150mm. Layers of no more than 75mm are individually laid, compacted and levelled to ensure proper compaction of the sub-base and to comply with BS7533 British Standards to meeting the strict requirements for the structural design for heavy duty pavements.

For large areas or where heavy vehicular access is required a vibrating roller is used to ensure the sub base is very well compacted.

Edge restraints act as a frame for your driveway and are set in concrete to prevent the blocks from any lateral movement or the rotation of the blocks under load. The edge restraint also serves the purpose of restricting the loss of the laying course and sub-base materials at the boundary.

To ensure that your driveway complies with the latest SUDS (sustainable drainage system) legislation, linear drainage systems and/or soakaways may need to be installed depending upon the individual circumstances. This will provide effective management of surface water run-off.

Existing manholes are replaced with galvanised recessed manhole covers and the block paving is installed inside to continue the pattern of the surrounding paving. This will help to prevent manholes, inspection chambers and access fittings from being visible.

The laying course material will consist of 50mm of well-graded grit sand to comply with the grading given in BS7533:Part 3:2005. The laying course is compact and screeded to create a smooth, even and flowing surface on which to lay the blocks.

The block paving will be carefully laid and aligned in your chosen pattern and colour. The driveway will have a finished height of 150mm below the damp proof course level of your home with a fall of approximately 1:60 to ensure that surface water run-off is effectively managed. The final blocks will be measured and cut to ensure an immaculate finish.