Your driveway is one of the first features visitors notice when they arrive at your home so knowing how to maintain your driveway is paramount.
Whether you have a resin bound driveway, tarmac surface, block paving, or gravel, proper driveway maintenance is the key to keeping it attractive, safe, and long lasting.
Weather conditions in the UK can vary dramatically throughout the year, and each season brings its own set of challenges – from winter frost and heavy rain to summer heat and moss growth.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to maintain your driveway through every season to maximise its lifespan and keep it looking pristine.
Why Seasonal Driveway Maintenance Matters
Driveways are exposed to constant wear and tear so you need to maintain your driveway appropriately.
Seasonal maintenance helps prevent:
- Surface cracks
- Weed growth
- Moss and algae build up
- Discolouration
- Drainage problems
- Premature deterioration
By taking a pro-active approach throughout the year to maintain your driveway, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of their driveway, whether it’s tarmac, resin, or block paving.
Spring Driveway Maintenance
Spring is the perfect time to assess any damage caused by winter.
Frost, snow, and heavy rain can take a toll on your driveway’s surface and structure.
1. Inspect for Damage After Winter
Start by checking for:
- Cracks in tarmac or concrete
- Loose blocks on paved driveways
- Areas of settlement or sinking
- Moss and weed growth
If you identify cracks or holes early, they can usually be repaired before developing into larger, more expensive issues on the path to maintain your driveway.
2. Maintain Your Driveway With a Thorough Clean
Spring is ideal for a deep clean. Use a stiff broom or power washer (depending on your surface type) to remove:
- Moss
- Algae
- Dirt and mud
- Winter debris
Important: Resin bound driveways should not be cleaned with extremely high pressure washers, as they can damage the surface. Use a medium pressure setting instead to maintain your driveway.
3. Re-Sand Block Paving
If you have block paving, spring is the ideal time to brush kiln dried sand into the joints after cleaning. This can easily be purchased from your local builders merchants such as Travis Perkins and the like.
This helps stabilise the blocks and prevent weed growth.
Summer Driveway Maintenance
With warmer, drier weather, summer is typically the easiest season for driveway care.
It’s also the best time for any repairs or sealant applications to help maintain your driveway.
1. Reseal Tarmac or Concrete (If Needed)
Sun exposure can cause tarmac and concrete driveways to fade or dry out.
Applying a high quality sealant helps:
- Protect against UV rays
- Prevent cracks
- Extend the driveway’s lifespan
- Improve colour and appearance
Most tarmac surfaces benefit from resealing every 3 – 5 years to help maintain your driveway efficiently.
2. Clean Oil and Grease Stains Quickly
Hot weather can cause oil stains to sink deeper into your driveway.
To avoid permanent marks, clean spills immediately using:
- A degreasing cleaner
- Warm water and washing-up liquid
- Bicarbonate of soda
This is especially important for resin bound surfaces, which can become discoloured if stains are left untreated.
3. Refresh Loose Gravel (If Applicable)
If you have a gravel or shingle driveway, rake and redistribute stones evenly.
Summer is also the ideal time to top up gravel levels where needed.
Autumn Driveway Maintenance
Autumn is a crucial time to prepare your driveway for the challenges of winter. With falling leaves, increased rainfall, and lower temperatures, a bit of preventative care goes a long way.
1. Sweep Leaves Regularly
Leaves may look harmless, but when wet, they can:
- Encourage moss growth
- Trap moisture
- Cause staining
- Create slippery surfaces
Try to clear your driveway at least once a week during leaf fall season.
2. Check and Clear Drains
Blocked drainage channels can cause water pooling, which may freeze in winter and damage the surface.
Ensure:
- Gullies are clear
- Soakaways are working
- Linear drains are free from debris
This is particularly important for tarmac driveways, which can be sensitive to water damage during freeze – thaw cycles.
3. Treat Moss and Algae
Damp autumn weather encourages rapid moss growth. Use a biodegradable moss killer or a specialised resin safe cleaner to prevent slippery patches and long term surface damage.
Winter Driveway Maintenance
Winter is the most challenging season for driveway care. Cold temperatures, frost, and snow can quickly affect the condition of your surface.
1. Avoid Using Rock Salt on Resin Driveways
While rock salt is effective at melting ice, it can cause long term damage to certain driveway materials – especially resin bound surfaces.
Instead, use:
- Grit
- Non corrosive de-icer
- Calcium chloride (safer alternative)
2. Clear Snow with the Right Tools
When clearing snow:
- Use a plastic shovel (metal blades can scrape surfaces)
- Avoid chiselling ice directly
- Work with the natural slope of the driveway
On resin bound driveways, take extra care not to dig into the surface.
3. Prevent Freeze -Thaw Damage
Water seeping into tiny cracks can freeze, expand, and cause larger splits.
To reduce risk:
- Ensure drainage channels stay clear
- Sweep off standing water where possible
- Repair surface cracks promptly (especially on tarmac)
4. Avoid Heavy Vehicles on Fresh Tarmac
If your driveway was recently installed (within the last 3 months), avoid parking heavy vans or machinery on it during freezing weather, as fresh tarmac can be more vulnerable.
General Year – Round Driveway Maintenance Tips
Regardless of the season, there are several ongoing habits that will keep your driveway in excellent condition:
1. Regular Sweeping
This stops dirt and organic debris from building up and prevents weed growth.
2. Address Stains Immediately
Petrol, oil, and chemical spills should be cleaned quickly to prevent permanent marks or surface weakening.
3. Power Washing (With Care)
Ideal for:
- Tarmac (low pressure)
- Block paving
- Concrete
Use caution on resin bound driveways, as excessive pressure can loosen small stones.
4. Reseal When Needed
Both tarmac and block paving benefit from periodic resealing to protect against weather and wear.
5. Keep Edges Clear
Cut back overgrowing shrubs or grass to prevent root damage and surface disruption.
Driveway Maintenance for Different Surface Types
Resin Bound Driveways
- Rinse regularly to remove dirt
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Do not use rock salt in winter
- Use a soft/medium pressure washer only
Tarmac Driveways
- Reseal every 3 – 5 years
- Clean oil spills immediately
- Avoid parking heavy vehicles in extreme heat
- Repair small cracks to prevent potholes
Block Paving
- Re-sand joints annually
- Treat weeds and moss early
- Power wash carefully to avoid joint erosion
Professional Driveway Maintenance in Essex
At Harrington Brothers Ltd, we provide expert driveway surfacing and repairs across Essex, London, Hertfordshire and Kent.
Whether you have a resin driveway, tarmac surface, or block paved driveway, our experienced team can help keep it looking its best all year round.
Contact us today or request a call back for a free quote or professional advice for your driveway.
