What cleaning does on its own
A thorough pressure wash lifts out dirt, algae, moss and a lot of staining. On block paving, it also washes out the old sand between the blocks along with the weeds growing in it. That’s why block paving should always be re-sanded after cleaning: the sand locks the blocks together and keeps them firm.
What sealing adds
A sealer is a protective coating applied once the driveway is clean and dry. It does a few useful things:
- Locks the joint sand in place, so it isn’t washed or swept out as easily.
- Slows down weeds and moss taking hold in the joints again.
- Helps resist staining from oil, leaves and general dirt.
- Brings out the colour of the blocks or slabs, depending on the finish.
When sealing is worth it
- Block paving that has had a lot of weeds in the joints.
- Driveways under trees, where leaves and moss build up quickly.
- Drives that get a lot of use, or where cars are parked every day.
- Faded paving where you want the colour brought back.
When you might skip it
If your driveway is in good condition and just needs freshening up, a clean on its own may be all you need. We’ll always talk you through the options and tell you honestly whether sealing is worth it for your drive.
How long does it take?
A standard driveway clean with re-sanding may take a couple of days, and longer if you choose to seal it, because the surface needs to be dry before the sealer goes on and the sealer needs time to cure. We’ll tell you how long to keep off the drive before we start.
Looking after your driveway afterwards
- Sweep regularly so leaves and dirt don’t sit on the surface.
- Deal with oil spills quickly before they soak in.
- Pull any weeds while they’re small.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage a sealed surface.