A driveway is one of the most exposed surfaces on your property — rain, frost, oil, algae and traffic all take their toll. Regular cleaning and, where appropriate, sealing can double the lifespan of a block paved or concrete driveway and keep it looking new for years.
The advice here is specific to the surfaces most common in Bray and Wicklow: concrete block paving (cobblelock), tarmac, resin bound and imprinted concrete. Each surface has different needs and different products that work on it.
Cleaning block paving (cobblelock)
Block paving accumulates algae, moss and black spot particularly on north-facing or shaded drives near the coast. The most effective treatment is a path and patio biocide applied in early spring, left to work for 2–4 weeks, then washed off.
Pressure washing is useful for removing loose debris and algae, but should be done carefully. A fan nozzle at 90–120 bar is enough — higher pressures blast the kiln-dried jointing sand out of the joints. After pressure washing, always re-sand the joints.
- Apply biocide in early spring, leave 2–4 weeks, then wash off
- Pressure wash with fan nozzle at 90–120 bar maximum
- Re-sand joints with kiln-dried sand after every wash
- Re-apply jointing sand every 2–3 years as a maintenance item
Sealing block paving — is it worth it?
A good quality polyurethane or acrylic sealer applied to clean, dry paving will enhance colour, reduce staining from oil and leaves, and slow algae regrowth. The effect lasts 3–5 years before reapplication is needed.
Sealers must be applied to perfectly clean, dry paving — any moisture or algae trapped under the sealer will cause it to peel. Matt or satin finish sealers are generally a better choice for Irish conditions than gloss. Do not seal block paving in the first year after installation.
Cleaning and maintaining tarmac
Tarmac requires minimal maintenance. Sweeping and occasional pressure washing is all that is needed. Oil stains can be treated with a proprietary tarmac degreaser — avoid petrol or solvent-based cleaners, which will soften the bitumen binder.
Do not seal tarmac with block paving sealer or bitumen paint. If the tarmac surface is showing minor fretting after 10+ years, a professional resurfacing overlay is the correct treatment.
Resin bound driveway maintenance
Resin bound surfaces are low-maintenance by design — the seamless surface has no joints for weeds to establish in. Annual sweeping and an occasional wash with a garden hose or low-pressure washer is all that is normally needed.
If moss or algae appears on a shaded resin surface, a diluted biocide solution applied with a watering can and left for 48 hours will clear it. Do not apply any sealer or coating to a resin bound surface — it is not designed to be sealed.