Block paving repairs?

[jigman1]

Can anyone give me some tips on how to repair the edge bricks of my block paving that have come loose .There looks to have been a concrete wedge built into the side of the edge blocks and under the soil, but this has all but disintergrated. How far do I dig down to prepare for the new concrete and what is the best mix of sand/cement for this purpose. thanks.

[Diamondson]

The reason the old concrete has crumbled is almost certaily due to lack of cement in the mix. The minimum cement in poportion to sand and stone is 1 part cement, 2 parts gritty sand and 4 parts 1/2" limestone chippings. Cement is expensive but don't be tempted to cut down on the quantity. This is known as 6 to 1 mix.

The job is simple enough but quite hard work. You need to allow 3 to 4" of bedding under the blocks. Having dug out your trench lay in a good bed of semi dry concrete and lay in your blocks directly onto this, tapping them down to get them level. Don't get the concrete too wet. Then back up the blocks with a good wedge of concrete. This is to prevent them moving backwards if caught with the car tyres. Depending on how many blocks you need to replace, you could get a few bags of ready mixed material from B&Q. Do not use smooth building sand. Hope this is of help to you. Peter

[jigman1]

Thanks for your excellent answer. You certainly are a diamond.....son!