Block Paving Norwich
Block paving cleaning and re-sanding
Block Paving Norwich cleans and re-sands block paving in Norwich and across Norfolk, clearing moss, weeds and grime from driveways and patios and refilling the joints so the blocks lock together again.
About block paving cleaning and re-sanding
Over the years block paving collects dirt, moss, algae and weeds, and the sand that locks the blocks together washes out of the joints. The surface goes dark and green, becomes slippery in the wet and starts to look tired, even though the paving itself is usually sound. A proper clean and re-sand brings most block paving back.
Cleaning is done with a rotary surface cleaner on a pressure washer, which cleans evenly and keeps the spray down, followed by a rinse to take the dirty water and old jointing material away. Stubborn weeds are taken out by hand, and stains such as rust or algae can be pre-treated.
Once the paving has dried, fresh kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints and the surface is vibrated so the sand packs down. Refilling the joints matters as much as the clean itself: it holds the blocks firmly and leaves less room for weeds. A sealer can then be applied if you would like one.
What is included
What a clean and re-sand normally includes.
- Weed and moss removalWeeds pulled from the joints and heavy moss scraped off before washing.
- Pre-treatmentAlgae or stained areas treated before cleaning, where needed.
- Rotary surface cleanThe whole area cleaned with a rotary surface cleaner for an even finish.
- Rinse downDirty water and old jointing material rinsed away from the paving, walls and doors.
- DryingThe paving left to dry before re-sanding, so the sand flows into the joints.
- Kiln-dried sandFresh kiln-dried sand brushed into every joint.
- Optional sealingA sealer applied once the sand has settled, if you choose one.
What to plan before you book
A few things worth thinking about before the work is priced.
Water and access
A pressure washer needs a supply of water. An outside tap makes things easier; tell us if you do not have one.
Cars and pots
The paving needs to be clear of cars, bins and pots on the day.
Drains
Washing sends water and silt towards drains and gullies, so tell us where they are.
Neighbours
Spray can travel. A word with neighbours about cars or washing on the line helps.
Drying weather
Re-sanding and sealing need dry weather, so the job is weather dependent.
Good to know
Not too much pressure
Too much pressure too close damages the surface of concrete blocks and blasts sand from the joints. A rotary cleaner keeps the clean even.
Moss comes back
Shady, damp areas will grow moss and algae again over time. Regular sweeping slows it down.
Sealing is a choice
Sealer can make paving easier to clean and enrich its colour, but it needs re-applying and is not right for every surface.
Permeable paving is different
Permeable paving should be refilled with grit, not sand, so the water can still pass through.
Some stains stay
Oil, rust and tyre marks may fade but not disappear completely, even after a thorough clean.
How it works
-
Step 1: Enquiry
You tell us about the paving through the enquiry form, with photos if you can.
-
Step 2: Look and price
We look at the area, from photos or a visit, and give you a price.
-
Step 3: Clean
We remove weeds and moss, then clean and rinse the whole surface.
-
Step 4: Re-sand
Once it is dry, we brush kiln-dried sand into the joints and vibrate it in.
-
Step 5: Finish
We clear up and, if you chose it, come back to apply a sealer.
Questions customers ask
How is block paving cleaned?
Weeds and moss are taken out, the surface is cleaned with a rotary surface cleaner on a pressure washer and rinsed, then the joints are refilled with kiln-dried sand.
Why re-sand after cleaning?
Cleaning washes out some of the old jointing sand. Refilling the joints holds the blocks tightly together and leaves less room for weeds.
Should I seal my block paving?
Sealing is optional. It can make paving easier to keep clean and bring out the colour, but it needs re-applying over time.
Will cleaning damage my paving?
Done carefully with the right equipment, cleaning should not damage sound paving. Very high pressure held close can mark the surface, which is why a rotary cleaner is used.
Will the moss come back?
In shady, damp spots it will return over time. Sweeping regularly and keeping the joints full helps slow it down.
Can you remove oil stains?
Oil stains can be reduced with treatment, but they rarely disappear completely. Badly stained blocks can be replaced.
Other block paving work we do
-
Block paving driveways
New block paved driveways, from the dig-out and sub-base to the last swept joint.
-
Block paved patios
Block paved patios and seating areas for back gardens, laid to fall away from the house.
-
Permeable block paving
Paving that lets rain soak through the joints, for front gardens where drainage matters.
-
Block paving repairs and relaying
Lifting and relaying sunken, rocking or broken areas of an existing block paved surface.
Get a quote
Tell us about the area and where you are in Norfolk, and we'll come back to you to talk it through.