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Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 7:15 pm
by ubishere
I am thinking about installing a Core Gravel or Nidagravel stabilising system (strong plastic sheets of made of hexagons which hold the gravel in place) on top of my existing concrete driveway. I would need to repair the cracks and pot holes in the current driveway with fresh concrete first.
I could then then lay a bed of sharp sand (or similar, i'm open to suggestions please) over the existing concrete base and then thought I could lay the gravel stabilising system on top of the sand which would stop all the gravel rolling about.
It sounds like it should work, but does anyone have any experience with these systems or know of any problems I would encounter?
I don't really want to have to dig up all the concrete if I can help it, so thought this might be a good way around it.
Thanks
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 7:40 pm
by Pablo
How smooth is the concrete could the grids be laid straight onto it or is it quite uneven. My first problem with this plan is drainage if you don't have any then the water will just sit and stagnate in the gravel. You'll need to drill a dozen or so 20mm holes per m2 at least then fill them with fine grit a core drill might be better for this job. Before you go any further though you should do a few test holes and see how well the water gets away over the space of a few days. If the holes silt or block up then the whole thing will green. Also be sure to use a hard gravel not one that will break down easily under car tyres. If you have to lay the grids on a bed the best to use grit not sand so the rainwater can pass through it and get away quicker. If the budget allows I personally would pull the concrete out.
Edited By Pablo on 1337721094
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 8:23 pm
by lutonlagerlout
from their webby mate
concrete is no good
"First the depth required for the nidagravel® sheets and the foundation layer should be excavated. The thickness of the foundation depends on the subgrade’s bearing capacity and the expected traffic (light- or medium-weight vehicle).
Granulates with a large grading will often be used in the case of subbases made from crushed stone. However, this subbase is not level enough to lay nidagravel® sheets immediately on top of it. It is therefore advisable to provide a levelling layer of fine gravel (e.g. crushed stone 1-3), compacted if necessary and then raked level. "
LLL
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:40 am
by ubishere
Thanks for the replies, it hadn't really occurred to me that the water might stagnate and go green in the gravel, so thanks for pointing this out. I guess if I go down this route I will have to make sure that I drill enough drain holes and that these are working properly.
The concrete slabs are a bit uneven in places, so was hoping to even them out by using the fine grit you mention.
Apparently Core Gravel can be laid over concrete according to this email which I received this morning, but I guess they might just be wanting to sell their product without much thought about the water stagnating.....
Yes COREgravel can be laid over concrete we do recommend you lay down a blinding of sharp sand. For a domestic driveway we recommend either the 38-25HDR or the 38-25HD they are the same size panels however the 38-25HDR is black and recycled and the 38-25HD is white and not recycled.
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:04 pm
by simeonronacrete
Why not considerResin Bound Surfacing?
Laid onto your existing concrete - providing sound and stable - at 15mm thick, saves the cost of removing your concrete, and it's water porous. If you need to achieve falls to drain water this can be done with a thin bonded Ronafix screed.
Please contact us if we can help you progress this.
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:22 pm
by local patios and driveway
Simeon do you only ever come here to promote your own product??? You never contribute in any other way
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:34 pm
by simeonronacrete
Well there is the odd joke every now and then.
As a manufacturer I can recommend my products in confidence. Contractors and members of the public are looking for answers, which is what I give. Others have the opportunity to do the same. I'm not sure I'm doing anything wrong, and I know I've helped many find solutions to their problems and educated others along the way.
If that's wrong, I'm sure Tony will let me know.
And I typed all of that without mentioning a single product or inserting a hyperlink to our site. Impressed?
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:48 pm
by DNgroundworks
erm.....Ronafix screed? Thats a product init?
I have thought the same before, but hey ho..who cares, i come on here for the craic and mainly to read other peoples stuff.....eazy barra man......he came on to promote his product, he did it quite well and we all had a good craic along the way 
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:57 pm
by local patios and driveway
Simeon youve been on here ages, let your hair down a little and argue wih me or at least take the mickey out of my work?.. Be good to know the man not the sales rep
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 8:02 pm
by simeonronacrete
Sadly my hair's too short to be let down. And I'm not a sales rep. More marketing support.
This site is amazing. So many newcomers, so many valid and valuable questions. Many contractors here have a huge wealth of knowledge and every day there's something new to be read and learnt.
I visit other forum sites - most business related - and this is by far the most educated - and most contributors use proper Queen's English rather than that awful text speak.
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 11:00 pm
by ilovesettsonmondays
lmfao :;): :;): :;):
Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 12:06 am
by lutonlagerlout
no bollox with simeon he speaks the truth, end of
the gaffer don't mind up front people being here and promoting decent products that work
its the ones that try and promote tat through false accounts he isnt keen on
LLL
Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 7:19 am
by seanandruby
When diyers are stuck, i amongst others have directed them to Simeon, we also direct them to other contractors like, Flowjoe, Roger the patio cleaner etc:Si' also gives good advice and offers training courses. Valid brew member i would of thought.