The Complete Guide to Driveway Care and Maintenance

A well-maintained driveway not only adds to the appeal of your home but also provides a smooth and safe entrance for your vehicles. Whether your driveway is made of tarmac, gravel or block paving, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal. In this driveway guide, we'll explore the key aspects of repairing and maintaining various driveway types and provide some valuable tips for upkeep.

Repairing Different Driveway Types

Tackling Tarmac Troubles: How To Repair Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac driveways can often develop cracks and potholes over time. This is because the asphalt in tarmac driveways can accumulate water that has seeped below the surface, then expanded or contracted with freezing and thawing temperatures. But no need to worry - here are some quick repair solutions for you! 

• Clear the damaged area of debris and loose material.
• Fill the cracks and potholes with a tarmac repair filler- we recommend EZ Street.
• Compact the filler and ensure the surface is level. 
• Allow the repaired area to cure properly before using the driveway (around 12 hours).

Gravel Driveway Fixes: How To Fix Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways offer a rustic appeal, however they can shift over time and require regular maintenance. Gravel driveways are prone to erosion and gravel displacement due to heavy traffic, it’s unavoidable! Here are some steps you can take to fix them quickly…

• Rake the displaced gravel back into place.
• Fill potholes with fresh gravel and compact them down.
• Consider using landscape fabric beneath the gravel to prevent weed growth and erosion.

Renewing Blocked Paving: How To Repair A Sunken Driveway

Block paving adds a classic touch to driveways and comes in various styles and finishes, allowing you to create unique patterns and designs. Like other driveway types, block paving requires routine care and maintenance to keep it looking great and prolong its lifespan. Blocked paving driveways can often suffer from uneven blocks or sunken areas due to heavy traffic and changes in moisture retention, so here's how to fix them:

• Remove the sunken blocks and set them aside.
• Level the underlying area using sand or a bedding mix such as mortar.
• Reinstall the blocks, ensuring they are level and aligned (use a spirit level!)
• Fill the gaps with a jointing compound or sand and compact the surface.

How To Maintain Your Driveway

Tarmac TLC

Caring for your tarmac driveway is essential to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal. As its made from asphalt, factors like exposure to UV rays, moisture, and frequent vehicle traffic can contribute to wear and tear. Here’s some easy tips to help maintain your tarmac driveway: 

• Regularly sweep to prevent debris accumulation and staining.
• Apply a sealant every few years to protect against UV rays and moisture.
• Avoid placing heavy objects or using sharp tools that could damage the surface.

While tarmac driveways might experience gradual deterioration due to environmental factors, their resilience and cost-effectiveness make them an excellent choice for driveways.

Block Paving Tips

While block paving driveways are known for their durability, they can experience wear and tear due to factors like weather fluctuations, pressure from vehicles, and the growth of weeds in joints. Here are some easy steps you can take to easily maintain your block-paving driveway:

• Regularly weed the joints to prevent plant growth.
• Clean the surface with a pressure washer to remove dirt and algae.
• Re-sand the joints every few years to maintain stability.

Despite the potential for gradual deterioration, block paving driveways remain an excellent choice for driveways due to their versatility and visual appeal. 

Gravel Maintenance

Gravel driveways, while offering a rustic and natural appeal, can experience gradual wear and tear due to factors like erosion caused by weather elements, the displacement of gravel, and the potential for weed growth. Here are three easy tips and tricks to help you maintain your gravel driveway: 

• Raking the surface regularly to distribute gravel evenly.
• Adding fresh gravel when needed to maintain a level surface.
• Installing a weed barrier beneath the gravel to prevent weed growth.

Aside from the potential challenges, gravel driveways remain a timeless and affordable option for your driveway. Whatever the look of your front garden, there are plenty of aggregates and gravel in different colours, shapes and sizes that will match your desired look. 

Tips and Tricks for General Driveway Maintenance

1. Frequent Cleaning: Regularly cleaning your driveway is more than just aesthetics. It's about preventing the buildup of dirt and stains that can gradually degrade its appearance. A clean driveway not only looks better, but lasts longer!\
2. Timely Repairs: Address minor issues promptly. Small cracks or surface imperfections can escalate into major problems if you leave them too long. By fixing them early, you prevent them from worsening over time, saving you both money and hassle!
3. Effective Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling on your driveway, which can lead to structural damage. Ensure that water flows away from the surface and into designated drainage areas to maintain its integrity.
4. Gentle Treatment: Be cautious about what you use to clean your driveway. Avoid harsh chemicals or sharp tools that can harm its surface, especially if it's made of softer materials like asphalt. Instead, opt for hot water or driveway-safe cleaners (or even soap!).
5. Weather Protection: Shield your driveway from the elements by applying appropriate sealants. For paved driveways, we recommend using Everbuild's Block Guard. This helps prevent damage from extreme weather conditions and extends your driveway's lifespan.
6. Seasonal Adaptations: Adjust your maintenance routine according to the seasons. In winter, focus on addressing issues related to ice, while in warmer months, tackle weeds and other seasonal concerns. Adapting a seasonal approach will ensure year-round protection for your driveway.
7. Moss Removal: To eliminate moss growth on your driveway, consider using a bleach solution. Mix one part bleach with three parts water, apply it to the affected areas, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, gently scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly with water. This method will help you maintain your driveway's pristine condition.
8. Pressure Wash Regularly: For hard surface driveways such as concrete and paving, frequent pressure washing will help to keep your surface looking clean, bright and even. You can learn more about this process on our guide to pressure washing blog! 

Maintaining your driveway isn't just about aesthetics; it's an investment in your home's value and convenience. Regardless of the material, regular care and the occasional repair will keep your driveway looking great and functioning well for years. By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you'll be equipped to preserve the charm and durability of your tarmac, gravel, concrete, or block paving driveway, enhancing the overall appeal of your property.