Repairing gaps in driveway

[cn43]

Hi

I have a 6 year old block paved driveway. We always turn right from the road onto it. Gaps up to 1 inch have opened up one third of the way from the left side of the drive. I think the car continually pushes the blocks to the left each time it enters the drive. Presumably, the contractor’s concrete edging used on the left side was not up to the job. Otherwise, the drive is reasonably OK and flat. Two issues please:

1. Can I take up the left third of the drive blocks, carefully brush off any jointing sand and simply relay them back where they belong – or should I lay down more sharp sand (extra 5mm say?) and then try to bed them down… Or is neither an option?

2. Can I remove the existing outermost layer of blocks altogether and then try to keep the block paving in place for the future using the ACO Borderguard edging system mentioned on your site? Hopefully the edge and long nails will help prevent the problem recurring.

I want to avoid the agro and expense of digging up the whole drive edge area and re-concreting, and of hiring a vibrating plate, if I can. I am also anxious not to disturb what’s there too much if I can avoid it – as I say the surface is flat – its just the edging that’s given way. I suppose what I am after is a quick and easy fix (even if not ideal) if that’s possible.

Thanks for your help, Chris

[local patios and driveway]

chris take up all that has moved and re lay, you will need to consolidate the edge and re haunch to save the same thing happening again. you will need a compactor plate and you should probably aim to relay at about 3mm higher than existing block then compact again. not too much work, try getting a price from someone local or the original contractor back. any good contractor should guarantee all work for at least 5 years

[seanandruby]

Hi chris. No, it would,nt be advisable to use those border guards on a drive. You need to use a proper edging on good quality concrete and haunch it up. click here for all you need to know

[cn43]

Thanks both. Seems my hope for a short cut was in vain - I will have to re concrete the edges properly!