A block paved driveway is one of the toughest and most attractive surfaces you can have at the front of your home. It is also one of the easiest to look after, as long as you do a little at the right times. Most of the problems we are called out to fix, such as weeds, moss, sunken blocks and faded colour, started as small jobs that were left too long.
At JPD Landscaping & Building Services, we have installed and restored block paved driveways across South East London for over 15 years. This guide sets out a simple maintenance routine, explains how to clean and repair your drive, and covers the mistakes that shorten its life.
How to Maintain Block Paving
Sweep it regularly, clean it at least once a year, deal with weeds and moss early, top up the jointing sand when it runs low, and clear oil and fuel spills straight away. Sealing is optional and depends on the type of block and what matters most to you.
| Task | How Often |
| Sweep the surface | Every week or two, and after leaf fall |
| Deep clean | Once a year |
| Check for weeds and moss | Every season |
| Check the jointing sand | Every year, then top up as needed |
| Deal with oil and fuel spills | Straight away |
| Inspect for sunken or loose blocks | Every year |
Why Maintenance Matters
Block paving works because the blocks lock together, held in place by the sand in the joints and by firm edging around the drive. When the jointing sand washes out, weeds take hold, or water gets underneath, that locking action weakens. Blocks start to move, sink or stain.
Looking after the surface is therefore not just about appearance. It protects the structure of the driveway. A few hours of light upkeep each year costs very little compared with lifting and relaying sections that have failed. If you are still weighing up the cost of a new drive, our guide to block paving driveway costs shows what a well built one involves, which makes the case for looking after it even stronger.
Regular Sweeping
The simplest job is also the most useful. Sweep your driveway every week or two with a stiff outdoor broom, and again after the leaves fall in autumn. This stops dirt, leaves and debris from settling into the joints, where they break down, hold moisture and give weeds and moss a place to grow.
Pay attention to shaded areas and the edges beside lawns and borders, because these collect the most debris and stay damp the longest.
Cleaning Your Block Paved Driveway
A proper clean once a year keeps the surface fresh and stops algae and moss building up. Spring is a good time, because it clears the grime of winter.
Step 1: Clear Debris and Weeds
Start by sweeping off loose material and pulling out any weeds. Removing them first means you are not driving dirt and seeds deeper into the joints.
Step 2: Wash the Surface
For most drives, warm water, a mild detergent and a stiff brush will lift everyday dirt. For algae and moss, use a cleaner made for block paving and follow the instructions on the label.
Step 3: Rinse Carefully
Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water, working in the direction of the fall so the dirty water runs away from the house rather than sitting on the drive.
Step 4: Let It Dry
Allow the drive to dry fully before you move on to topping up the joints or applying any sealer. Damp surfaces and wet sand do not work well together.
Pressure Washing: Use It with Care
A pressure washer can make a block paved driveway look far newer, but it is also where most of the damage happens. Pressure that is too high, or a nozzle held too close, can blast the sand out of the joints. That loosens the blocks and invites weeds back in, and it can also roughen the surface of the blocks.
- Use a lower pressure setting, and a wide fan nozzle rather than a narrow jet.
- Keep the nozzle a sensible distance from the surface, and avoid aiming straight down into the joints.
- Work steadily across the surface in the same direction.
- Expect to top up the jointing sand afterwards, because some will always be lost.
If you do not feel confident using a pressure washer, a good brush and a suitable cleaner will do a fine job for routine upkeep. Our guide on how to clean patio slabs covers pressure, distance and angle in more detail, and the same principles apply to a block paved drive.
Dealing with Weeds and Moss
Weeds and moss are the most common complaints on block paved driveways. They tend to appear where sand has washed out, or where debris has collected in the joints.
Remove weeds by hand or with a joint scraper while they are small, and treat moss and algae with a suitable cleaner. Then brush fresh jointing sand into any gaps, because a full, firm joint leaves very little room for anything to grow.
It is much easier to stay on top of weeds with regular sweeping and a yearly top up than to deal with a drive that has been left for years. Shaded areas and spots beside planting need the most attention, because they stay damp and collect organic matter that seeds love.
