Block paving driveway, Mere Green
Owner action: confirm Andrew’s permission to use the quote and first name, and map this case study to the exact legacy photo set before production DNS cutover.
The brief
The owners moved into a Mere Green semi in 2018 and inherited a 1980s concrete driveway that had been patched several times. By the winter of 2025 the cracks along the original expansion joints had widened, the surface had dished towards the front porch, and standing water was running back to the wall at the base of the front bay. We were called in after a neighbour two doors down recommended us.
The brief was straightforward: a driveway that would last, a surface that did not need pressure washing every spring, and proper drainage so that the next decade of winters did not undo the work.
What we proposed
After an on-site visit and a quick look in the existing manhole, Gary proposed:
- Full excavation of the existing concrete - overlaying was not going to be a sound base.
- MOT Type 1 sub-base to 200 mm, laid in compacted layers.
- Marshalls Drivesett Argent in light silver with a Drivesett Tegula charcoal border. Both ranges are concrete blocks with well-known longevity and good replacement availability.
- ACO HexDrain linear channel across the entrance, tied into the existing surface-water drain in the front garden, to stop highway water tracking back to the property.
- Edge restraint concrete-haunched along all three boundaries to prevent the surface migrating.
How it went
| Day | Work |
|---|---|
| 1 | Site set-up, excavation, spoil removal. |
| 2 | Sub-base, edge restraints, ACO trench. |
| 3 | Compaction, laying course, first half of blocks laid. |
| 4 | Remaining blocks, cuts, kiln-dried sand brushed in. |
| 5 | Vibrate, second sand brush, photographs, sign-off and handover. |
Weather was kind in the second week of April, so no time was lost to standing wet.
The outcome
Block paving driveway with a 25-year-plus expected life on the sub-base, full edge restraint, and drainage that handles the worst of West Midlands winter rain. The owner has the build-up photos for their records and a written 10-year workmanship guarantee.
If you are nearby in Mere Green, Four Oaks or the wider B75 area and want to see how the work has aged, ask and we can usually arrange a drive-by with the owner’s permission.
Get a similar driveway quoted
Get a free on-site quote or call Gary on 0121 250 4438.
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