Paving in Kraaifontein: Regic Sand and Joint Care

Laying on Kraaifontein sand

The Northern plan says much of the southern, eastern and northern parts of the district are light-grey to pale-red sandy soil, with pockets of loam and sandy loam across the southern half and some ferricrete in the central and eastern areas. The ground under a given erf still has to be looked at on that erf.

One shortcut the CMA's homeowner guide rules out is plastic sheeting under the bedding sand. It says plastic badly affects particle interlock and the base structure, does not stop weeds from growing, and stops water from draining through the paving.

Joints: the part that needs looking after

The CMA's homeowner guide says to resand and vibrate paving after six months, or after the first heavy rain. It says to resand and compact again after heavy rains if sand has been washed out, and that resanding within the first six months extends paver life.

Jointing sand, in the same guide, is fine plaster sand that is completely dry, brushed into the joints, and never mixed with cement.

On weeds, the guide says seeds drop into the joints and germinate after rain. It recommends removing them carefully by hand, or spraying the paving surface with a proprietary weed killer.

White haze on new pavers

The CMA calls efflorescence, the white haze that can appear on pavers after a few weeks or months, a natural phenomenon. It is more pronounced on dark coloured pavers, and rain usually washes it away in about 1 to 2 years.

Looking after Kraaifontein paving

For oil, the homeowner guide says to cover the stain with cat litter as soon as possible, so the oil is absorbed, then brush the litter off.

For repairs to services, it says to mark the pavers over underground services during laying. The blocks can then be lifted for a repair and reinstated: the guide has the base replaced and compacted, the bedding sand relaid, the same pavers put back and dry sand brushed into the joints.

Cleaning Kraaifontein paving

High-pressure paving cleaning in Cape Town averages about R45 per m², and the method is on our paving cleaning in Cape Town page.

Kraaifontein paving prices

Cement paving supplied and laid is quoted per job. Our page on paving prices in Cape Town shows how the site's averages were reached. The City's RIM Wayleave Standards list a new or altered carriageway crossing under the Miscellaneous Permit.

The same soil description covers the vicinity of Brackenfell, which has its own page on paving in Brackenfell. Other towns are listed under Cape Town paving areas. What Paving for Africa does is set out under paving contractors in Cape Town.

Kraaifontein paving questions