Compaction.

[Aitch]

Hi Guys,

thanks for having me on the forum - it's nice to be amongst people who obviously care about what they do.

Could you help me, please? I cannot find the answer to my query, on the site. I am in the process of laying block paving on my drive (Tobermore Tegula 50mm small and large). I've laid about 10m in length by about 4.5m in width and, have completed all of the cuts, along this length.

I now find myself doing battle with the weather (rain) combined with the expense of hiring the compactor (whacker). I've covered all of the work so far, under a plastic sheet. I want to move to the top of the drive (garage), to complete this screeding / laying, whilst protecting this new work.

My query is, is it permissible to compact the area already completed, knowing that the 'sides' (garden wall on one side and house on the other) offer support against spread but, the top and bottom areas - yet to be continued, don't?

I figure, if I can whaker what I've done so far then, drag the sheets over to protect my new work - leaving the compacted (completed area) exposed, I can make good progress. However, if I need to complete to the top by the garage (ie. solid surroundings on 3 sides - top + 2 sides) then I might need to find more sheeting.

I've only tried to protect the work so far, because of the rain and, the length of time it's taking for me to move the job on (2 weeks, so far).

Other than that, for the moment, It's great seeing the project move on.

Many thanks for any advice, guys!

H.

[lutonlagerlout]

of course it is
just dont go too close to the edges
I would stay 600 mm back from any exposed edge
cheers LLL
and welcome btw

[Pablo]

I'm in Belfast so we're probably sharing the same rain clouds it's been terrible the last few weeks. Once you have an area completed give it 3-4 passes with the plate and thats it done never mind about the sand just now until then end and the only bit you need to keep dry is where you're currently laying. If it doesn't dry up then you can joint it using the slurry method. Use plenty of water and drag the sand back and forth it'll fill the joints and settle nicely. Then lightly rinse the area off this method is also a great way of cleaning the paving and jointing it in one go.

[Aitch]

LLL and Pablo,

many thanks for your advice. I've got a couple of days off coming up and, the forecast for then is mainly dry so, I'll get the whacker back and press on.

Best regards.

H.