Block paving repair in Exeter
Professional block paving repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Block paving repairs done properly - I lift the affected area, sort out whatever's causing the problem underneath, then relay it level and stable. Small repairs save you relaying the whole lot.
Fix the Problem, Not Just the Symptom
Sunken paving or cracked blocks don't fix themselves. They just get worse until you're looking at a bigger, pricier job.
💡 Pro tip: Block paving is designed to be lifted and relaid - that's the beauty of it. A localised repair now saves thousands on a full replacement later.
What Causes Block Paving to Fail?
| Problem | What's Happening | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sunken patch | Base has washed away or settled | Dig out, add/compact sub-base, relay blocks |
| Cracked blocks | Vehicle overloading or impact damage | Replace damaged blocks, check base |
| Spreading/movement | Sand joints empty, no edge restraint | Relay properly, refill joints, check edges |
| Dip near drain | Collapsed drain or poor haunching | Fix drain issue, rebuild base, relay |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Diagnose | Work out why it's failed, not just fix the surface |
| Excavate | Lift affected blocks carefully (salvage what's good) |
| Reinstate | Sort the base, compact properly, relay level |
| Finish | Sand joints, ensure drainage works, clean up |
📦 You're Left With
- Level, stable paving
- Problem actually sorted, not bodged
- Joints properly filled
- Peace of mind it won't just sink again
Pricing Guide
| Repair Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Few blocks (under 1m²) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Small patch (1-2m²) | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Larger area (2-3m²) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Includes labour and jointing sand. New blocks and base materials extra if needed - quoted before I start.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Sunken driveway patch - get it level before it spreads
✅ Cracked or broken blocks - replace before they trip someone
✅ Drainage issues - water pooling where it shouldn't
✅ Before selling - kerb appeal matters, wonky paving doesn't help
Why Choose Us for Block paving repair in Exeter?
Sunken areas lifted and relevelled properly
Damaged blocks replaced to match existing
Base sorted if it's causing the problem
No need to relay the whole driveway
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess & Explain
I'll check what's actually causing the problem - no point relaying blocks if the base underneath is still dodgy. I'll explain what needs doing and why.
Step 2: Lift & Fix Base
Carefully lift the blocks (most can be reused), dig down to sort the base issue. Add/compact sub-base material properly - this is where the long-term fix happens.
Step 3: Relay & Finish
Blocks go back down level and tight. Joints filled with kiln-dried sand, all swept clean. If we needed new blocks, I'll place them where they blend best.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is doable DIY if you're prepared to get stuck in:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Spade and bricklaying trowel
- Lump hammer and cold chisel (to lift blocks)
- Wheelbarrow
- Plate compactor (hire from tool shop)
- Spirit level and string line
- Screed board (straight length of timber)
🏗️ The proper process
- Mark out the area to lift - go a bit wider than the problem
- Lever blocks up with a bolster/cold chisel - work carefully
- Dig out failed base material (should be compacted hardcore/type 1)
- Add fresh sub-base in layers, compact each layer (don't skip this!)
- Add 40mm of sharp sand, screed it level
- Relay blocks on the sand bed, working backwards so you don't walk on it
- Compact gently, fill joints with kiln-dried sand
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not digging deep enough to find the real problem
- Skipping the compaction (it'll just sink again)
- Using building sand instead of sharp sand for bedding
- Not maintaining the existing fall (drainage needs to work)
💡 Pro trick: If you can't find matching blocks, take from under a car parking spot or somewhere inconspicuous, then put the mis-matched ones there instead. Nobody looks under your car.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 Can we still use the drive? Usually yes - I'll do the repair in sections if needed so you've always got access. Just can't drive over fresh work for 24 hours while it settles.
Finding matching blocks? I'll bring samples to the local builder's merchant - Jewson, Travis Perkins, or specialist paving suppliers often have good stock. Sometimes the original manufacturer is still making the same style.
Old Exeter properties? Your block paving might be sitting on centuries-old rubble base. If that's turned to mush, we might need more sub-base work than expected - I'll flag it early and quote any extra before cracking on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has part of my block paving sunk?
Usually it's the base underneath that's failed - poor compaction originally, or something's washed away the sub-base. Sometimes it's a drain collapse or tree roots. I'll dig out the problem area, sort the base properly, then relay the blocks. Doing just the bad bit is way cheaper than relaying everything.
Can you match my existing blocks if some are damaged?
I'll do my best - bring a sample to the builder's merchant to find the closest match. If they're old or discontinued, sometimes I can rob blocks from an inconspicuous area and replace those with near-matches instead. There's usually a solution that doesn't involve replacing the lot.
Will the repaired area look obvious?
Fresh blocks will look newer for a while - but they weather in. If your existing paving is really weathered, I can swap blocks around to blend it better. The main thing is it'll be level and stable, which matters more than a perfect colour match that nobody but you will notice.
How long does a typical repair take?
Small area (a few blocks) is usually 1.5-2 hours. Bigger sunken patch might be 2-3 hours depending on how much base work is needed underneath. If I'm digging down to fix drainage or tree root damage, I'll let you know before I start.
Do I need to do anything before you arrive?
Just make sure I can park nearby and access the area - I'll have bags of sand/gravel and possibly new blocks to carry. If there's anything on the paving that needs moving (plant pots, bins, car), shifting those beforehand speeds things up.
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