The process of block paving cleaning or driveway cleaning can be simply broken down in 3 stages:

1.      The application of a weed killer should the driveway or patio be particularly weedy. Although it should be noted that heavily weeded block paving can be an indication of poorly laid paving and a substandard base and no amount of weed killer or cleaning will permanently reduce the weeds from appearing from underneath the paving.

2.      The clean firstly using a rotary surface cleaner to ensure the bulk of the driveway is cleaned in a systematic and uniform way. Then cleaning with a lance to remove those awkward uncleaned  areas that have been particularly awkward to get to with the rotary surface cleaner.Including the kerbs and edges and tight corners.

3.      The application of kiln dried sand once the driveway has dried sufficiently over several days to allow the sand to be swept into the block paving joints.

Here in our latest video Block Paving Maintenance detail the process of driveway or pation cleaning.

VAT Registration

We have now become VAT registered GB 121 689120 being the registration for Block Paving Maintenance. Although the companies founders and staff and have been in the block paving industry for many years it shows Block Paving Maintenance has been growing from strength to strength since its inception meeting all its customers needs in the block paving installation, repair, refurbishment , cleaning and sealing market.

We can attribute our success purely to our customer focus with the provision of a first rate service at a competitive price and a guarantee for all our block paving installation, repair and refurbishment services which in turn has lead to our acquiring our new VAT registration number.

As the company of choice for all block paving cleaning and sealing as well as being the number one choice for all block paving repairs and installations it is this success that has ensured we have had to become VAT registered.

Rather than take our word for it you may want to check it out for yourself. You can go to the following link to check any Vat registration number EUROPA site - Validation. Type in the VAT number leaving out the spaces and its validation as a registered number will be confirmed. You can always try for yourself with GB 12 16891 20.

Alternatively if you want to check our customer focus yourself for any potential block paving repair or refurbishment work you may need. Just ask us for our customer testimonials or arrange to speak to any of our past customers, we are that confident.

If you are worried that this may lead to a knock on higher price for your domestic block paving repair, cleaning or sealing work, we promise that we will not be increasing your final price as we will absorb the VAT increase.

So if you were considering having some work that involved either a domestic block paving repair or installation it would in most cases attract VAT at 20 %. However we will reduce the price by the VAT that is required to be added so there is no increase in the final cost for your block paving repair.

This is just another example of our customer focus and why so many people choose Block Paving Maintenance for all their hard surface installation, repair, refurbishment and maintenance requirements. Why not check this out for yourself by contacting us for a free no obligation quotation.

Waste Carriers Licence

Block Paving Maintenance are now licensed by the Environment Agency as Waste Carriers. As required by The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Control of Pollution (amendment) Act 1989 our new licence number which can be checked out at the Environment Agency’s website is CB/CM3688GR.

This means that we have expanded our services available to the benefit of our customers. Not only can we offer a great range of block paving, driveway and patio installation, repair, cleaning and sealing services we can personally remove the waste generated by these services from your premises without the need for having to hire costly skips and grab aways.

Even the waste generated from a service as simple as block paving or driveway cleaning can legally be removed by us and removed by skip at a later date in a much more cost effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Not to be registered and to carry waste is an offence which can lead to fines and prosecution. Even homeowners must show a duty of care by ensuring any waste is removed by an authorised person holding the relevant licence. The Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 require all householders to make sure their waste is removed from their premises by registered waste carriers. Failing to do so could result in fines of up to £5,000.

To ensure the use of a registered company ask to see their waste carriers licence or check they are registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 and requesting a waste carrier validation check or  checking the online public register of waste carriers (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/).

Block Paving Maintenance has a long term goal to recycle the waste in line with their environmental policy and their commitment to green issues. The aim is to recycle all waste. Concrete dug up from driveway and block paving installations and repairs can be reused within the industry as a sub base and hard core material for further paving projects. As can old block pavers and off cuts from block paving repairs which can all be recycled into a graded crushed concrete. Similarly metal drums used in sealing block paving and driveways can be also be recycled removing the need for waste to go to environmentally unfriendly landfill sites.

So ensure your next contractor can offer the services available that Block Paving Maintenance can and that they and you are fully compliant and protected by the law where waste is concerned.

Block paving and driveway cleaning and the importance or jointing sand

Following any block paving cleaning or cleaning a driveway great care must be taken to ensure that any joint sand lost in the process of cleaning is replaced. The main strength of block paving lies in the jointing sand between the blocks and the bedding layer and sub base layers the block paving is laid on.

