Professional Maintenance Services
Annual cleaning & re-sanding across Crewe, Nantwich & Cheshire
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Essential Maintenance Tasks
Block paving requires minimal but regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Follow these simple tasks to protect your investment and maintain your driveway's appearance across the Cheshire seasons.
Weekly
Sweep & Clear
Remove leaves, debris and dirt with a stiff outdoor broom. Prevents organic matter building up in joints and causing weed growth.
Monthly
Hose Down
Regular rinsing removes dust and light staining before it becomes ingrained. Use a standard garden hose or light pressure washer.
Annually
Deep Clean
Thorough pressure washing removes moss, algae and ground-in dirt. Best done in spring before the growing season.
As Needed
Re-Sand Joints
Top up kiln-dried jointing sand when levels drop. Essential for block stability and weed prevention. Typically needed every 1-2 years.
As Needed
Weed Treatment
Apply a path and patio weedkiller to joints when weeds appear. Prevention through good jointing is better than cure.
Every 3-5 Years
Seal (Optional)
Apply block paving sealant to enhance colour, protect against stains and inhibit weed growth. Not essential but recommended.
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
Cheshire's varied seasons each present different challenges for your block paved driveway. Follow this seasonal guide to stay on top of maintenance throughout the year.
🌱
Spring
- Deep pressure wash after winter
- Apply moss & algae treatment
- Re-sand joints after washing
- Check for frost damage
- Apply weed preventer
☀️
Summer
- Regular sweeping
- Spot treat any weeds
- Address oil stains promptly
- Best time for sealing
- Light rinse as needed
🍂
Autumn
- Remove fallen leaves regularly
- Clear drainage channels
- Top up jointing sand
- Treat moss before winter
- Check edge restraints
❄️
Winter
- Clear snow carefully
- Avoid metal shovels
- Use salt sparingly
- Keep drains clear
- Note any damage for spring
Cleaning Your Block Paving
Routine Cleaning
For regular maintenance across your Crewe, Nantwich or Cheshire driveway:
- Sweeping: Use a stiff outdoor broom weekly to remove debris. Always sweep towards edges, not into joints.
- Hosing: Monthly rinse with a garden hose removes dust and light soiling before it becomes embedded.
- Spot cleaning: Address spills and stains immediately for easiest removal.
Pressure Washing
Annual deep cleaning with a pressure washer keeps block paving looking like new. Follow these guidelines:
- Pressure setting: Use maximum 150 bar (2000 psi) to avoid dislodging jointing sand
- Nozzle type: Fan pattern nozzle, not a pinpoint jet which can damage blocks
- Distance: Keep lance at least 200mm (8 inches) from the surface
- Direction: Work systematically, following the line of the joints
- Re-sand: Always top up kiln-dried sand after pressure washing
⚠️ Important: Pressure washing will remove jointing sand. Always have a bag of kiln-dried sand ready to re-fill joints after cleaning. Allow 24 hours drying time before re-sanding.
Stain Removal Guide
Different stains require different treatment approaches. Act quickly for best results on your Cheshire block paved driveway.
| Stain Type |
Treatment Method |
Notes |
| Oil & Grease |
Apply cat litter or sand to absorb fresh spills. Use specialist oil remover or degreaser for set stains. Scrub with stiff brush. |
Act fast, fresh oil is much easier to remove. Severe staining may require block replacement. |
| Moss & Algae |
Apply proprietary moss killer, leave for recommended time, then pressure wash or scrub. Re-sand joints after treatment. |
Common in shaded areas. Prevent by improving drainage and keeping joints topped up. |
| Tyre Marks |
Hot water with washing up liquid. Scrub with stiff brush. For stubborn marks, use a dedicated paving cleaner. |
More visible on lighter blocks. Regular cleaning prevents build-up. |
| Rust |
Use oxalic acid-based rust remover. Apply, leave for 10 minutes, scrub and rinse thoroughly. |
Often from metal garden furniture or vehicles. Prevent by using furniture pads. |
| Paint |
Fresh paint: absorb with cloth, clean with white spirit. Dried paint: use paint stripper, then pressure wash. |
Test paint stripper on inconspicuous area first. Some staining may be permanent. |
| Leaf Tannins |
Apply bleach solution (1:10 with water), leave 15 minutes, scrub and rinse. Repeat if necessary. |
Common in autumn. Remove leaves regularly to prevent staining. |
| Efflorescence |
Usually disappears naturally over time. For persistent cases, use efflorescence cleaner and stiff brush. |
White powdery deposits are natural and harmless. More common on new installations. |
Re-Sanding Joints
Properly filled joints are essential for block paving stability, weed prevention and longevity. Joint sand levels should be checked regularly and topped up when needed.
