Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 10:12 am
Hi,
We're looking to replace our existing crazy paving driveway where the joints have started to break up, probably due to larger cars (Espace) being run over it. It's been down over 20 years and not sure what's underneath but not really relevant as the plan is to start again properly. Total area is 12 x 8m, with the area in front of the garage taking most car traffic.
We'd like to have sandstone flags (I know that blocks are recommended for driveways, but we prefer the look of flags if possible).
I have had several people to quote, including paving specialists and landscapers. Our current leading choice is a paving specialist, but I'm looking for a second opinion on his proposed construction for the area, as it's not quite what I've understood from this site and stone supplier technical guides.
The proposal is: after clearing the existing stone, excavate and fill with a minimum of 100mm compacted Type 1 as a sub base. Then 50mm concrete slab, followed by 50mm mortar bed into which the flags are laid. Joints to be mortared.
Technical advice for a driveway installation application seems to be to have a 100mm concrete slab over the compacted Type 1, topped with bedding material (this site, Pavestone, Stonemarket).
His proposal is only half the recommended thickness, but his argument is that the 50mm concrete + 50mm mortar is effectively the 100mm concrete slab. When I asked about a full 100mm slab, he thought that was a lot of concrete! He is offering a 5 year guarantee, but I'd rather get it right first time.
This is a new subject for me, but I'm trying to learn, so please can you give an opinion on whether his proposal is sound or we should be looking for something/someone else.
Also, when you speak to suppliers they are keen to say they can do what you ask for to get the job, but if you think we're being really unwise going the flag route, that would be really helpful to know too.
Thanks in advance,
We're looking to replace our existing crazy paving driveway where the joints have started to break up, probably due to larger cars (Espace) being run over it. It's been down over 20 years and not sure what's underneath but not really relevant as the plan is to start again properly. Total area is 12 x 8m, with the area in front of the garage taking most car traffic.
We'd like to have sandstone flags (I know that blocks are recommended for driveways, but we prefer the look of flags if possible).
I have had several people to quote, including paving specialists and landscapers. Our current leading choice is a paving specialist, but I'm looking for a second opinion on his proposed construction for the area, as it's not quite what I've understood from this site and stone supplier technical guides.
The proposal is: after clearing the existing stone, excavate and fill with a minimum of 100mm compacted Type 1 as a sub base. Then 50mm concrete slab, followed by 50mm mortar bed into which the flags are laid. Joints to be mortared.
Technical advice for a driveway installation application seems to be to have a 100mm concrete slab over the compacted Type 1, topped with bedding material (this site, Pavestone, Stonemarket).
His proposal is only half the recommended thickness, but his argument is that the 50mm concrete + 50mm mortar is effectively the 100mm concrete slab. When I asked about a full 100mm slab, he thought that was a lot of concrete! He is offering a 5 year guarantee, but I'd rather get it right first time.
This is a new subject for me, but I'm trying to learn, so please can you give an opinion on whether his proposal is sound or we should be looking for something/someone else.
Also, when you speak to suppliers they are keen to say they can do what you ask for to get the job, but if you think we're being really unwise going the flag route, that would be really helpful to know too.
Thanks in advance,
Will certainly look into using the smaller setts.