The joints and jointing sand allow the blocks to interlock and bond with each other gripping tightly and spreading any surface load over the entire block paving. This load is then distributed through the bedding layer and the sub base into the ground. Block paving maintains its maximum strength and integrity when all three aspects work together. A failure in any one area can affect the whole paving whilst a failure in the jointing sand can lead to a failure in both the bedding and the base layers.

Using pressure washers when cleaning block paving causes the sand between the blocks to be forced out under the pressure of the water, this lack of sand between the blocks causes a void into which water has access to both the bedding and sub base layers.

Allowing any water access to the base layer when cleaning block paving can cause it to become unstable increasing its inability to withstand any load placed on it. At the surface this allows wheel ruts and depressions to be formed when vehicles and traffic are brought onto the paving. These depressions can cause further problems with water pooling that can occur allowing the base layer to become even more water saturated further compounding the problem. In the most severe of cases the movement can be so much that the blocks themselves break. Any such issue will result in having to relay the bedding and or sub base layer.

Jointing sand can also be flushed away with water introduced from more natural sources and not just when cleaning the driveway or block paving. This can be especially relevant for block paving on a steep slope. Where heavy rain may cause it to be flushed out leaving the paving unprotected. To prevent this and to allow ease of  future cleaning, block paving can be sealed using a clear lacquer that will set hard but retain enough flexibility allowing the blocks to move and settle but to also protect the jointing sand from being removed. Following sealing the sand is in essence glued solidly into the joints with a hard but flexible surface keeping water at bay.

Therefore it is essential that with any cleaning of a block paving surface or driveway the sand is always replaced. All commercial trades should do this without prompting nor with a need to sell it as an extra service following any cleaning or refurbishment work. However resanding can only be carried out when the block paving is sufficiently dry following cleaning. Any moisture will not allow the sand to run smoothly between joints, but merely to clump together and sit on the surface.

It should be accepted that block paving cleaning can use large quantities of water which can take a considerable time to dry especially outside of the summer months. The surface of the blocks may appear dry after cleaning but the joints will take considerably longer to dry especially in shaded areas. Similarly after cleaning it will not be sufficient to use a blower to dry the joints.

If the joints aren’t dry enough after cleaning the jointing sand won’t flow into the entire joint but merely clump at the surface. When the block paving does dry the sand will slump to the bottom leaving a void at the top of the block. At best this will allow weeds and dirt access that will very quickly ensure the paving requires a further clean but at worst it may allow water to destabilise the base layers.

The sand used for filling the joints has a specific function and is purpose made for the job. Referred to as kiln dried sand it can be obtained in 25 Kg bags from any DIY store or builders merchant. As it implies it has been kiln dried to control its moisture content so it best kept in the sealed bag out of the way of possible ingress of water especially if being used in association with the cleaning of any driveway or block paving. Not only is its moisture content controlled but also its grain size for which there is a British Standard all of which ensures that it is easily and readily flows between the joints in the block paving. It is best managed with a clean dry soft broom used to sweep it over the surface of the blocks until the joints are full. Any excess sand not filling the joint should be swept away and  rebagged for further use on the next clean.

Block Paving and Driveway Cleaning a Basic Introduction

There is currently a wide range of cleaning materials, products and equipment that are suitable for cleaning block paving, paths, patios and driveways. They range from scrapers, brooms, brushes and cleaning agents, to power washers which include those fixed to the end of a hose being water pressure powered to electrical or mechanical petrol or diesel powered pumps. Some with potentially high pressures capable of doing more harm than good when incorrectly used for cleaning on block paving.

There is a multitude of cleaning machines purposely designed and built specifically for the block paving and driveway cleaning market. Gone are the days of hours spent with a lance cleaning a driveway by hand individually jet washing clean each block by block only to finish with a stripy non uniform finish. Now are the times of self propelled rotary cleaners that give a consistent and thorough or deep cleaned finish as it is now called to any paving surface or driveway.

By using this range of equipment most unsightly marks such as mud, dirt, horticultural stains, weeds, moss and slippery algae can be comprehensively removed and any hard surface can be catered for including the cleaning of:

·         Block paving and block paved driveways

·         Patios and paths

·         Slabwork and flagstones

·         Concrete and pattern imprinted concrete

·         Tarmac

·         Stone & brick walls

·         Decking

·         Hard surface sports pitches

A simple cleaning  of any block paving and driveways can always be carried out by giving them a good sweep with a stiff broom to remove any debris, followed by a wash with a proprietary cleaner a hose down after and a quick sanding to replace any lost jointing sand from the cleaning process.

For a more severe clean or for larger areas such as driveway cleaning a power washer can be engaged. A small domestic electric pressure washer connected to a hose can be a useful tool for the removal of weeds and moss that have taken hold in the jointing sand along with cleaning away any dirt and grime.

