Block Paving Layer in Lidgate

Block Paving Layers in Lidgate — what to expect

For homeowners in Lidgate, having a new block paving installation laid properly is about far more than choosing an attractive pattern. A skilled local installer will begin with a well-prepared sub-base, then lay the blocks in a herringbone bond or a simpler stretcher bond, depending on the effect you prefer, all bedded onto a screeded grit sand bed that has been carefully levelled and compacted. The edges are typically secured with concrete-haunched edge courses, which stop the whole surface from creeping and spreading over time. After the main area is laid, a plate compactor is passed over the blocks to settle them firmly into the sand, and then kiln-dried jointing sand is brushed into every joint before a final compaction pass. This process is as much about long-term stability as it is about looks, and it is exactly the kind of work that contractors in and around Lidgate, CB8, carry out on a regular basis for driveways and patios across the county of Suffolk. If your existing paving is showing signs of settlement, discolouration or weeds pushing through the joints, a lift and relay service is often the more economical choice than starting from scratch. In such cases, the blocks are carefully taken up, the sand base is re-levelled, and the same blocks are re-laid in the original bond, which saves both money and waste. For a more modern finish, polymeric jointing can be used instead of kiln-dried sand, as it hardens on contact with water to form a rigid, weed-resistant joint that is far less likely to wash out in heavy rain. Sealing is then applied to protect the surface from oil stains and to intensify the colour of the blocks. Whether you simply need a new lay, a full relay, or help with jointing and sealing, it is worth comparing a few local installers in the Lidgate area to see who feels right for your project.