Older block-paved driveways in Huntingdon were often laid on shallow or poorly compacted bases decades ago. When blocks begin to rock, sink, or spread at the joints, the cause is usually sub-base settlement rather than surface wear. Removing the blocks and inspecting the base is the only way to confirm whether the ground beneath is stable enough to support a new surface. Cambridgeshire ground conditions can accelerate settlement, particularly on clay-heavy plots.
Once the blocks are lifted and cleared, the base is assessed for depth, compaction, and drainage fall. Where the sub-base is adequate, it is levelled and compacted before edge restraints are set. Where it has thinned or moved, additional MOT Type 1 material is brought in and compacted to the correct depth. Joint sand and any remaining block debris are removed fully before the resin bound layer is applied.
The resin binder and aggregate are mixed and trowelled over the prepared base to a consistent finish. The permeable structure of a resin bound surface means water drains through rather than pooling at the joints, a common complaint with ageing block paving. There are no individual units to shift or sink over time. The surface is vehicle-rated once cured and requires no joint re-sanding or sealing.
Why Choose Us
Why choose us for block paving removal & resin replacement in Huntingdon?
Accountability at every stage, from base inspection to finished surface.
Itemised Quotation by Stage
Excavation, sub-base, drainage and resin finish are quoted as separate line items, not a single combined figure.
Base Assessment Before Any Price
A specialist checks sub-base depth and drainage falls before a resin price is agreed, so nothing is hidden later.
Surveyed First, Written Quote
We take your enquiry and schedule a survey that accounts for Cambridgeshire ground conditions in Huntingdon.
No Overlay Without Confirmation
The base is inspected and confirmed stable before any resin is laid, no shortcuts to save time on site.
Waste & Clearance Included
Lifted block paving and excavated material are removed as part of the job, not left for you to arrange separately.
The Process
From enquiry to finished resin surface in three steps
Questions about block paving removal & resin replacement
Can resin be laid over my existing block paving, or does it need to come out first?
Sometimes resin can go over existing blocks, but only if the surface is fully stable, level, and well-drained. Any movement, sinking, or poor drainage means the blocks must come out first. Laying over a compromised base is the most common reason resin driveways crack prematurely.
Why would you remove the block paving instead of just covering it with resin?
Block paving that has shifted, sunk, or holds water will transfer those faults straight through to the resin above. Covering a failing base just delays the same problems. Removal lets the sub-base be inspected, repaired, and graded correctly so the resin finish performs as it should.
How do I know if the old blocks are still stable enough to keep?
Walk the surface and check for rocking blocks, visible dips, pooling water after rain, and wide or uneven joints. Any of those signs point to sub-base movement beneath. A site assessment will confirm whether the base is sound enough to overlay or needs lifting.
Will hidden movement in the old base make the new resin crack later?
Yes, it will. Resin is a rigid finish and cannot flex to accommodate a shifting sub-base. If movement is present and the blocks are left in place, cracks will appear in the resin surface within months. Removing the blocks first allows the base to be stabilised before the resin goes down.
Is my driveway suitable for resin if it gets regular car use?
Resin bound surfacing is designed for regular vehicle use, including daily parking and turning. The key requirement is a solid, well-compacted sub-base. If the existing block paving base meets that standard after inspection, or is rebuilt to meet it, the finished surface will handle normal car traffic without issue.
What preparation is needed before the resin goes down?
The existing blocks are lifted and removed, the sub-base is inspected and repaired or rebuilt where needed, falls are checked for drainage, and the surface is cleaned and primed. Only once those stages are complete is the resin bound mix applied and screeded to a consistent depth.
How much of the old base needs rebuilding before the resin can be fitted?
It varies by condition. Some driveways need only localised repairs to soft or sunken areas; others require a full sub-base replacement across the whole area. We quote excavation and sub-base work as a separate line so you can see exactly what is needed and why before any work begins.
Is this just a cosmetic change, or does the base matter as well?
The base matters far more than the surface finish. A resin driveway is only as good as what sits beneath it. Skipping base preparation to save cost is the single biggest cause of early resin failure, including cracking, lifting, and water pooling.
Which areas do you cover for Block Paving Removal & Resin Replacement?
We cover Block Paving Removal & Resin Replacement in and around Huntingdon, including Godmanchester, St Ives, Brampton, Alconbury Weald, Sawtry, Ramsey, Buckden, Kimbolton and Hemingford Grey. If your area isn’t listed, send us a quick message to check.
Tell Us About Your Driveway
Describe the area, what is down there now, and how it drains. We’ll schedule a base assessment and quote every stage separately.