Block paving probelms
Discussion
Had block paving done on my driveway. It was just a central area of tarmac the sides were already paved. So they were meant to line it up with existing levels, but it sits too high at the edges. How should it look? They have just angled down the end blocks and I'm not sure this is right. Also the section before the gate track is humped like a mini speed jump, surely it should just be one single gradient from the front to back?
Need to know what to tell them to do so they don't just fob me off. Ask them to drop the levels? What needs to be done?
Thanks very much for help. They haven't been paid yet so want to make sure they get it all sorted properly.
Edited to add the last pic which shows how the blocks were sitting before they angled down the end blocks.
Need to know what to tell them to do so they don't just fob me off. Ask them to drop the levels? What needs to be done?
Thanks very much for help. They haven't been paid yet so want to make sure they get it all sorted properly.
Edited to add the last pic which shows how the blocks were sitting before they angled down the end blocks.
Edited by sealtt on Monday 20th February 19:13
When we had our back yard paved I was a little disappointed that the 'layer' guy didn't seem to get the concept of the curves and stuff as it sloped down to my garage. Careful explanation and marking, and he still didn't do it how I wanted. It was quite impressive the speed he could flatten and lay large areas, but the finer details seemed to pass him by.
Now, 8 or so years later, it has settled in places, so I may have a go at re-laying some parts of it myself.
Now, 8 or so years later, it has settled in places, so I may have a go at re-laying some parts of it myself.
Yes it was a very good price at least. What's weird is the houses behind us on a quiet cul de sac that they did (boards still outside) are a perfect job. Maybe he had a different crew doing this one?
Anyway I will ask them to make sure the level is low enough for the damp proof course. I presume I am correct in believing that it should all be flat level in terms of joining up with existing paving and the concrete edging blocks? If not,How would you expect it to join up with existing block paving?
I haven't paid them anything yet at least.
Anyway I will ask them to make sure the level is low enough for the damp proof course. I presume I am correct in believing that it should all be flat level in terms of joining up with existing paving and the concrete edging blocks? If not,How would you expect it to join up with existing block paving?
I haven't paid them anything yet at least.
When setting out the levels they should have tied in with the adjoining surfaces to ensure they would be flush. its the first thing to do. If the tie ins were poor or laid to irregular levels they should have told you this with a view to probably adjusting the edgings to get a nice finish.
I'd always specify that no blocks are to be cut to less than half their size to avoid some of the tiny pieces you have, and I'd want a 30mm sand bed, no more.
If it was cheap then it looks an ok job to be honest, it could have been double the price.
I'd always specify that no blocks are to be cut to less than half their size to avoid some of the tiny pieces you have, and I'd want a 30mm sand bed, no more.
If it was cheap then it looks an ok job to be honest, it could have been double the price.
Dan Gleables said:
When setting out the levels they should have tied in with the adjoining surfaces to ensure they would be flush. its the first thing to do. If the tie ins were poor or laid to irregular levels they should have told you this with a view to probably adjusting the edgings to get a nice finish.
I'd always specify that no blocks are to be cut to less than half their size to avoid some of the tiny pieces you have, and I'd want a 30mm sand bed, no more.
If it was cheap then it looks an ok job to be honest, it could have been double the price.
OK thanks for the info. I'll explain that to them tomorrow, it didn't sound like dropping the levels down would be too much of a problem when I spoke to the manager of the company before. So will ask them to get the edges to be flush or below the existing tie in without the 'ramp' effect of the end blocks. if they get that sorted I'll be pretty happy. Also just check those levels re damp proof, though I think it should be fine as this is no higher than the tarmac was on the left of the house.I'd always specify that no blocks are to be cut to less than half their size to avoid some of the tiny pieces you have, and I'd want a 30mm sand bed, no more.
If it was cheap then it looks an ok job to be honest, it could have been double the price.
sealtt said:
They seem happy to get it right and so worth keeping on wit them I think.
They sent a good guy over today who re did the sections joining onto the existing driveways so it's all nice and smooth now.
He is coming back tomorrow to pull up and re lay the front section and get it spot on.
That's an unexpected good result.They sent a good guy over today who re did the sections joining onto the existing driveways so it's all nice and smooth now.
He is coming back tomorrow to pull up and re lay the front section and get it spot on.
Perhaps they see the benefits of actually keeping the customer happy, promoting good relations, increasing business, word of mouth etc. That is something that seems to be a dying notion nowadays.King Herald said:
sealtt said:
They seem happy to get it right and so worth keeping on wit them I think.
They sent a good guy over today who re did the sections joining onto the existing driveways so it's all nice and smooth now.
He is coming back tomorrow to pull up and re lay the front section and get it spot on.
That's an unexpected good result.They sent a good guy over today who re did the sections joining onto the existing driveways so it's all nice and smooth now.
He is coming back tomorrow to pull up and re lay the front section and get it spot on.
Perhaps they see the benefits of actually keeping the customer happy, promoting good relations, increasing business, word of mouth etc. That is something that seems to be a dying notion nowadays.
There is a school of thought that says a customer who has had an issue resolved makes a happier customer than one who's install was done right first time.... it proves that the company are willing to listen and make amends. That goes a long way in word of mouth. If they do pull through and resolve your issue, I would be right on their facebook page etc singing their praises.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff