Replacing old block paved drive.

[zzr-matt]

I have a drive which is about 16 years old that was block paved in a herringbone style then about 5years ago another section was added in basket weave. There has been no sign of movement but i want to replace the whole area with some new blocks to make the area look uniform. In total its only about 15m2 so we arent talking masses of paving here.

Can i just whip the blocks up, replace the edging and re haunch it then drop my new blocks in and do the cuts. Or do i need to rough up / replace the grit sand?

[local patios and driveway]

If its all solid i cant see why you couldnt relay new edges and use existing surface. Not much work to re screed and compact once new edges are in though.

[lutonlagerlout]

15m2?
do you drive a smart car?
LLL :;):

[zzr-matt]

best i check the measurements again....

[lutonlagerlout]

matt when you remove the old block all the gunk and kds will fall away this needs to be cleared from the bedding area
we did this in an area about 15m2 the other week but i forgot to take a picture
once the crap is removed we raked the original sand over (which had settle anyway and added 5-6 barrows of new sand wacked and screeded it to levels
dont be tempted to just try and top up the dips or lay straight on the old sand ,
cheers LLL

[mickg]

I agree with Luton, you cant just remove the old block and replace due to the dirt and the kiln dried sand off the old block getting mixed in with the sand laying course, all of this to be removed and add additional course sand if required and screed to the correct level or fall to disperse the surface water

the existing sand laying course will be too compacted to give any tolerance to bed the new paving down into it and you could crack the new paving blocks when you do the final compaction with the vibrating plate

[lutonlagerlout]

i did try leaving the sand a while back and about 5% of the new blocks cracked or spalled
LLL

[zzr-matt]

ive been and measured it and its 12.5m2.... best trade in my smart car for a roller skate. lol.

So if I do this:
1 Remove all old blocks
2 concrete new edgings in
3 Remove dirt and kiln sand and top inch or so of old bedding
4 Add new sharp sand and screed so blocks are 5mm higher than edging
5 Do the blocks
6 wacker the blocks
7 sand the joints

Will i have made any epic fails?

[lutonlagerlout]

cuts?
also the new grit sand should be lighty wacked before screeding to levels
LLL

[zzr-matt]

Ah yeah I forgot cuts. I take it my 9" grinder with a diamond blade is ok? Or do I need a petrol jobbie?

At a guess how long would that sort of job take you pro's to do? What sort of price do you guys pay for 60mm thick brindle pavers with your trade discounts etc?

[rimexboy]

sorry but now you have to use a grinder with dust suppesion on it.... i think its now law to do that as well

[zzr-matt]

Is that the case even for DIY?

[lutonlagerlout]

about 11 quid per metre for bretts 60mm
about 14.50 for driveline 50s
cheers LLL

[zzr-matt]

Thanks lll. Are those prices excluding VAT?

[lutonlagerlout]

sorry yes
and they are roughly the prices for small amounts
the days of £10 a metre blocks have long gone
my old fella has a mate who reckons he can still do drives for £37 per metre
how?
LLL