Pic verses block paving - Maintenance effort: pic v. block paving

[sassoor]

Hi

I am in the process of getting quotes for having my drive re-done and I am considering both Pattern Impressed Concrete (PIC) and block paving. Ideally, what I want is a drive with a good durability, that can withstand the weight of a disabled vehical (the size of a transit van), that requires the minimum maintence and is asthetically pleasing.

Having seen examples of both I find the block paving more attractive asthetically, but I find the PIC acceptable. What worries me about the block paving is that a number of drives that I see, after a few years start to show signs of sinking where the car wheels normally reside, and also moss/weeds start to growing inbetween the pavers.

What I want to undertsand is what the life expectancy and maintance effort is for each technology, in order too keep them in reasonable condition.

Finally whilst i can find lots of I reputable companies for block paving, I am sruggle to find one for PIC, that would you be able to work in LONDDN NW - can anyone recommend anyone?

[Ted]

Well-laid PIC will last a lifetime, but finding a good installer is a challenge. If commissioning PIC, it is imperative you ensure the contractor at a minimum lays an even hardcore base (ideally of MOT Type 1) at least 4" thick that is well compacted. This should be blinded with a capping layer of sharp sand or ballast. A polythene membrane should then be laid to stop the concrete drying out to quickly as it cures and then 4" of PIC-specified concrete should be laid, tamped, screeded, coloured and floated before being imprinted. It should then be sealed. Depending on usage the paving will need to be sealed every 2-5 years. If it is just you living at the address every 4-5 years will be about right. But if you have three teenage kids with cars, let's say, 2-3 years is more likely.

An added insurance for piece of mind that does not cost too much (but many contractors will run away from) is to incorporate rebar and steel mesh into the concrete. Incorporating this does complicate the pour and so it is not generally specified on residential pours. You could also insist on an independent soil engineer checking the groundworks and advising on whether enough excavations have been done.

I will PM you a couple of London firms to consider.

I will let others with the requisite expertise give their arguments for block paving over PIC.

But I will say that if your block paving subsides a little it is relatively cheap and simple to fix. If the installer messes up PIC, it is a nightmare. As a result, if you do go for PIC it is essential you get a guarantee and are convinced the guys are not fly-by-night cowboys who you will never see again.

PIC is an excellent surface - go to Disneyland for proof. It was invented there. Unfortunately the companies in the UK who sell the specialist colouring products and tools needed (imported from the US generally but some are manufactured here) offer one day training courses that simply do not (IMO) qualify you to lay PIC professionally. These firms sell PIC as a business you buy off the shelf (for at least several thousand pounds) and that you can start next week with no previous experience. I believe this is wrong and is what is giving PIC a bad name in the UK. In the US it is hugely popular annd normally very well installed, even on residential jobs. Also there are huge profits in PIC if you skip many of the stages out - this attracts the cowboys as the PIC looks excellent to start with but once you have coughed up it cracks as they have skipped essential phases of the installation process.

As most builders will confirm, training is all well good but it doesn't beat years of good hands-on work experience. Get an honest, established and experienced installer and you should get a good installation.

[bobbi o]

check out www.streetprint.com-designed to withstand heavy traffic-contact prismo for your nearest uk contractor

[sassoor]

check out www.streetprint.com-designed to withstand heavy traffic-contact prismo for your nearest uk contractor

Who are prismo?

[Dave_L]

check out www.streetprint.com-designed to withstand heavy traffic-contact prismo for your nearest uk contractor

Who are prismo?

Prismo website - http://www.prismo.co.uk/

[bobbi o]

http://www.prismotrafficproducts.com/pr ... vement.asp

[bobhughes]

Ted's reply sums the situation up very well. As an amateur - what worries me about PIC is the impossibility of repairs if a. the Job wasn't done right, and b. if you need to access something (cables/pipes etc) underneath.

A properly constructed block paved drive will give exellent service and, if you seal it, will be easy to maintain.

Whichever you choose be sure to get a "proper" contractor.

Bob

[geoffdance]

PIC seems to be pretty much maintenance-free, but you must get it re-sealed once it starts to look shabby, otherwise you will damage the coloured surface. Personally, I don't like the shiny effect PIC usually has. You can specify a matt finish, but most contractors find mixing in the matting agent into the sealant a real hassle so don't offer it.

Block paving can be pressure washed clean when needed, and sealed to slow down weed growth if yu want (either from new or later), and of course it's relatively easy to fix if it breaks. I've seen enough cracked PIC slabs to know that there are plenty of inexperienced contractors out there.

Geoff

[sassoor]

Hi

Has anyone ever heard of Britanicca Industries who do the Bomanite paving system. They are fairly local to me and I saw a display that they made at the ideal home show, a few years ago.

Also a friend used Town and Country Driveways - are they reputable?

Thanks to all who have psoited reply, much apprericated.
Robert

[ex printer]

the display that you saw at the ideal home ex. was installed by Traditional Paving Ltd, these guys install most of Britanicca 's work.
town and country drives/installations/sales...... etc were recently featured on tv's rogue traders.
The 'Bomanite system' is basically Lafarge colour surface hardener which is debatedely slightly better or worse than its competiters (P.I.C.S. for example)

[Stuarty]

sassoor : i thought the name Town and Country Driveways rang a bell; check out this page

[Ted]

http://www.clik2complaints.co.uk/DPs/town2.html

Or click on the above.

Or look at the third story down from the Mirror.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news....ex.html

I would certainly never recommend Town and Country Driveways or Town and Country Installations etc to lay a drive for anyone!

Also Town and Country are very expensive. They will try and charge upto £200 a square metre. Even in London that is very steep. £120-£130 is around the upper end you should pay and for this you should get a good guarantee and a company that is fully insured, doesn't fly tip and is legal. You may be able to find people who will lay PIC for as little as £45 a square metre but at this price it is impossible to install it properly and so corners will be cut and you may well be left unhappy.

[sassoor]

Has anyone heard of Creative Cobblestone design in Welwyn Garden City?

See http://www.cobblestonepaving.co.uk/

Are they reputable?

Cheers

Robert

[lutonlagerlout]

havent heard of them,but their work looks good and they seem to have the right spec,get a quote sasoor and see what it comes out like,if they are reputable it will be on headed paper plus vat and with some kind of prospectus
cheers LLL

[glyn1206]

Re.Cobblestone paving (or anyone else)
Very impressive pictures in their gallery,looks like good work.
However.
If I have a client that needs convincing I usually tell them where to go and see examples of work I have completed.If my work was shoddy I am sure the previous clients would be only too quick to tell 'em!