Top 10 tips to maintain your Block Paving Driveway

A well-installed block paving driveway can last 20 years or more, but only if you look after it properly.

Without maintenance, even the best paving can suffer from weeds, sinking blocks, and faded colour. The good news is that most of the upkeep is simple and affordable. Regular care helps keep your driveway looking sharp and also avoids costly repairs later on.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you keep your block paving in great condition, whether it's brand new or a few years old.

Block paving driveway with black brick border and brick steps

1. Sweep It Regularly

Use a stiff-bristle brush to sweep your driveway once a week, or as needed. This removes leaves, dirt, and loose debris that can stain the surface or feed weeds.

Sweeping also helps spot early signs of damage, like shifting blocks or loose sand between joints.

It’s a simple habit that can extend the life of your block paving driveway with minimal effort.

2. Treat Weeds as Soon as They Appear

Weeds are one of the most common problems with block paving. They don’t grow from underneath; they usually take hold in loose joints or surface debris.

Use a weed killer designed for hard surfaces, or manually remove them when they appear. Acting early prevents root growth that can lift or displace blocks over time.

For older driveways, consider a pre-emergent weed treatment once or twice a year to reduce regrowth.

3. Re-sand the Joints Every Year or Two

Over time, rain and brushing can wear away the sand between blocks. This jointing sand helps keep the blocks stable and prevents weed growth.

Top it up with kiln-dried sand every 12 to 24 months. Simply brush it into the joints on a dry day and compact if needed.

Re-sanding is especially important after power washing, more on that below.

4. Clean with Care

Jet washing is effective, but too much pressure can damage the surface and wash out the joints.

Use a fan nozzle on a medium setting. Keep the lance at a shallow angle to avoid disturbing the sand too much.

If you’re unsure, a specialist cleaning solution with a hose and brush can do the job more gently. After cleaning, always resand any joints that were disturbed.

5. Apply a Sealant (If Suitable)

Sealing a block paving driveway can help protect it from stains, moss, and fading. It also helps lock the jointing sand in place.

Not every surface needs sealing, and not all sealants are the same. If you decide to seal, use a breathable, SUDS-compliant product that won’t trap moisture.

Wait at least 6 months after a new installation before sealing to allow natural weathering and settlement.

Well-maintained block paving driveway at the front of our customer's home

6. Watch for Drainage Issues

Pooling water is a sign of poor drainage. It can lead to surface wear, moss growth, or frost damage in winter.

Check for low spots or sunken areas after heavy rain. These can often be fixed by lifting and relaying blocks over a corrected base.

Poor water runoff is also a key reason some homeowners require planning permission for a block paving driveway.

7. Repair Small Issues Early

Loose edge blocks, dips in the surface, or rocking bricks might seem minor, but they can get worse quickly.

Most small repairs can be done without ripping up the whole drive. If you catch problems early, the fix is often simple and inexpensive.

Avoiding common block paving driveway mistakes during installation helps reduce the chance of these issues, but long-term use will always bring wear and tear.

8. Avoid Heavy Loads

Block paving is strong, but not indestructible. Parking large vans, skips, or machinery on a domestic driveway can crack blocks or sink the surface over time.

If you regularly use your drive for heavier vehicles, make sure it was built with a deep enough sub-base. If in doubt, speak to your installer about reinforcing problem areas.

9. Refresh the Appearance

If your driveway has faded or discoloured, a thorough clean followed by jointing sand and sealant can restore the original finish.

You can also upgrade the look by adding new edging blocks or borders, which are quicker and cheaper than starting over.

This is a useful option if you’re planning a home refresh and want to update the front garden without a full block paving driveway installation.

10. Schedule Annual Checks

Just like your roof or boiler, your driveway benefits from a yearly check-up.

Take 10 minutes each year to inspect joints, drainage, and any movement in the blocks. Small issues are easy to miss day-to-day, but a once-a-year check helps keep things under control.

You don’t need a professional unless you spot something unusual, but it’s worth having one on hand if any major repairs are needed.

Final Thoughts

Looking after your block paving driveway doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. A few simple habits can keep it in top condition, protect your investment, and extend its lifespan by years.

Whether you’ve just had a driveway installed or want to improve an older one, these tips will help you keep it looking its best and save on costly repairs down the line.