When to Re-Sand
- After every pressure washing session
- When joint levels drop below block surface
- If you notice blocks moving or feeling loose
- After heavy rain washes sand away
- When weeds start appearing between blocks
How to Re-Sand Properly
- Clean first: Ensure joints are clear of debris and weeds
- Dry conditions: Only re-sand when blocks are completely dry
- Use kiln-dried sand: Regular builders sand holds moisture and promotes weed growth
- Spread evenly: Pour sand onto surface and brush into joints using a stiff broom
- Compact: Use a plate compactor or simply walk over the area to settle sand
- Top up: Add more sand and brush again until joints are full
- Clean surface: Sweep excess sand from block surfaces
✓ Pro Tip: Consider using polymeric jointing sand for longer-lasting results. It hardens when wet, preventing washout and weed growth. Ideal for driveways across Crewe and Nantwich's varied weather conditions.
Winter Care for Cheshire Driveways
Cheshire winters can be harsh on block paving. Follow these guidelines to protect your driveway through the colder months.
Snow & Ice Removal
- Plastic shovels only: Never use metal shovels which can chip and scratch blocks
- Clear early: Remove snow before it compacts into ice
- Salt sparingly: Rock salt can damage some block types , use carefully
- Alternative de-icers: Sand or grit provides grip without chemical damage
⛔ Never use: Metal shovels, ice picks, or harsh chemical de-icers on block paving. These can cause permanent damage not covered by warranty.
Frost Protection
Quality block paving is frost-resistant, but poor installation or drainage issues can lead to problems:
- Ensure drainage channels are clear before winter
- Check for any areas where water pools, these may need attention
- Topped-up jointing sand helps prevent water ingress into joints
- Note any cracked or damaged blocks for spring repair
Sealing Block Paving (Optional)
Sealing is not essential but offers several benefits for your Cheshire driveway. We recommend considering sealing every 3-5 years.
Benefits of Sealing
- Colour enhancement: Brings out the natural colour and vibrancy of blocks
- Stain resistance: Creates barrier against oil, grease and other spills
- Weed inhibition: Seals joints to prevent weed germination
- Easier cleaning: Sealed surfaces are quicker to clean
- Joint stabilisation: Some sealers bind jointing sand in place
Sealing Best Practices
- Clean and re-sand thoroughly before sealing
- Wait at least 12 months after installation before sealing new paving
- Apply in dry conditions when no rain is forecast for 24 hours
- Choose appropriate sealer type (matt, satin or gloss finish)
- Consider professional application for best results
⚠️ Note: Sealing changes the appearance of block paving and requires periodic reapplication. Some homeowners prefer the natural, unsealed look. Test sealers in an inconspicuous area first.
Replacing Damaged Blocks
One of block paving's greatest advantages is that individual blocks can be replaced without disturbing the entire surface. Here's how we approach repairs across Crewe, Nantwich and Cheshire.
Repair Process
- Identify damage: Locate all blocks requiring replacement
- Remove sand: Clear jointing sand from around damaged blocks
- Extract blocks: Use block extractors or flat screwdrivers to lift blocks
- Check base: Inspect and repair sub-base if necessary
- Source matching blocks: Find blocks that match colour, size and texture
- Install new blocks: Set new blocks at correct level
- Re-sand joints: Fill all joints with kiln-dried sand
- Compact: Vibrate or tamp to settle blocks
Colour Matching Note: Block paving weathers over time. New replacement blocks may appear different initially but will blend in as they age. Consider keeping spare blocks from your original installation for future repairs.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Deep clean with pressure washer (spring)
- Apply moss and algae treatment
- Top up kiln-dried jointing sand
- Check and clear drainage channels
- Inspect edge restraints for movement
- Check for sunken or raised blocks
- Treat any weeds in joints
- Address any oil or stubborn stains
- Consider sealant application (every 3-5 years)
- Photograph condition for records
Your Warranty Protection
Every block paving installation from Cheshire Driveways & Landscaping includes comprehensive warranty protection.
- Workmanship Guarantee: Covers installation quality and structural integrity
- Tobermore Product Warranty: Manufacturer warranty on all Tobermore products
- What's Covered: Structural failure, manufacturing defects, premature colour fade
- Warranty Conditions: Regular maintenance following this guide must be maintained
- Exclusions: Damage from misuse, chemical spillages, improper cleaning methods, or failure to maintain properly
We recommend keeping a simple log of your maintenance activities and retaining receipts for any professional cleaning services. This documentation supports any warranty claims should they arise.
Need Professional Help?
Repairs, deep cleaning or maintenance services across Crewe, Nantwich & Cheshire
01270 895150
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