My Block Paving Drive needs some TLC ....

Question

It's about 4-5 years old now and I've removed the weeds and having it steam cleaned this week. The guys tell me that after the cleaning, I'll need to re-sand the whole area and I've been told to buy dried kiln sand. Can anyone advise me how much sand I will need to treat say 1600 square feet? And do I simply sweep it into the cracks or is anything else necessary? Also I have a couple of blocks dropped where the meet the corner of the house ... if I remove them, what should I put underneath to fill the gap before I replace? Cheers .....

Answer 1

Hi I am doing my driveway at the moment. The guys are putting sand and deep cement. When that's dry they are laying another course of sand and cement and then laying the blocks on top. Of course you can then relay your crazy paving. Also then I have bought kiln sand. I purchased around 10 x 20kg for 120 Sq metres and they are just brushing it back and forth in between the cracks and holes.  

Answer 2

I actually own my own block paving cleaning company Firstly it should be cleaned with a rotary high pressured cleaner using only water. It's correct that you will then need to re-sand using kiln dried sand. Approx 1 bag per 40 sq.metres. Make sure the driveway is completely dry before putting the sand in...just a matter of sweeping it in all the cracks really. Normally the driveway should then be sealed to protect fro regrowth of moss,weeds etc which also gives it a great looking finish. Without knowing the extent of the damaged blocks, it would be difficult what treatment to recommend.

Just in case you are interested in a quote for all of the above, on an area that large we would charge £1.80-£2.80 per sq. mtr, depending on how dirty.Let me know if so, by email

Answer 3

I think you could be saved a lot of trouble.  I have just purchased a bottle of Stone Cleaner which you dilute and brush on to the stones, blocks or what have you.  Its made by a German firm called NANO and I would think you could obtain from any good Do it yourself store.  It was £10.00 and came highly rated, but I must tell you that  have not had time to try it. Mine came from Clean Easy and you will find it in their catalogue

Answer 4

1) Dropped blocks..remove, level with sand, replace to height necessary. It may take a couple of tries but you will get it right .... just stick with it...same sand as you are going to use for the seams.

2) Not sure why you are having this "steam cleaned." Why not acid wash the drive way...1 quart Muriatic acid to 1 gallon water...cover drive way then rinse about 1 hour later? IF you have oil on blocks, not sure steam or power washing is going to remove it anyway.

3) sand...you can use play sand...available at any home supply. Sand is sand, but play sand is clean, no mud in it. Sand does not settle...sweep into joints and you are finished, except loose sand is a pain in the rear, and can destroy floors in the house, so make sure all excess sand is swept/rinsed away. Good luck, Goldwing

Answer 5

You need kiln dried sand which you can get from Builders Merchant,  Wickes or B+Q.  It must be bone dry to brush into gaps between blocks. To keep it in place and stop weeds you then need to seal it. I used a silicone sealer on my drive.