6 October 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Are you still stuck with a concrete driveway? Maybe it’s time for you to ‘make a proper entrance’
Paving is as old as the Roman civilisation, and beyond. Paving which is thousands of years old can especially be seen around the Mediterranean region.As a man-made ground covering option; paving was the only solid option until portland cement was invented in 1824. While it’s true to say that cement is an amazing material for construction, but as a ground covering it has many disadvantages; including being ugly on installation, and cracking later on. Yet cement held an advantage over cut stone in that it is was cheap to install, and – lets be honest – that’s why the builders of most Irish housing estates loved it as a cheap and cheerful material for driveways.
Most people like to improve their house piece-meal over the years; doing everything from replacing a dated kitchen, to revealing hardwood flooring upstairs. It’s important to consider the exterior of the home also. Afterall, you see it everyday, as do your neighbours. Paving options have changed much in recent years. Historically, cut stone was the only option and it was expensive. Fortunately, production techniques have been refined so much so that some manufactured products can be almost indistinguishable from cut stone.
Manufactured products are cheaper than cut stone, so, if you considered paving in the past, and ruled it out for cost, then it’s time to take a second look.
Here are the key categories of what you can use as a hard surface:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Natural stone slabs
- Granite paving
- Sandstone paving
- Limestone paving
- Cobblelock paving
The popular locations for paving in Ireland are
- Driveways
- Patios
TheCork.ie spoke with DrivewayPaving.ie. This firm uses products from reputable suppliers such as Kilsaran, Roadstone, McMonagle Stone and Tobermore.
Director Tony Jupi says there are many important stages involved in any paving project.
Firstly we inspect the existing area; at this stage, we are looking for existing drainage, any evidence of drainage or water issues and the existing ground levels. From this
From this inspection, we decide the depth of digging and degree of fall that is required. Once this is done, we commence the preparation work. Once the necessary depth is reached any drainage required will be installed. Then we lay a sub base layer of 804 hard core and compact this using a plate compactor. Following
Once the necessary depth is reached any drainage required will be installed. Following this we lay a sub base layer of 804 hard core and compact this using a plate compactor. After that, we add a bedding layer. This is a sand mix that supports and holds the paving in place. Again the area will be compacted with a plate compactor to ensure a solid base for laying the paving product. Then the paving will be lay in a suitable pattern.
All full brick or slabs are initially laid. Then the cuts will be done neatly to ensure no gaps or variation in the lines. Once the whole area is laid, it will be closely inspected. This is to ensure no movement. The levels will also be re-checked to ensure no surface water will remain in the area. Finally the finishing touches will be done. This includes jointing the gaps between the bricks/slabs using sand or a cement mix depending on the product being used.
DrivewayPaving.ie is a Dublin based paving contractor that serves Dublin, Kildare and surrounding areas. If you are looking for the keywords of Paving Dublin, or Driveways Dublin then check out their website.
