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Gardening

Block Paved Drives 2

(7 Posts)
Cabowich Mon 06-May-24 11:27:57

I've just read the first Block Paved Drive post today, and agree that the weeds are a total pain to deal with and that getting the driveway cleaned, sealed, sanded, etc, is a costly and generally ineffective way of getting rid of the weeds. (I too use the white vinegar, washing up liquid and salt method which works but only for a month or two).

My question is - does anybody have a better alternative to block paving? We hope to be moving this year and I need to start thinking of paving options.

Georgesgran Mon 06-May-24 11:40:01

Tarmac, gravel, plain or coloured impressed concrete?

I think with anything that needs ‘laying’ the site preparation is very important. Until I had my driveway cleaned, I never had any weeds - the jet pressure removed the sand! I’ve an area of pebbles in my garden and never had a weed, because of the membrane underneath, but my neighbour who had a ‘cowboy’ do some work in his garden has weeds coming through his membrane everywhere.

annsixty Mon 06-May-24 11:52:22

I would change my block paved drive in a heartbeat if (a) I could afford it, large drive and (b) I could justify the cost as I am very old and the house will be on the market in the “ not too near I hope” future.

annsixty Mon 06-May-24 11:54:52

Sorry I didn’t answer the question, I would go for impressed concrete, firstly ensuring it is safe in wet weather.
I have walked on one which was lethal when wet.

Cabowich Mon 06-May-24 14:18:55

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll bear them in mind and research them more when we finally get to move.

AreWeThereYet Mon 06-May-24 14:29:14

We decided on resin eventually, thinking it would be a safe (if costly) bet for long term use. Doesn't stop the moss, but we only get weeds that settle on top. If you already have tarmac it's quite a quick process, ours took two days. In actual fact the resin wasn't much more than we were quoted to have block paving because the block paving would have taken much longer so you're paying more for labour. A lot depends on the size of your drive.

Gin Mon 06-May-24 14:40:02

Please do allow a surface where water can drain into the soil instead of running into the drains and sewers. Solid concrete, resins and block paving may look nice and be very fashionable but we have a major problem with increased flooding and the rain needs to soak into the ground to prevent a sudden overload to the drainage system. Letting it soak into the ground slows this. Where I have lived for over 40 years all houses had planted front gardens and now this is a rarity as the majority are car parks. We now have flooding at the bottom of the village with water bubbling from the manholes. I am sure climate change is part of the problem but we can help to slow down the flow into tge drains.