The driveway is the first thing people notice when they come to your house. Your driveway not only enhances the curb appeal of your home, but it also gets a lot more wear and tear each day. From heavy vehicles to rain, snow, and even falling leaves, your driveway takes a beating all year round.

Regular Driveway maintenance will ensure that your driveway stays in great shape and lasts longer. Regardless of whether you have a tarmac driveway, block paving surface, resin-bound surface, or flagstones, a few easy steps can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you keep your driveway looking good, clean, and safe.

Spring is a New Start

After a long, cold winter, spring is the ideal time to give your drive a new start.

Spring driveway maintenance should include:

Cleaning the Surface

Sweep away all leaves, dirt and debris. Use a leaf blower or a stiff broom. You can use a pressure washer or hose to remove any moss and salt that has accumulated on your driveway.

Check for Damage

Watch for any movement, cracks or potholes. Cracks can expand due to moisture and cold weather. You should deal with cracks as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.

Weed Control

Weeds also begin to grow in the spring. Remove any weeds that are growing between the blocks or around the edges. If necessary, apply a weedkiller to block paving or gravel driveways.

Seal and Protect Summer

The summer is generally dry and warm. This makes it an ideal time to seal and repair.

What to do in summer for driveway maintenance:

Resealing Tarmac Driveways or Resin Driveways

Sealant is recommended if your driveway or tarmac looks dry or faded. It protects against water damage, oil stains and UV rays. Sealants can also restore the dark, fresh colour of your tarmac. They will also help to maintain the shine.

Gravel Leveling

Summer is the best time to rake gravel driveways and level out their surface. Fill in areas where gravel is thinned and add more as necessary.

Block Paving Sanding

You may notice that jointing sand is no longer there if you have a block-paved driveway. Resand joints with kiln dried sand. This will keep the blocks in place and prevent weeds.

Prepare for Autumn weather

Fall is the time to prepare your driveway for rain, falling leaves and dropping temperatures.

Key autumn tasks:

Keep it Clean

Leaves that have fallen are beautiful, but rotting leaves can damage your driveway. Be sure to sweep your driveway regularly and remove any mud or slick patches.

Drains and Gutters to be Cleaned

Check the drains near your driveway. Standing water can be caused by blocked gullies and surface drains. Remove all leaves and debris from your yard before it rains.

Repair before Winter

Before winter, fix any small cracks or loose stones. When temperatures drop, water can freeze in cracks and cause them to worsen. Repair early to avoid costly repairs later.

Winter Safety: Be Safe

Winter can be the most difficult season for driveways due to freezing temperatures.

Driveway maintenance in winter should focus on:

Dealing with Ice

Avoid harsh chemicals or rock salt, particularly on tarmac. They can cause damage to the surface. Use sand, kitty litter or other traction materials instead. Use driveway-safe de-icing solutions.

Shoveling Snow

Use a plastic shovel instead of a metal shovel if it is snowing heavily to avoid damaging or scraping the surface. Remove snow as quickly as possible to avoid ice formation.

Avoid heavy loads

Avoid parking large vehicles, such as delivery trucks, on your driveway in very cold weather. If you park heavy vehicles or delivery trucks on your driveway, the frozen ground can crack and shift.

General Driveway Maintenance Tips

You can keep your driveway in good shape no matter what the season is:

• Remove oil stains as soon as possible: The oil can penetrate porous surfaces such as tarmac or block paving. As soon as you notice a spill, use a driveway cleaner.

• Trim nearby plants. Overgrown shrubs and trees can damage the surface with sap, leaves or roots. Keep them tidy.

• Seal it: The majority of surfaces will benefit from a seal every few years. This adds a layer of protection and makes cleaning much easier.

• Do not drag heavy bins or furniture across your driveway.

Seasonal Driveway Maintenance Checklist

FAQs about Driveway Maintenance

1. How frequently should I clean my driveway

Give your driveway an overall clean every few weeks. You can also do a deep cleaning at least once per season.

2. Can pressure washing my driveway be done?

You can, but you need to use the correct setting. Low to medium pressure will do. A surface made of resin or block paving can be damaged by excessive force.

3. How can I remove weeds on my driveway?

Remove them by hand, spray weed killer and resand the block paving. This will prevent regrowth. Use a weed membrane underneath the stones if you are using gravel.

4. How can I remove oil stains the best?

To absorb fresh spills, use baking soda or cat litter. Next, use a degreasing cleanser and thoroughly rinse.

5. Should I seal my driveway?

Sealing is required for most driveways every 2 to 3 years. Sealing is a great way to prolong the life of tarmac, resin and block paving and keep their color.

Final Thoughts

It’s not difficult to maintain your driveway throughout the year. You can maintain your driveway for many years by putting in a little work each season.

Maintaining your driveway will not only improve the appearance of your home, but it will also save you money on future repairs.

Contact A Class Driveways if you require professional assistance with driveway cleaning, sealing, repairs or sealing, or if you are considering installing a new driveway. We provide affordable and reliable driveway services in Leeds, Bradford, and the surrounding areas.