Block paved drives, patios and paths, laid on a proper base
Block paved driveways, patios, paths and parking areas, dug out, built up on a compacted base and laid to fall with the edges haunched in concrete. This is the property maintenance side of J&L, and it gets the same treatment as the roofing: a written estimate first, the work done properly underneath where it does not show, and nothing to pay until it is finished.
Every driveway or patio, covered
Dug out to the depth the drive needs
A drive taking cars needs excavating properly and the spoil carting away, not levelling into the garden. Depth depends on the ground and what is parking on it, and around Horley that ranges from firm sand to heavy Weald clay. We dig to what is there, not to a number picked in advance.
Sub base, and plenty of it
Compacted MOT type 1 laid and whacked in layers rather than one deep lift, with a membrane over soft ground. This is the part of your driveway you will never see and the only part that decides whether it is still flat in ten years.
Edges haunched, not just laid
Every block drive spreads sideways under traffic unless the perimeter is restrained. Edge courses and kerbs are bedded and haunched in concrete on both sides so the field of paving has something solid to push against. Skip this and the joints open within two summers.
Laid to fall, jointed and compacted
Blocks cut in properly at the edges rather than filled with slivers, laid to a fall that takes water to a channel drain or a permeable margin, then kiln dried sand brushed in and vibrated home. Patios get the same base and falls, and a jointing compound that stays put.
Asked and answered
How long does a block paved driveway take?
A typical two car drive is around four to six working days from digging out to jointing, depending on size, access and how much spoil has to be carted away. Wet weather affects digging and concreting more than laying, and the written estimate gives you a realistic run of days.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
For most homes, no, provided the surface is permeable or the water is directed to a lawn, border or soakaway rather than straight into the road. Block paving with a permeable margin or a channel drain does that. Front gardens in the conservation areas around Reigate, Lingfield and Charlwood can have extra conditions, and we will flag it if we think yours does.
Will weeds grow through it?
Far less than people expect if it is built right. Membrane under the sub base, tight joints and polymeric or weed inhibiting sand deal with the vast majority. What you cannot stop entirely is seed blowing in and germinating in the joint sand itself, which is a brush and an occasional treatment rather than a fault.
Can you do a patio and a path at the same time?
Yes, and it is normally the cheapest way to get both. Steps, edging, a path round to the side gate and a bin standing are all much cheaper done while the materials, the skip and the team are already there.
Can you take the old concrete or tarmac away?
Yes. Breaking out and carting away old concrete, tarmac or a failed drive is normal work and it is priced in the written estimate rather than sprung on you on day one.
Driveways, Patios & Paths across east Surrey
Based in Smallfield, just outside Horley, so most of the work is within half an hour of the yard. If your postcode is not on the list, give us a ring anyway.
Planning a driveway or patio?
Free written estimate, and nothing to pay until you are happy with the job.