How to care for a driveway

During the installation of your concrete block driveway, jointing sand is used to fill the joints between blocks. Over time, rain and surface water may wash away some of the sand. When the driveway or patio is completely dry, brush in some new kiln-dried sand to refill the joints. This should be done within 12 months of the installation and as necessary thereafter to maintain the structural integrity of the installation.

General Cleaning

• Sweep with a hand broom or brush.
• Do not use vacuum cleaners or jets of water, as they may remove the jointing sand, reducing the structural integrity of the installation.
• Do not use de-icing salts, pool cleaning agents or high-pressure washing as these can stain or damage the paving.

Oil

• In the event of an oil spill, remove promptly with an absorbent cloth or paper towels.
• Blot up and do not wipe.
• Cover the area with a dry, absorbent powder and leave for 24 hours, repeating if necessary.
• If oil has been allowed to stand for some time, brush on a proprietary engine cleaning fluid and wash away with water.

Tough Stains

• An acid wash may be applied to remove the stain but care should be taken as an incorrect application may etch, bleach or prematurely age the paving surface.
• Acid washing can fundamentally change both the aesthetics and the structure of the paving.

Moss and Algae

• Use a proprietary weed killer. These are most effective when applied during warm weather.
• The dead material can be scrubbed away after a few days.

Efflorescence

• Efflorescence is an unpredictable but temporary phenomenon.
• White stains caused by soluble salts appear on the surface of some concrete products; it will disappear in time depending upon location, degree of use and natural weathering.

Salt

• Salt should not be used to clear ice/snow from driveways/patios. Excessive use of salt can cause deterioration of the blocks.