I have a Victorian semi detached house with 100 year old concrete paths, driveway and patio - the latter being badly cracked! As a quick fix during building work several years ago, I covered all areas with pea shingle but now spend my life on my hands and knees weeding large areas where all amount of vegetation from flowers to spring onions are coming through in abundance. I had thought that imprinted concrete (being weed free, stain and low maintenance) would be my answer. However, today I was visited by a block paving contractor (Marshalls, TopPaver and Interlay approved) who has told me that block paving would be the most suitable answer to my problem. He pointed out the problem regarding any future drainage works requiring the concrete to be destroyed, whilst maintaining that block paving could be lifted and replaced. Having found and read your great website today, I find you also point this out in your pros and cons. Pertinent to me, as the whole of my side access path covers a major drain gulley. I also read that the sealant has to be replaced regularly and streaking can occur where cars are driven back and forth.
Do you think the money would be better spent on block paving?
I see that some people appear unhappy with the finished product - due I guess to the shiny artificial looking finish?
I would like to be sympathetic to the brickwork of my 100 year old house and am interested in Marshall's Tegula paving or TopPaver's Antique but cannot make my mind up regarding colour (as we also have an large wooden deck to take into consideration).
I would love to have your advice and wondered if you would be prepared to advse me on block colour choices if this turns out to be my best option. I could email you a photo.
Many thanks in anticipation of your response.
Block paving versus imprinted concrete? - Block paving versus imprinted concrete
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nry
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For me, the main advantage of block paving over PIC is the ability to lift it, repair pipes, and re-instate it.
We had PIC installed around 2 weeks ago. We have a matt finished sealant and have gone for a slate-green colour on the London Cobble pattern: given that most neighbours actually thought it was true cobble, this says a fair amount of how authentic it can look. We went for PIC partly because I trust (and know) the installers. If I didn't know the company and staff I would be dubious though I would also have been dubious about block paving contractors as I know of a good number of such drives which have sunk even after repeated re-laying. The fact that if sealed as recommended PIC is almost impervious to staining and weeds is one of the main reasons we chose it.
Having said that, it sounds like you would prefer block paving: as others have said on this forum don't settle for something else unless you are truely happy with your decision, as once laid it is way too expensive to rip up and start again.
We had PIC installed around 2 weeks ago. We have a matt finished sealant and have gone for a slate-green colour on the London Cobble pattern: given that most neighbours actually thought it was true cobble, this says a fair amount of how authentic it can look. We went for PIC partly because I trust (and know) the installers. If I didn't know the company and staff I would be dubious though I would also have been dubious about block paving contractors as I know of a good number of such drives which have sunk even after repeated re-laying. The fact that if sealed as recommended PIC is almost impervious to staining and weeds is one of the main reasons we chose it.
Having said that, it sounds like you would prefer block paving: as others have said on this forum don't settle for something else unless you are truely happy with your decision, as once laid it is way too expensive to rip up and start again.
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confusedofnorthlondon
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Thank you so much for the reply! May I ask what made you make the decision to go with PIC when you are so clear about the benefits of block paving?
Can I also ask where in the country you are based. If it's anywhere near the London area...are you at liberty to recommend your PIC supplier?
Many thanks again.
Can I also ask where in the country you are based. If it's anywhere near the London area...are you at liberty to recommend your PIC supplier?
Many thanks again.
Laura
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confusedofnorthlondon
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ex printer
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surely if you are going to the trouble and expense of replacing a hardstanding ,it would be pertinant to check out all underground services prior to or during installation, I certainly would not plan a project around the future need to dig it up again! I have lived at my current address for 5 years and never had to excavate,I lived at my previous address for 30 odd years and never had to excavate...
One other thing , have you seen anarea of block paving that has ben lifted and re-laid ? if you had I think that you will agree that the repair is usually far from invisable.
As for re-sealing, this only needs to happen every few years or so and certainly not as often as re-sanding block paving joints that have been emptied by Ants a d the pressure washer.
finally a quick word about the streaking that concerns you,if you opt for block-paving ,and if it it laid correctly and if you do not get 'channelisation' from trafficking, you will be likelyto get discolouration of the paviors that will show the route of your vehicle over time.
One other thing , have you seen anarea of block paving that has ben lifted and re-laid ? if you had I think that you will agree that the repair is usually far from invisable.
As for re-sealing, this only needs to happen every few years or so and certainly not as often as re-sanding block paving joints that have been emptied by Ants a d the pressure washer.
finally a quick word about the streaking that concerns you,if you opt for block-paving ,and if it it laid correctly and if you do not get 'channelisation' from trafficking, you will be likelyto get discolouration of the paviors that will show the route of your vehicle over time.
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Tony McC
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nry said...
...or how poor is the eyesight of the neighbours! :laugh:
Ex-printer said..
Bollocks. I've lifted and relaid dozens of block pavements for all sorts of reasons, from installation of new drainage, to service repairs, staining or site assessment and I defy anyone to be able to "see the join" two months later.
Bollocks. I've re-sanded my own driveway once in 12 years. Due to the cheap and incompatible sealants supplied by far too many PIC contractors, such an installation generally needs re-sealing every 2-3 years.
Bollocks. That's not "discolouration": it's staining, and if it happens, it indicates a problem with the vehicle tyres, not the blocks.
I've no objection to anyone making a case for any form of paving, but if you're going to "compare and contrast", make sure you get your facts right.
FACT: There are more complaints per thousand jobs regarding PIC and other decorative concrete installations than for any other form of residential paving.