Prior to any cleaning the area should be swept clear to avoid any surface rubbish becoming a hazard during cleaning. If using a lance it should be kept at a shallow angle to the paving the nozzle of the lance can be adjusted to give the required jet of water sufficient to be effective and the distance it is held from the paving should be enough to clean effectively but without blasting out any jointing sand when cleaning block paving or any pointing when cleaning patios and slab work.

Care should be taken that any dislodged material such as pointing or any surface rubbish does not cause any damage if caught in the spray of the nozzle it can become blasted out in a missile like fashion.

Electric pressure washers now come with small rotary washers as part of the package that can be connected for use thereby reducing the need for the lance on the majority of the job. This will help remove the stripping effect obtained when cleaning a large area with a lance it will also contain a lot of the spray when cleaning block paving but they won’t get into the awkward corners. This is where a lance will have to be used and extreme care must be taken with the force of water when used in such a small environment.

For those large jobs such as driveway cleaning or commercial premises the professional’s choice of cleaning machine will be to use a larger diesel powered pressure washer these can produce extreme pressures of up to 3000 psi or more and can be of greater benefit than an electric powered machine.

However size is not necessarily beneficial more care has to be taken to not blast out jointing material especially when cleaning block paving. For the more powerful machines it could start to affect the sub base material if the force of water is that great that it washes away the jointing sand wand then permeates beneath the blocks in large quantities with potentially dire consequences. Another disadvantage to power washing is that it can damage paving. The pressure should be adjusted to be sufficient to give a good clean. Excess pressure can damage blocks causing them to break up particularly those cheaper blocks on the market. Some natural stone and flag stones can also be damaged by too high a pressure in that they can delaminate where the natural layers of compressed stone come away from each other as water is forced underneath the individual layers when cleaning.

Again with the use of the more powerful machines the jointing material must always be replaced especially for block paving where the sand is integral to the blocks strength as a whole and there is little point in cleaning paving only to allow areas where weeds will manifest themselves thus requiring further cleaning at a later date.

With regards any cleaning preparation as always is the key to a successful job.  The area should be swept first and thought given to the cleaning process. A note should be mentally taken of where any excess water will flow and the sequence of cleaning. All cleaning should be done systematically when cleaning block paving the pattern and landmarks such as building features can used to section off areas for cleaning. Once cleaned the area should  be washed or hosed down any excess water brushed away leaving a clean looking area.

Once block paving or any paving with jointing sand has been cleaned it should look allowed to dry thoroughly before any jointing sand is replaced or pointing undertaken If its slab work.

Pressure washing can not remove all marks or stains chemicals may need to be applied for the removal of oil stain like engine oil or fuel oils. Most pressure washers have the capability to automatically add detergents as they run by connecting the detergent inline to the pressurised water flow. Thus use of such degreasers can be a valuable to cleaning driveways of oil stains. Alternatively a pre-treatment oil displacing agent can be applied prior to cleaning.

Cement, tar and paint will have to be removed by manual methods prior to cleaning with a pressure washer.

Finally cleaning can truly bring back the glory to any paving especially bringing out the colours in natural stone or block paving. But it can only clean what is already there it cant return to new or restore colours that have faded through UV degradation over the years

Once cleaned it may well be worth investing in some form of protection for the paving as well as allowing for something that will offer future ease of cleaning. The remedy would be the provision of a block and paving sealer.

Tarmac Sealing Block Paving Sealing

As any paving, block paving and hard surface, tarmac can be susceptible to deterioration caused by the weather, constant exposure to UV light and water can cause cracks to appear and tarmac to dry out and surface fretting and stone loss to occur. Water ingress can then allow these cracks to open up combined with cold weather freezing this can accelerate the deterioration causing even larger cracks. This will then allow water to penetrate the sub base potentially causing larger holes and serious long term damage. Damage from ultraviolet rays will also cause colour fading.

Further damage can be caused by weeds growing through cracks leading to increased deterioration along with petrol, diesel and oil spillages which can effectively dissolve the tarmac.

As with any block paving sealing tarmac sealing can protect the surface by creating a barrier against UV light and water. Any Tarmac sealer and restorer will also protect against stains and damage form fuel oils like petrol and diesel. It will help prevent surface cracks, stone loss and fretting preventing the ingress of water and weeds that will accelerate the deterioration of the tarmac.

Not only protecting the tarmac a tarmac sealer will restore surface colour loss helping cover any unsightly permanent stains helping to make any tarmac repairs and reinstatements less noticeable by providing an attractive uniform coloured surface. A tarmac sealer is more effective and durable than tarmac paints. 

Like block paving sealing the benefits of a tarmac sealer can be identified as:

·         Provides a protective and durable long term refurbishment product.

