Because of their purpose, driveways are durable and strong and require little maintenance. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need any attention at all. A driveway is often the first impression of your house, so you want it to reflect the care and attention you give your home. This means there is some driveway maintenance you will need to complete.
Whether you have invested in a tarmac driveway, resin-bound, gravel or block paving, there are several steps you can take to ensure it looks aesthetically pleasing and lasts for longer.
At Fletchamoore, we are one of Dorset’s leading driveway specialists and have been for over 60 years. This means we have knowledge and experience that is second to none and know exactly what you need to do to maintain your driveway.
In this blog, we run through the simple driveway maintenance steps you can take to keep it looking as if it is brand new for longer.
Block Driveway Maintenance
Block paving offers a visually pleasing aesthetic for your driveway, with versatile designs that allow you to create something truly unique for the front of your home. They are also incredibly durable, so last a long time despite the wear of constant driving.
However, for it to look its best, you should follow these steps.
- Regular sweeping – sweep the driveway to remove dirt and debris.
- Frequent cleaning – wash the surface to remove stubborn dirt. You can use a powerwasher, but you will need to be careful to avoid damaging joints.
- Weed prevention – apply weed killer every few months to prevent them from growing between blocks.
- Re-sand – re-sand the joints between blocks after cleaning and de-weeding to maintain the block’s stability.
- Sealing – apply a sealant every two to three years to protect the surfaces from stains, reduce weed growth and enhance colour.
- Repair damage – replace any loose or damaged blocks promptly to avoid further damage.
Tarmac Driveway Maintenance
Tarmac is one of the most popular driveway materials because it is durable and cost-effective. But the UK’s climate can cause wear over time. This is why tarmac driveway maintenance is important.
- Sweeping and cleaning – sweep debris away regularly and clean the surface with a hose or pressure washer every so often for a deeper clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning, as these can damage the surface.
- Pothole repair – if you notice cracks or potholes, fill them as soon as possible using a cold lay repair compound. When left untreated, holes can lead to larger, more expensive repairs.
- Resealing – reseal the surface every three to five years to protect it from UV damage, weather wear and general ageing.
- Avoid heavy loads – avoid parking heavy vehicles in one spot for extended periods, as this can cause indentation or cracking.
Resin-bound Driveway Maintenance
Resin driveway creates a textured look that can be customised thanks to the range of aggregate stones and patterns you can produce with them. They are permeable surfaces, so flooding is never an issue. Like other driveway types, resin-bound driveways also need a low level of maintenance.
- Regular cleaning and sweeping – brush leaves and debris, which can clog pores for water to filter through the surface. Use a hose or power wash to remove dirt, but make sure to use low power if using a power washer to avoid damaging the surface.
- Remove moss and algae – treat any moss or algae when you see it with a mild moss-killer solution to prevent the surface from becoming slippery.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – exposure to harsh chemicals can degrade the resin, so use mild detergents or soap.
- Repair cracks – while highly durable, resin surfaces can occasionally crack over time. Repair any that you spot quickly to prevent water ingress and further damage.
Gravel Driveway Maintenance
Gravel driveways offer a rustic look and are frequently used in the countryside. While they are made from laying a sub-base of stone, which is compacted for a strong foundation and then sprinkling gravel or shingle down over it, they do require some driveway maintenance.
- Regular raking and levelling – gravel can become uneven with vehicle traffic and rain, so you should rake the surface to redistribute the stones and even it out again.
- Weed control – weed and grass often grow between gravel, so apply weed killer and pull out weeds when you spot them.
- Fill potholes – potholes can form due to frequent usage, so fill them with fresh gravel and compact them tightly to the level of the surface.
- Edge maintenance – sometimes, the gravel can spread beyond the edge, so use a broom to push it back into place. You can install edging such as wood, bricks or metal to contain the gravel.
- Replenish gravel – gravel gradually sinks and compacts, so add a new layer of gravel every one to two years to maintain a consistent surface.
Get Your Low Maintenance Driveway From Fletchamoore
One of the main reasons why these driveways are so popular in the UK is because they are easy to maintain.
Regular driveway maintenance simply consists of sweeping and an occasional wash, with the more energy-intensive maintenance tasks only needing to be done every few years.
If you have one of these driveways and have questions about their maintenance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team are experts at everything driveways and will be happy to help you.
With over 60 years of experience installing tarmac, resin, block and gravel driveways, the team at Fletchamoore know what we are talking about. No question is too basic or silly, so jump on the phone with us now. Call us on 01202 624900 or send your question to us on our online contact form, and we will get in touch to discuss our answers and solutions.
