Posted 23^rd August 2024 Back to Blog

Easy Tips For Driveway Maintenance

Keeping your driveway in top condition doesn't have to be a chore. With a few simple steps, you can keep it looking great and ensure it stays in top condition for years. Whether you're dealing with cracks, stains or general wear and tear, these four easy tips will help you keep on top of your driveway maintenance to protect your investment and enhance your home's kerb appeal.

Regular Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your driveway can help prevent the buildup of dirt, debris and organic material that can lead to stains and make its appearance look aged.

Block Paving: Regularly sweep your block paving to remove leaves, dirt and other debris for longevity. Consider using a pressure washer for a deeper clean. However, be careful not to dislodge the joint sand between the blocks when pressure washing. Hiring a professional driveway cleaning service is beneficial as they have the expertise to clean effectively without causing damage and can offer restoration services such as resanding.

Tarmac: Begin by sweeping away loose debris with a hard bristle broom, then use a gentle hose to remove the surface from algae, slime, oil or weeds. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the tarmac's surface.

Resin: Though resin driveways are relatively low maintenance, they should still be swept regularly and hosed down to prevent the buildup of dirt. To reduce degrading the resin surface, avoid using cleaning solvents.

Gravel Drives: To keep your gravel driveway in top condition, regularly rake the gravel to redistribute areas where the material has shifted. This can help remove debris, maintain an even surface, and prevent the formation of ruts, which can become problematic over time.

Weed Control

Weeds can be a persistent problem on driveways. Not only do they look unattractive to kerb appeal, but if left unchecked, they can cause cracks in and around your driveway surface. As moisture can encourage weeds to thrive, inspecting your driveway regularly is essential.

Block Paving: Weeds are notorious for growing and settling in the joints between the blocks. To keep up with your driveway maintenance, apply a weed killer and top up the joint sand frequently to prevent weed growth from reoccurring.

Tarmac: Weeds can occasionally sprout along the edges or within the cracks in your tarmac driveway. You can remove them simply by pulling them out or applying a suitable weed killer. If choosing the latter option, ensure the chemical is appropriate for use on tarmac surfaces to avoid damaging the material.

Resin: Due to their seamless and non-porous surface, resin-bound driveways resist weed growth. However, seeds may still find their way into tiny crevices or along the edges, mainly if debris accumulates over time. Seeds should be removed immediately to prevent damage.

Gravel Drives: Before laying down your driveway, install a weed membrane. This can help to minimise weed growth by creating a barrier, preventing seeds from taking root. Nevertheless, some weeds may still manage to spout, mainly along the edges. While a suitable weedkiller can effectively kill the roots, keeping the gravel well-raked and replenished can help reduce the chances of weeds establishing a foothold.

Repair Cracks and Potholes

Block Paving: If you notice any loose, cracked or broken blocks, it's essential to address these issues quickly by replacing the damaged blocks to prevent further movement. Consider resanding the joints between the blocks to ensure longevity and stability.

Tarmac: Water infiltration can lead to freeze-thaw damage, causing the cracks to expand and potentially leading to potholes. Sealing cracks early with high-quality crack filler will protect the driveway from further deterioration and extend its lifespan.

Resin: Though resin-bound driveways are generally durable, they can develop minor cracks or areas of damage. Promptly inspecting and repairing any damage with a matching resin compound will help maintain your driveway's seamless appearance.

Gravel Drives: Raking the gravel to redistribute it evenly across the surface can help fill in potholes developed by frequent vehicle traffic and water erosion. For larger potholes, compact the area with fresh gravel to even your driveway to ensure it remains functional and attractive.

Prevent Water Accumulation

Block Paving: Water accumulation cannot only cause block paving to become subsided and slippery from mould and mildew buildup but also lead to weed growth and algae formation. To prevent these problems, ensure that your block paving has an adequate slope to facilitate water drainage.

Tarmac: Water pooling can weaken a tarmac surface over time, leading to cracks and potholes. To prevent this, ensure your tarmac driveway is installed with a slight slope to direct water away from the surface and into nearby drainage systems or surrounding greenery.

Resin: Resin-bound driveways are permeable, but adequate drainage relies on the quality of the subbase. Ensure the subbase is correctly installed with proper depth and permeability.

Gravel Drives: To prevent erosion, ruts and potholes from forming, ensure the driveway has a slight slope to direct water away from the centre. A well-graded base layer improves drainage, and racking can prevent low spots. This combination of proper grading and ongoing maintenance can effectively prolong the lifespan of your driveway.