Done well, there's no problem with PIC - the problem is in getting it done well!
"given that most neighbours actually thought it was true cobble, this says a fair amount of how authentic it can look"
...or how poor is the eyesight of the neighbours! :laugh:
Ex-printer said..
have you seen anarea of block paving that has ben lifted and re-laid ? if you had I think that you will agree that the repair is usually far from invisable.
Bollocks. I've lifted and relaid dozens of block pavements for all sorts of reasons, from installation of new drainage, to service repairs, staining or site assessment and I defy anyone to be able to "see the join" two months later.
As for re-sealing, this only needs to happen every few years or so and certainly not as often as re-sanding block paving joints that have been emptied by Ants a d the pressure washer.
Bollocks. I've re-sanded my own driveway once in 12 years. Due to the cheap and incompatible sealants supplied by far too many PIC contractors, such an installation generally needs re-sealing every 2-3 years.
you will be likelyto get discolouration of the paviors that will show the route of your vehicle
Bollocks. That's not "discolouration": it's staining, and if it happens, it indicates a problem with the vehicle tyres, not the blocks.
I've no objection to anyone making a case for any form of paving, but if you're going to "compare and contrast", make sure you get your facts right.
FACT: There are more complaints per thousand jobs regarding PIC and other decorative concrete installations than for any other form of residential paving.
Done well, there's no problem with PIC - the problem is in getting it done well!
Site Agent - Pavingexpert
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ex printer
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- Location: wiltshire
Thanks for your input , seems to be an awful lot of 'bollocks' included which I wasnt expecting from an 'expert', my opinions are good and valid and also I am not sponsored by simeonronocrete.....
also think more pikeys choose to make a living outta blocks than pic. as for only resanding once in 12 years , well probly 2 busy juggling said bollocks!
also think more pikeys choose to make a living outta blocks than pic. as for only resanding once in 12 years , well probly 2 busy juggling said bollocks!
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nry
- Posts: 100
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We went with PIC for a few reasons. Cost, less easy to stain, we liked it being some.
Our contractor is Cumbria based, so I think London would be a fair distance to travel for them. I mentioned them elsewhere so I don't mind mentioning again: www.dodddriveways.co.uk
I guess there is always a chance that, whatever paving chosen, the thing will need dug up to repair underground pipes etc. Can't say I really looked into what pipes are where, I won't tempt fate at the moment and mention this any futher though!
Our contractor is Cumbria based, so I think London would be a fair distance to travel for them. I mentioned them elsewhere so I don't mind mentioning again: www.dodddriveways.co.uk
I guess there is always a chance that, whatever paving chosen, the thing will need dug up to repair underground pipes etc. Can't say I really looked into what pipes are where, I won't tempt fate at the moment and mention this any futher though!
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ex printer
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so just to re-cap, if a neighbour says it looks good then they have poor eye-sight, if (sorry WHEN ) tyre marks and trafficking become apparent then it is down to tyres? , Am I missing something here ?, surely one should not have to check out comparability of new paviours against goodyear,michelin etc.....
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nry
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mouldmaker
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I sometimes have to wonder why someone might come to a site offering fair, impartial advice, and then try to rubbish it.
I have no vested interest in either block or PIC, but have seen a lot of piss poor PIC installations compared to block. When done right by an installer who knows what they're doing and cares about the end product, it can look nice and, ex printer, it sounds like you're one of the lucky ones.
However I think you should acknowledge that, whilst you have had a good experience, Tony has seen a vast number of both good and bad in both media and is better placed to pass opinion than yourself.
And, if you talk bollocks, you must expect to have someone point it out to you.
I have no vested interest in either block or PIC, but have seen a lot of piss poor PIC installations compared to block. When done right by an installer who knows what they're doing and cares about the end product, it can look nice and, ex printer, it sounds like you're one of the lucky ones.
However I think you should acknowledge that, whilst you have had a good experience, Tony has seen a vast number of both good and bad in both media and is better placed to pass opinion than yourself.
And, if you talk bollocks, you must expect to have someone point it out to you.
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Tony McC
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Ex Printer - I am NOT sponsored by simeon, nor by anyone else. I have no commercial imperative. I no longer install paving, and unlike you, I don't sell anything. I just say it as I see it.
The neighbour in nry's post claimed the cobble-effect concrete looked "authentic". They did not say it looked "good". Again: check your facts before quoting anyone.
If anyone really thinks the imprinted "cobble" concrete looks authentic, then either they have not seen much genuine cobble paving or they have poor eyesight. Are you gullible enough to be fooled by it?
The neighbour in nry's post claimed the cobble-effect concrete looked "authentic". They did not say it looked "good". Again: check your facts before quoting anyone.
If anyone really thinks the imprinted "cobble" concrete looks authentic, then either they have not seen much genuine cobble paving or they have poor eyesight. Are you gullible enough to be fooled by it?
Site Agent - Pavingexpert
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ex printer
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Tony McC
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In the "Other Pavings" forum, you state...
..which would indicate you are an installer/superviser.
Anyone can express an opinion in The Brew Cabin and that opinion may or may not be bollocks. So far, most of the claims you have made against block paving are bollocks but there's hope for you yet.
It is allways a suprise to find photographs of jobs that I have managed from survey to snagging on a website for a firm that I have never heard of
..which would indicate you are an installer/superviser.
Anyone can express an opinion in The Brew Cabin and that opinion may or may not be bollocks. So far, most of the claims you have made against block paving are bollocks but there's hope for you yet.
Site Agent - Pavingexpert
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ex printer
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