Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have two cracks in my concrete path can you fill them before you clean and seal the surface?
2. After the drive has been sealed how easy is it to clean off new oil and dirty stains?
3. I have a few loose blocks and several broken ones. Does your company replace these?
4. I notice from your Plans that you offer a discount! Is it a genuine saving?
5. How long is it after giving you the order before you can start to do the work?
6. How long does the sealant last?
7. What about weed growth?
8. Will you come and just clean my driveway?
9. My Block Paved drive has been down for over ten years and has never been sealed before. Is it alright to seal it after so long time?
10. I see from your Plan sheet that you seal with both acrylic and 'urethane seals; which one do you recommend?
11. Why can't you clean and then immediately seal the surface?
12. Do you require both a water supply and electric point?
13. Why don't you recommend cleaning with a 'pressure jet'?
14. Is it ordinary sand you put between the blocks?
15. Is there any advantage in having a wet look finish?
16. My Concrete drive looks faded, can you restore the colours?
17. Does it kill all weeds?
18. Is it harmful to pets and plants?
19. Is there an Anti-slip Surface?
1. I have two cracks in my concrete path can you fill them before you clean and seal the surface?
Yes we can fill them with an epoxy resin mix. The problem is that after the repair cracks are more visually noticed. Our recommendation is to leave them. It is highly unlikely they will cause the path to move and crumble.
2. After the drive has been sealed how easy is it to clean off new oil and dirty stains?
Dependant on what sealer used and how long you leave the stains before attempting to clean off. Normally after sealing bad stains are much easier to clean with pressure washing. A stain removal solution can be used and any oil and grease will be removed. The urethane finish has high resistance to this "sort of mess" especially the "wet look" two coat system.
3. I have a few loose blocks and several broken ones. Does your company replace these?
Loose blocks can soon be re bedded. Normally with broken block we will replace it by uplifting a matching existing block from an inconspicuous area of the existing surface. This will be replaced with new one.
4. I notice from your Plans that you offer a discount! Is it a genuine saving?
Any discount we offer is a genuine saving. Our approach is to try to obtain business in a selected area on a weekly basis. By doing area group installations we safe money and so do you. This discount may not always be offered and we are strict on the period of the acceptance time.
5. How long is it after giving you the order before you can start to do the work?
We endeavor to start the cleaning within 14 days of order. This can vary according to the time of year and weather conditions.
6. How long does the sealant last?
The life expectancy of sealant varies for several reasons. Firstly the quality of the sealant used. Secondly, how much in the way of overhanging tree branches and foliage is adjacent to the surface. Dependant on these factors sealants can last from 3-8 years and sometimes longer. Of course the main factor is the frequency of the use of the surface.
With Pattern Inlaid Concrete surfaces weed growth is eliminated, on block weed growth does not come from below the block but from surface seeding. This can be minimized by spraying with a weed killer twice a year and keeping the block and sand well sealed.
8. Will you come and just clean my driveway?
Yes we will just clean a drive, path or patio (see our plan No.2)
No problem in cleaning & sealing a drive of any age. The older the block the more porous the surface is - more sealant is required. Good to do old drives, because they "come up" so well after cleaning and sealing.
We use two coates of acrylic sealant on Concrete Surfaces. Both Acrylic and 'Urethane' are suitable for block surfaces. 'Urethane' has a harder wearing surface and will last for a longer period and it is of course a little more expensive initially, but shows a saving over the longer time.
11. Why can't you clean and then immediately seal the surface?
After cleaning we need the surface to be dry - this may take a day or two. Sealants can not be sprayed or brushed onto a damp surface otherwise a milky film may occur under the sealant. Damp surfaces can lead to poor adhesion and discolouration.
12. Do you require both a water supply and electric point?
Our equipment is powered by diesel generated motors. However we do require a cold water supply. If a garden tap is available, that will suit our purpose fine.
13. Why don't you recommend cleaning with a 'pressure jet'?
We don't use a pressure jet washer, because over time this may cause damage on block surfaces by disturbing the bedding sand beneath the block. Our cleaning machine acts on a rotary blade and covers a larger surface therefore cleaning is not 'streaky' and the work is done much quicker.
14. Is it ordinary sand you put between the blocks?
Some block surfaces have had ordinary building sand used as jointing sand. This is incorrect! We always use a kiln dried sharp sand for jointing. This type of sand binds together better and the 'urethane' binds the grains together as 'a sand binder'. Ask for a sample of treated sand - 'nail breaking stuff'!!!
15. Is there any advantage in having a wet look finish?
The appearance of a 'Wet look' surface is entirely a matter of choice. However, 'Wet look' is a two coat system and is more resistant to stain, oil and grease penetration.
16. My Concrete drive looks faded, can you restore the colours?
Most Pattern Imprinted Drives after cleaning and sealing are restored with the patterns and colours becoming vibrant again.
During the 'cleaning' we apply a 'weed killer'. After re sanding the 'sand binder' and urethane sealant protect the sanded joints and surface area from weeds putting down their roots - read leaflets enclosed.
18. Is it harmful to pets and plants?
As we spray near garden areas our work person uses a protection board which prevents the sealant from overspray, causing damage to plants and garden areas. We take extra precautions around fish ponds and water areas. During the initial drying period (approx. 4 hours) it is essential to keep children and pets away from the installation.
19. Is there an Anti-slip Surface?
See Technical Data sheet Rhino-Grip Anti skid additive (enclosed in pack).
One method of making a good anti-slip surface on block surface is that after coat of urethane is applied we 'broadcast' dry silica sand to the area followed with a second coat of urethane.
Any more questions please ask our surveyor on his visit.