The Benefits of Sanding and Sealing Block Paving

Keeping your driveway in top condition is not just about looks—it also protects your investment. While many people turn to block paving cleaning companies for regular maintenance, constant pressure washing isn’t always the best solution. Instead, sealing block paving offers a smarter, longer-lasting way to prevent weed growth, protect against stains, and keep your driveway looking fresh all year round.

Sealing Block Paving: A Smarter Choice for Homeowners in St Albans

Yearly pressure washing

How many times have we paid contractors throughout the years to clean our block paved driveway surface and within just 3-6 months the weeds return and the driveway looks run down, frustrating isn’t it? Cleaning block paving has many benefits but pressure washing the driveway year in year out to keep it looking it’s best, is not always the solution.

Over pressure washing will weaken the foundation, meaning the blocks will start to sink and erosion to the surface will take place. This will lead to expensive repair work or in some cases replacement being required. Rightly so, many of us have a desire to keep the driveway looking its best all year round. We have guest, kerb appeal and property value to think about. That’s why many homeowners today look for block paving cleaning companies that offer more long-lasting solutions. Instead of constant washing, let’s look into why sealing block paving is a much more efficient and cost-effective method.

Sanding block paving joints

Most of us are aware that once block paving has been cleaned, then sanding between the blocks is absolutely essential, we would recommend using Kiln Dried Paving Sand. This will help to prevent movement of block paving, when the driveway is being used by heavy car traffic. Using a whacker plate is more effective than just brushing sand into the crevices, as this helps to compact the joints, creating extra rigidity before the block paving is then sealed.

Hiring a professional block paving cleaner ensures that sanding and preparation are done correctly before the sealing process begins, which saves homeowners time and ensures a longer-lasting result.

Sealing benefits

Only when the block paving has been correctly cleaned and sanded can sealing block paving then take place. Just from our own experience, we recommend using a Smartseal Solvent based block paving sealer, which will solidify the sand between the paving joints, completely slowing down future weed growth. This will make future maintenance much easier for the homeowners and cost effective, long term. Sealing will stop stains penetrating the blocks, especially very common stains like car oil from vehicles, dried out leaf stains and even rust stains from metal. A sealed driveway will prevent the block paving from colour loss and provide water resistance, further extending the lifespan of the driveway. Many trusted block paving cleaning companies suggest sealing as the best way to protect your investment and avoid repeat issues.

Maintenance

Once the block paving has been sealed, a simple sweep to the surface of the driveway will be required once a month to remove fallen debris, this will preserve the life of the sealer. Alternatively, if sweeping feels like a living nightmare, a leaf blower would work to remove the debris. Three times a year a simple rinse with a hose pipe, will keep the surface clean to keep the driveway looking its best. We would advise to apply a top up coat of sealer every two to three years.

We would advise applying a top-up coat of sealer every two to three years. Choosing a professional block paving cleaner ensures that the right products are used, helping your driveway stay attractive and durable for many years.

Please call 01582 757304 if you would like further help or advice or if you are seeking a trained contractor.

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