Repair or replace?
Older drives in Bishopsgarth tend to fail in a few familiar ways:
| Problem | What it usually means | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks sunk in wheel tracks | Thin or soft sub-base | Lift, re-base, re-lay the same blocks |
| Weeds and moss in joints | Joint sand washed out | Clean, re-sand, consider a sealer |
| Tarmac crazed and loose | Surface worn out, base sound | New surface course or resin overlay |
| Tarmac sinking | Base failed | Dig out and start again |
Re-laying the existing blocks on a new base is often cheaper than you might expect, because the blocks themselves can usually be reused. See block paving for how a proper base is built.
Resin as an upgrade
Where an old tarmac or concrete drive is stable, a resin-bound surface can sometimes go over it. The catch is drainage: resin is only permeable if what is underneath lets water through. Laid over solid tarmac, it behaves like an impermeable surface, so the water has to be managed at the edges. Our permeable driveways guide explains why that matters for the front-garden rule.
Patios backing onto the dene
Hardwick Dene and Elm Tree Wood is a Local Nature Reserve running along the edge of Bishopsgarth. Gardens backing onto it are often long and slope towards the trees. A patio here should:
- sit on a solid sub-base, because the clay can be soft near the bottom of a garden;
- fall away from the house towards a border or lawn;
- avoid draining directly into the reserve.
See patios for materials and costs.
Crossings and access
Many Bishopsgarth homes have an existing dropped kerb. If you are widening the drive, the crossing may need widening too, which goes through Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. See dropped kerbs.
Common questions
Can sunken block paving be fixed without new blocks?
Usually, yes. The blocks are lifted, the base is rebuilt and compacted, and the same blocks are re-laid.
Is resin over tarmac permeable?
Not really. Water cannot drain through the solid tarmac underneath, so it has to run off to a drain or border.
How do I stop weeds in block paving?
Keep the joints full of sand and brush and treat them regularly. A sealer can help lock the sand in.
Can I build a patio right up to the nature reserve?
Within your own garden, generally yes, but keep drainage and any boundary features within your property.