Block Paving Layer in Babbacombe

Block Paving Layers in Babbacombe — what to expect

When it comes to block paving installation in Babbacombe, the work typically begins with the careful excavation of the existing ground, followed by the laying of a compacted sub-base and a screeded grit sand bed, onto which the blocks themselves are placed in patterns such as the herringbone bond or the more straightforward stretcher bond. Local contractors in this part of Devon are well accustomed to the region’s free-draining soils and the occasional steeply sloping frontages near the TQ1 area, so they tend to pay particular attention to the concrete-haunched edge courses, which keep everything locked firmly in place over the long term. A new driveway or patio here might use tegula blocks for a classic, square-edged finish, and once the chosen pattern is complete, the whole surface is subjected to a thorough plate compaction to settle the units into their base. However, it is not just fresh installations that keep the local tradespeople busy, for many older driveways in Babbacombe benefit from a lift and relay operation, where the existing blocks are carefully taken up, the old sand bed is redressed, and the same blocks are laid back down to correct any dips or settlement that have developed over time. After any fresh laying or relaying, the finishing touch is invariably the jointing, and most local installers will now recommend the use of polymeric jointing sand, which, once brushed into the narrow gaps and activated with water, sets into a firm and weather-resistant seal that keeps weeds and ants at bay. A final option for those looking to protect their investment is a high-quality sealing treatment, which can help to enrich the colour of the blocks and guard the whole area against oil spills and moss, although it is worth noting that this is best carried out shortly after the original work has bedded in. With the mild South West climate that Babbacombe enjoys, there is usually a long working season for such projects, and a householder can reasonably expect a new block paved area to be completed without too much disruption. For anyone considering new paving, a careful search of local contractors in the area, with an eye on their previous work and approach to the sub-base, is a sensible starting point, and comparing a few written quotes will help to clarify the true cost of the job before any ground is broken.