·         Seals waterproofs and protects tarmac and driveways.

·         Reduces fretting or stone loss and increases the life span of the driveway.

·         Protects form damage from fuel oil spillages.

·         Resists further staining.

·         Restores colour loss from Tarmac.

·         Reduces the look of unsightly repairs and reinstatements.

·         Reduces unsightly stains or markings.

·         Provides a uniform coloured surface.

·         Rejuvenates driveways and provides kerb appeal.

·         Long lasting.

·         Allows for future recoating.

·         Allows for easier future maintenance and cleaning.

·         Is extremely cost effective.

Remember Block Paving Maintenance has the ability and expertise to repair and seal all paving and hard surfaces. We are the number 1 name in block paving sealing and tarmac sealing.

Buy With Confidence

Block Paving Maintenance has just completed a stringent vetting system to become Trading Standards Approved through the Local Authority Buy With Confidence trusted trader scheme.

The scheme vets those companies who show a commitment to customer focus and operate in a legal and honest manner providing consumers confidence in the provision of their service or goods without the fear of dealing with a “dodgy” trader.

Going that extra mile to prove to our customers our commitment to them meant we had to put ourselves through a strict vetting procedure. This included CRB checks for all our employees, a thorough audit on our paper work system, our contracts, terms and conditions, Insurance and appraisals researched from previous customers. Having come through with an A grade we can now display the Buy With Confidence logo with pride.

All our customers will recognise that we already show a commitment to our customers and offer a service second to none. However when looking for some one to carry out an installation, block paving repairs, driveway clean or block paving sealing, look for a company displaying the Buy With Confidence logo.

We are highly confident that it would be us that you choose and you can be assured that we take pride in our work and guarantee our services with the proof from a professional body auditing traders and backed up with customer support

Block Paving Maintenance Advice for Block Paving Sealers

At Block Paving Maintenance we have built up an extensive knowledge and expertise in the application of many different types of sealers to many different types of surface. Provisionally starting in block paving sealing and driveway sealing the market has grown substantially and there are now a variety of uses for sealers.

Block paving sealing or driveway sealing may no longer be the specific function for many sealers but their primary purpose still remains the same and which can be identified as the following:

·         Jointing sand stabilization.

Stabilizing the joint sand prevents its erosion by the elements such as wind and rain, manual methods such as sweeping or washing or by its removal by pests such as ants or rodents undermining block paving. Sealing the joint sand increases the structural integrity and therefore the strength of any sealed block paving.

·         Eliminates weed growth and reduces colonization by algae and moss.

With no ability for joint sand to be removed there is little provision for voids to develop that will harbor and encourage weed growth and the collection of detritus that will feed the weeds. This will also provide a smaller foot print for moss and algae to adhere to.

·         Reduces the undermining of blocks by invertebrates and pests.

With the joint sand around the blocks being sealed any pests find it  more difficult to establish themselves by undermining the paving.

·         Protects against engine and fuel oils spillages and most chemicals.

The protective seal on the surface of the blocks prevents fuel oils and chemical spills from working their way in the block structure and can be simply washed away after sitting on the surface.

• Reduces efflorescence.

With the sealing on the blocks it prevents the ingress of water that will dissolve soluble salts in the blocks. This would then gradually work its way to the surface where the water will evaporate leaving a white salt on the paving.

·         Offers surface uv protection and weather resistance.

The varnish like sealing coat applied to the top of the blocks will help reduce any UV degradation as well that caused by other elements such as the wind and rain.

·         Enhances colour.

The sealing coat will enhance but not change the colour of the block underneath the protective coat unless the sealant is colour tinted itself. Specific sealers are used for colour tinting decorative concretes.

·         Allows for the ease of future cleaning.

The very nature of a protective coat sealing the blocks and jointing sand allows by its very nature for ease of future cleaning.

With so many uses for block paving sealer it is important to ensure the correct application for sealing the correct type of paving. Different sealers are required to be applied for different surfaces,

There are sealers suitable for sealing:

·         Block paving.

·         Clay paving.

·         Natural stone,

·         Slate.

·         Sandstone.

·         Marble.

·         Travertine.

·         Terracotta.

·         Flagstone.

·         Imprinted concrete.

·         Concrete.

·         Roof tiles.

·         Tarmac.

·         Wood.

·         Ceramic tiles.

The list is potentially endless and care should be taken in the choice of the correct product for the correct job. If in doubt seek professional advice or the recommendations of the manufacturer should be sought.

Remember At Block Paving Maintenance we have built up an extensive knowledge and expertise in the use of all types sealers form what was once originally block paving sealing and driveway sealing through to pattern imprinted concrete and tarmac sealers and restorers.