Topping Up the Jointing Sand
The sand between the blocks is what keeps them locked together, so keeping it topped up is one of the most important jobs. How often it is needed depends on traffic and how the drive was jointed, rather than on a fixed timetable. A busy drive that is washed regularly will lose sand faster than a quiet one.
Check the joints once a year. If the sand has dropped noticeably, or you can see gaps, it is time to top up.
How to Top Up the Joints
- Make sure the surface is clean and completely dry.
- Spread dry jointing sand across the drive.
- Sweep it firmly into the joints, working in different directions so every gap fills.
- Compact it gently if you can, then sweep again and add more where it settles.
- Brush off the excess so no loose sand is left sitting on the surface.
Kiln dried sand works well for this job. Some owners choose a resin based jointing compound instead, which resists washout and weeds more strongly, and we cover the choice in our guide to jointing compound versus sand.
Dealing with Stains
Block paving can absorb oil, fuel and other spills, so quick action makes a big difference.
- Oil and fuel: soak up as much as you can straight away with an absorbent material, then use a degreaser made for paving.
- Rust marks and leaf stains: use a cleaner designed for the type of stain, and test it on a small area first.
- Tyre marks: these usually fade with a general clean, although stubborn marks may need a specialist product.
The sooner a spill is dealt with, the less likely it is to leave a mark. If staining is a concern, sealing can help, which brings us to the next point.
Should You Seal Block Paving?
Sealing is a choice rather than a requirement, and the right answer depends on the type of block and what you want from the drive. We recommend deciding case by case.
| Reason to Seal | Reason to Think Twice |
| Helps resist oil, fuel and general staining | Adds cost, and it needs reapplying over time |
| Can lock the jointing sand in and discourage weeds | Poor application can leave a patchy or glossy finish |
| Can refresh and protect the colour | Not every type of block benefits equally |
If you do decide to seal, the surface needs to be spotlessly clean and fully dry first, and the joints must be filled before sealing. A good installer will tell you whether sealing is worth it for your particular blocks.
Checking for Sunken or Loose Blocks
Once a year, walk the driveway and look for blocks that have sunk, tilted or moved. Common places are where cars park and turn, near drains and around the edges.
A single sunken block can usually be lifted, the bed levelled and the block relaid. If you find a larger area that has dipped, or blocks that keep moving, that often points to a problem with the base or the edging rather than the blocks themselves. It is worth getting that looked at early, because the repair is much simpler before the problem spreads.
Relaying a Single Block
For a lone sunken block, the repair is straightforward:
- Lever the block out carefully with a flat tool, taking care not to chip its neighbours.
- Remove the old bedding sand and level fresh sand to the right height.
- Set the block back and tap it down so it sits flush with the surrounding surface.
- Brush fresh jointing sand into the gaps around it.
If the same block sinks again, or several nearby blocks follow, the cause is almost certainly below the surface.
Checking Edges and Drainage
The edging around a block paved drive holds everything in place, so it deserves a look during your yearly inspection. Check that the edge restraint is firm, and that it is not leaning or separating from the blocks. If the edge moves, the blocks beside it will creep outwards and the joints will open up. Our guide to patio edging ideas explains how edging should be bedded and backed, and the same approach applies to driveways.
Drainage matters just as much. Watch how the drive behaves after heavy rain, and note any areas where water lingers. Standing water softens the base over time and encourages moss. Our guide on patio drainage problems and fixes explains how to tell the difference between a settling problem and a fall problem, which is useful on a driveway too. Where a drive sits beside a slope or a raised border, a failing retaining wall can also push water and soil onto the blocks, so it is worth checking that too.
A Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
- Spring: deep clean, treat moss and algae, check and top up the jointing sand.
- Summer: sweep regularly, pull any weeds that appear, deal with spills straight away.
- Autumn: clear fallen leaves promptly, check the drainage and edges before winter.
- Winter: keep the surface clear of debris, and avoid harsh de-icing products unless the manufacturer says they are safe for your blocks.
Common Maintenance Mistakes
We come across the same mistakes time after time, and they often appear together.
