Block Paving Layer in Newcott

Block Paving Layers in Newcott — what to expect

When it comes to block paving installation in Newcott, the local contractors in and around the EX14 district tend to take a methodical approach that stands up well to the West Country weather. A typical job begins with the careful excavation of the sub-base, followed by a screeded grit sand bed laid to a precise fall, upon which the concrete blocks are set in either a herringbone bond or a stretcher bond, depending on the visual effect the homeowner fancies and the load the drive or pathway will need to carry. These experienced installers are equally comfortable with a straightforward new build and the more delicate task of a lift and relay, where an existing but tired or sunken surface is carefully dismantled, the old sand and sub-base replenished, and the very same tegula blocks or their replacements are put back down to a consistent level. Edge courses are always concrete-haunched to prevent creep, and the whole area gets a thorough plate compaction so that the finished surface settles into the bed without rocking underfoot or under the wheels. Once the compacting is done, the final stage of the job involves sweeping kiln-dried jointing sand into every hairline gap before another pass with the compactor, or, where a longer-lasting finish is requested, the use of a polymeric jointing compound that sets firm and keeps weeds at bay. Sealing is often offered as a final protective measure, especially for those who want to guard against oil stains from a vehicle or the green tinge of moss that can appear in damp, shady corners of a Newcott garden. Whether a householder is looking at a brand-new front garden crossover or a full relaying of an existing back lane, the tradesmen active in this corner of Devon are accustomed to working with the local clay-rich soils and the often uneven gradients found around the town. It is always worth taking a little time to ask for several written quotations before committing, as the costs for materials and labour can vary noticeably from one firm to another, even within the same postcode. A calm, no-pressure comparison of what is on offer will help a householder weigh up the experience, the warranty and the price, and find a contractor who is a good fit for the particular drive or path.