The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:10 pm**

Hi,

We recently purchase a new build and have been undergoing some dispute with the builder on the condition of our driveway. Its a perumable monoblock drive.
I'm no expert in construction and paving, but looking at the drive we feel its looks rather poorly for something that should be relatively new.

There appears to a large number of blocks scattered throughout which have a white edges all around, and some
have a white banding line exactly in the middle of the blocks. There are also several blocks that are pitted, and with drilled holes; some have mortar stains and overall the drive looks to be in rather unclean state.

The house was previously a showhome, and drilled holes were due to sale signs and fences in place. The driveway has been down for about 1 year, but we would expect them reinstate things to a newer condition.

In between the joints there are gaps without any fine stone jointing material. I understand for perumable paving, these must be filled? Towards the front of the drive, there are many joints which appear to have accumulated earth and growth of moss. I believe, these areas have not been filled with the relevant joint material.

With regards to the white edging, no other driveways in the neighbourhood look this bad.
The builders have conveniently put this towards their supplier and have blamed this on efflorescence.

For efflorescence, is it not the case that the whiteness should disappear when wet? I find all the white edging and banding still shows in wet conditions.

Can someone look at the photo's and give their opinion and advice on the finish; particularly to the likes of the white edging and banding etc?

Thanks

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:38 pm**

Few blocks could do with changing but to my eye that looks perfectly acceptable to me.

I'd seal it after remedying the few blocks, that would enhance it no end.

I'll leave it to the pavers to comment.

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:05 pm**

same here dave
just a few odd blocks to change and top up the 6mm grit
I dont like permeable paving for a variety of reasons but the main one being it looks pants
IMHO
LLL

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:39 pm**

Obviously any damaged blocks would have to be replaced I.e drilled holes and any pitted blocks.

But could you elaborate on which blocks you would expect to change?

Can you also comment on the blocks with white edging and banding, as to what the cause is, is it related to their claims of efflorescence. And finally if you would expect to get these replaced?

One other issue we have is if these are replaced, there is the concern of a clear miss match in colour of blocks. A number of these will certainly stand out like a sore thumb and whole driveway would look rather inconsistent? Would it be totally unreasonable to have them redo the whole lot with a new set of blocks all from the same batch?

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 10:01 pm**

IMHO yes it would be totally unreasonable
it looks like a concrete block permeable drive
give it a year and all the joints will be full of moss and stuff anyway
the efflorescence is a naturally occurring phenomena that can occur with any concrete product
it goes with time
sorry its not what you want to hear but the best you can hope for is damaged block replaced
LLL

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2014 11:20 pm**

Firstly thanks for the information.
But I can I confirm that these white edges and the central banding lines are in fact efflorescence?
As previously mentioned these white lines still appear when the blocks are wet, i got the impression for true efflorescence these would temporary disappear when the blocks are wet? Is that not the case?

Also as efflorescence is naturally occurring, I would expect the white effect to appear more random instead we have several blocks that are effected only around the edges or strangely, a line exactly on the central band of the blocks. This doesn't sound naturally so began to wonder if this was a manufacturing issue or if the blocks were damaged.

Can you give more insight on this?

Posted: **Mon Jul 21, 2014 12:32 am**

its where the plastic bands were around the blocks
its fairly common
LLL

Posted: **Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:49 am**

Give it 18mths and you'll not notice it I'll guarantee it.

Posted: **Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:48 pm**

Thanks David....its something to hope for!
It's probably already approaching 15 months. Have been in the place about 3 months now and not much appears to have changed. I have tried to hose the area down followed by elbow grease with a stiff brush down.
But unfortunately no change as the marks are still there.

Posted: **Mon Jul 21, 2014 10:31 pm**

I've read online that washing areas affected with efflorescence with a mix of vinegar and water mixed 50/50 sorts out efflorescence problems,

Can anyone comment on this being true or an old wives tale?

Cheers

The Brew Cabin

New build driveway - permeable paving