- Pressure washing too hard or too close. This blasts the sand out of the joints and loosens the blocks, which then need re-sanding or relaying.
- Leaving it until problems take hold. Weeds, moss and sunken blocks are far harder to fix once they are established than when they first appear.
- Leaving oil and fuel spills to soak in. A spill that is left for weeks can leave a permanent stain.
All three are easy to avoid with a simple routine and a little attention at the right times.
How Long Does Block Paving Last?
A well built block paved driveway lasts for many years, and good upkeep is a big part of that. The surface itself is very durable, so the lifespan depends far more on the quality of the base, the edging and the drainage than on the blocks. A drive laid on a deep, compacted sub-base with firm edging will keep performing, provided the joints stay full and water drains away properly.
That is why maintenance and construction go hand in hand. A neglected drive on a good base will still look tired, while a well kept drive on a poor base will eventually sink. Looking after the surface and building the base properly are both needed to get the best from it. Our guide on how to lay a patio explains the foundations that make any paved surface last.
Project Example: Restoring a Tired Block Paved Drive
One of our typical projects involved a South East London home with a block paved driveway that was about ten years old and looked tired.
| Detail | Specification |
| Driveway size | About 32m² |
| Age | Around 10 years |
| Problems | Moss in shaded areas, weeds in the joints and washed out sand |
| Cause | Pressure washed hard, with little regular upkeep |
| Our work | Clean, treat, re-sand, relay a few sunken blocks, and reseal |
The owners had pressure washed the drive hard every spring, but never refilled the joints. Over the years, the sand had washed out, weeds had taken hold in the gaps, and a few blocks near the garage had started to sink.
We cleaned and treated the moss, removed the weeds, and relaid the handful of sunken blocks on a freshly levelled bed. We then filled the joints with fresh jointing sand and, after discussing the options, sealed the surface to help it resist staining. The drive now looks smart again, and we gave the owners a simple seasonal routine to follow. It is a good example of how a little regular upkeep prevents an expensive restoration.
When to Call a Professional
Most routine upkeep is well within the reach of a keen homeowner. It is worth calling in a professional if you notice:
- Several blocks sinking or moving, particularly in the same area.
- Large areas of weeds or moss that keep returning after cleaning.
- Standing water that does not drain away.
- Edging that is leaning or separating from the blocks.
These signs often point to a base or drainage problem rather than a surface issue, and they are best dealt with before they spread. If you are considering a bigger refresh, our comparison of resin bound and block paving driveways can help you decide whether to restore what you have or change surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you maintain a block paved driveway?
Sweep it regularly, clean it at least once a year, remove weeds and moss early, top up the jointing sand when it runs low, and clear oil and fuel spills straight away. Check for sunken or loose blocks once a year, and fix them early.
How often should I clean block paving?
A deep clean once a year is usually enough, with regular sweeping in between. Shaded areas that stay damp may need a little more attention.
Can I pressure wash block paving?
Yes, but carefully. Use a lower pressure setting and a wide nozzle, keep a sensible distance, and avoid aiming straight into the joints. Expect to top up the sand afterwards.
How often should block paving be re-sanded?
It depends on traffic and how the drive was jointed. Check the joints every year, and top up when the sand has dropped or gaps appear.
Should I seal my block paved driveway?
It depends on the block type and your priorities. Sealing can help resist staining and lock in the jointing sand, but it adds cost and needs reapplying. A professional can advise on whether it suits your blocks.
How do I stop weeds growing in block paving?
Keep the joints full of sand, sweep regularly, and remove weeds while they are small. A resin based jointing compound resists weeds more strongly than sand.
Why are some blocks on my driveway sinking?
Sunken blocks are often caused by water getting beneath the surface, a weak base or poor edging. A single block can be relaid, but several sinking in one area usually needs the base looking at.
Call Now for a Free Quote on Driveway Care and Repairs
If your block paved driveway needs cleaning, re-sanding, repair or a full restoration, JPD Landscaping & Building Services offers free quotes across South East London. We will look at the drive, explain what it needs, and give you a clear price before any work begins.
Call now for a free quote and bring your driveway back to its best.
