Builder drives and their problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ruts where the car parks | Thin or poorly compacted sub-base | Lift, re-base, re-lay the same blocks |
| Blocks spreading at the edge | Weak edge restraint | Re-set the edge course in concrete |
| Weeds and moss | Joint sand washed out | Clean, re-sand, consider a sealer |
| Puddles by the garage | Poor falls | Re-lay to a proper fall or add a channel drain |
Widening for another car
Finding the same blocks is usually possible if you know the make and colour. Taking in a strip of lawn often needs the dropped kerb extended, which goes through the council.
Resin overlays
If you would rather have a smooth finish, resin can sometimes be laid over a sound base. It will not drain through an impermeable layer, so the falls and edges need planning.
Repairs to builder-laid drives
Builder-laid block paving on newer estates often sinks in the wheel tracks or around inspection covers within a few years. The blocks can usually be lifted, the base made good and the same blocks relaid. See driveway repairs.
Common questions
Can sunken blocks be reused?
Usually, yes, after the base is rebuilt.
Will new blocks match the old?
Often, if you can identify the original block. Slight colour differences fade with weathering.
Is resin over block paving a good idea?
No. Blocks move, and the resin can crack. Lift them first.
Do I need permission to widen?
The kerb needs council approval. The drive itself usually does not if it drains properly.