Resin Bound & Block Paving Maintenance: Keeping Your Driveway Looking New

Updated 14/09/2026 · 4 min read

A well-built driveway needs far less maintenance than most people assume, but "far less" isn't "none" - and the two most common surfaces, resin bound and block paving, need genuinely different care to look good for their full lifespan.

Resin bound driveways

• Sweep or blow leaves and debris off regularly, particularly in autumn - organic matter left sitting on the surface can encourage moss and staining over time
• Pressure wash occasionally (low to medium pressure, not the highest setting) to lift ingrained dirt without damaging the resin bond
• Treat oil or fuel spills promptly - resin can stain if a spill is left to sit, though a quality installation resists staining better than a cheap one
• Avoid sharp tools directly on the surface (edging spades, ice chippers used aggressively) since the resin layer, while durable, isn't infinitely resistant to sharp impact

Block paving driveways

• Re-sand joints periodically - kiln-dried sand between the blocks washes out gradually over years, and topping it up keeps blocks locked in place and discourages weed growth
• Treat weeds early rather than letting them establish in the joints, since established root systems can lift blocks slightly over time
• Reseal every few years if a sealed finish was originally applied - this restores colour, makes cleaning easier, and helps prevent staining
• Lift and reset individual blocks if one sinks or cracks, rather than leaving it - block paving's key advantage is that a single damaged block can be replaced without redoing the whole driveway

What both surfaces need in common

• Keeping drainage channels and any soakaway inlets clear of leaves and debris, so water continues to drain as designed (see our drainage guide)
• Addressing small cracks or gaps promptly rather than waiting - water getting into a small crack and freezing in winter is a common way a minor issue becomes a significant repair
• Keeping an eye out for the seasonal cracking associated with clay ground movement (see our clay ground guide), which is worth monitoring rather than immediately assuming poor workmanship

How often is "regularly"?

A general sweep every few weeks, a proper wash twice a year, and re-sanding or resealing every 2-4 years (depending on wear and the original installation quality) is a reasonable baseline for most driveways in Essex and East London's climate.