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Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 2:56 pm
by i_want_a_new_drive
Hi everyone
My first post and I'm after some advice please.
I want my old concrete drive replaced with block paving (my drive slopes downwards). I'm aware of the new laws regarding planning. I've have had two reputable firms round to quote.
I thought I wanted permeable blocks but after chatting to one installer he has put doubts in my mind. He said there is a cheap way and a proper way of installing permeable blocks, depending how deep you dig. The cheap way just means the water flows off the top of the drive which he said the council will be happy with as they just check to see the stones are permeable, they don't actually check the depth it was dug. The proper way means digging deeper but if we have clay it would still not drain properly anyway. The proper way would be more expensive.
Does this advice make sense? It sort of does to me but I no nothing about these things.
Any help appreciated. Thanks
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:42 pm
by cookiewales
ther is a right way and a wrong way will let the block guys mull on this one :p 
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:43 pm
by Tony McC
If the water "flows off the top of the blocks", as this guy claims happens with the "cheap" method, then it's not permeable block paving.
I smell bovine excrement!
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 8:03 pm
by i_want_a_new_drive
Tony McC wrote:If the water "flows off the top of the blocks", as this guy claims happens with the "cheap" method, then it's not permeable block paving.
I smell bovine excrement!
So if he does it the proper method, digs the right depth and uses the correct materials etc... but hits clay (i've got clay in my back garden) then is there any point installing the permeable blocks in the first place?
Also is there actually a BIG difference in cost for permeable and non-permeable block work. The other installer is pushing for the permeable blocks and he reckons there is little difference in price once planning and drainage is factored in?
thanks
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:22 pm
by Tony McC
It's difficult to be specific about prices, because there are so many variations on private driveways, but as a very, very rough guide, permeable block paving constructed to spec will cost around 30% more than conventional.
The only way to determine whether your site is suitable for CBPP is to undertake a basic permeability test, which the pro-CBPP should have done before trying to sell you that option.
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:40 pm
by i_want_a_new_drive
Tony McC wrote:It's difficult to be specific about prices, because there are so many variations on private driveways, but as a very, very rough guide, permeable block paving constructed to spec will cost around 30% more than conventional.
The only way to determine whether your site is suitable for CBPP is to undertake a basic permeability test, which the pro-CBPP should have done before trying to sell you that option.
Hmm thats interesting, I didn't realise it was that much more expensive. Is your rough price difference including planning fees and drainage as I was given the impression the price would be pretty much the same?
The bloke pushing for the permeable blocks didn't do any test, he just recommended it. He isn't a member of Marshalls, Brett or Interlay but his firm landscaped my garden and his work is very good and they have a good reputation in my area.
The firm who aren't so keen on the permeable stuff are members of several trade groups and have the necessary training to install permeable blocks and also have a good rep.
To be honest I didn't even know you could buy permeable blocks so I just thought it sounded the better option.
If the price is going to be that much different I don't think I'll bother with permeable blocks.
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:13 pm
by lutonlagerlout
what the point of the water going through the blocks to form an underground reservoir???
if your on clay it needs to be properly drained
LLL