Putting sand into block pavers

Discussion in 'Builders' Talk' started by CCooperTech, Nov 19, 2020.

  1. CCooperTech

    CCooperTech New Member

    Hi all,
    My first post here but I always found it a good source of information (and entertainment).
    I had a block paving driveway laid about a month back, but due to damp weather they didn't put the kiln dried sand in and asked if I'd do it.
    Over a month later and the blocks have not dried at all, we have only had 2 days where it has not rained and they did not dry on those days.
    I cannot infill the block and therefore cannot use the drive.
    Question: Is there any way to force block paving to dry out enough to put sand into the joints?
     
  2. masterdiy

    masterdiy Screwfix Select

    You mean they didn't install under floor heating?????? :)

    No help re the sand, but I think the idea is to not stain the blocks when they are wet.
     
  3. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    It's to do with the sand getting right down between the blocks so that they get locked together by friction with each other. That's what makes it a flexible paving system and spreads the load over multiple blocks - almost like a floating concrete slab above a layer of sand over a layer of MOT Type 1.

    You are right not to drive on it yet as the individual blocks aren't locked to their neighbour so you risk pushing them into the sand substrate and creating an uneven surface. If it doesn't become dry enough soon you could lay some plywood boards down to spread the load but they won't be much use for anything else after a while so it could prove expensive.
     
    masterdiy likes this.
  4. Abrickie

    Abrickie Screwfix Select

    If the area is just damp rather than wet, a roofers torch works
     
    WillyEckerslike likes this.
  5. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    I've tried that before but it seemed to bring salts out of the blocks which discoloured them a little. It could have been too wet and I was trying to get them too hot I suppose.

    Much as I love working outdoors whenever I can, it doesn't take long on an indoor project before the weather forecast isn't your first waking and last bedtime thought....
     
  6. Abrickie

    Abrickie Screwfix Select

    It’s a case of small areas at a time, and low heat, ideally a 2 person job ( 1 brush 1 torch). :)
     
    WillyEckerslike likes this.
  7. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Wrong...it's 3 men, you forgot the bloke with the tweezers.:cool:
     
  8. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    That's a different crack Astra...
     
    Astramax likes this.
  9. masterdiy

    masterdiy Screwfix Select

    And the 4th Guy that shovels the sand.....
     
  10. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    ..one grain at a time sweet Jesus, one grain at a time...who sang that?
     
  11. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    Was it the 'Beach' Boys?
     
    Astramax likes this.
  12. Abrickie

    Abrickie Screwfix Select

    Me, on day rate ;)
     
    Astramax likes this.
  13. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Thought they sang 'Mr Sandman'.:oops:
     
    WillyEckerslike likes this.
  14. welshblue

    welshblue Active Member

    Sad knowing this ... Lena Martell ... and now I can't get the original out of my head
     
    Astramax and WillyEckerslike like this.
  15. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    I was wrong. It was Adam and the Ants - Sand and deliver.
     
    CCooperTech, welshblue and Astramax like this.
  16. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    1954 Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra, later in the same year it was sung by The Chordettes, also Dickie Valentine recorded it in the same year.
     
    welshblue likes this.
  17. welshblue

    welshblue Active Member

    Never post on pain meds' ... I had One Day At a Time in my head when I should have been thinking of the Lynne Hanson One Grain At a Time (don't know if it's the same song)
     
  18. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    It'll do! :D
     
  19. CCooperTech

    CCooperTech New Member

     
  20. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    The nights are now cold and damp, same in the morning to around 10ish, on a good day, a little warmth to around 3ish, cold and damp from then onwards (all this you know I’m sure):)

    So only a small window of dry, warmish weather on the days that are favourable so not much opportunity for the blocks to fully dry

    I would just go for it on a day that has been proceeded by a couple of dry days and it’s reasonably warm in the middle of the day

    Nothing can really go wrong, even though it’s not ideal weather conditions. The kiln dried paving sand won’t stain the blocks as it’s washed and clean sand and usually light, almost white in colour (done mine around a month ago, Tarmac Paving Sand

    As above, ideally you want the blocks fully dry and a warm day so the sand flows like in an egg-timer and fully fills the gaps between the blocks

    Damp blocks will make the sand damp and some will flow but also clump and more than likely not achieve a full depth fill

    Keep brushing and I also tapped my drive with a fencing post to rattle the sand down into the blocks

    Top up the sand in the spring when it’s settled and better weather has arrived

    I’m thinking some will be better than none
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2020
    CCooperTech and stevie22 like this.

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