Block paved driveway - posting here for traffic

[Happieronmyown]

We've just had a new block paved driveway. Perfect workmanship from a reputable company. It's supposed to be a dark colour but has gone light due to the "natural salts coming through". Has anyone experienced this & did it just clear up naturally over time? We haven't paid yet, some people say don't pay & they should fix it, but from what it could just happen again. Should I tell them to fix it or let nature take its course?

I think the clue is in the name!!! Its NATURAL SALTS coming through. They didnt make your blocks, they only laid them. Im assumming you chose the blocks and not the company who laid them. Certainly ask your company if theres anything that can be done to help speed the process or get dark colour back quickly, but as for not paying them after you have admitted they have done a great job!!!! After covid ..just as businesses are trying to get back on their feet????? Honestly ... as a self employed business owner this non paying culture just boils my blood ,bwb

@Happieronmyown we have block paving and I've never heard of the 'salts coming through'... ours has never changed colour btw - what actual colour did you want and did they explain about the colour change beforehand?

I take your point on board of course. We chose the colour, they chose the blocks from their usual supplier. I never not wanted to pay, I don't work for free either. Just wondered if anybody else had experienced this. I've saved hard for this expensive job, I wasn't warned this would happen so was quite taken aback when it did

It’s called efflorescence:

www.marshalls.co.uk/gardens-and-driveways/blog/what-is-efflorescence-and-how-to-treat-it

It’s natural and not a fault, but would’ve been better if they’d told you about it so you could look out for it. They advise you don’t seal your patio right away in case this happens and you’ve then sealed it in.