Mastering New Driveway Care For Resin, Tarmac And Block Paving
Installing a new driveway to your home can be a great way to increase curb appeal and the value of your property, as well as increase the quality of your life when living there. A new driveway is not only going to look much better, but it is also going to be more functional allowing for safer driving and parking on your property.
There are several options when it comes to getting a new driveway in terms of material, each offering its own benefits in terms of aesthetic appeal and durability.
At M&M Driveways we specialise in three forms of driveways – resin, block paving and tarmac, as these are the most popular in the region and offer a great deal of benefits. Once your new driveway is installed, the work isn’t over as ongoing care and maintenance is required to keep it in top condition.
The best way to care for your new driveway will vary based on the type you have installed and we are going to guide you through each one today, so you can have lasting style and durability.
What Is The Best Driveway For Me?
At M&M Driveways we offer three main materials for driveways to ensure we can offer the best quality and durability for our clients.
When making the choice between block paving, tarmac, or resin bound driveways you will need to consider the benefits each material can provide, your requirements for your property and the amount of care you can afford to provide.
Resin Bound Driveways
Resin bound driveways are one of the most popular options for homes across the region due to the incredible strength provided, as well as the appealing aesthetic. Resin driveways also have the additional benefit of being a cost-effective option, making them accessible for most homeowners.
In terms of material strength and quality, resin is resilient to cracks and is very easy to maintain. This allows you to keep your driveway in great condition for years to come without much effort.
Any damage that may occur over time can be easily resolved with resin, and there are repair kits available as well as professional aid. Resin driveways can cure quickly, as they do not need sealing. However, there are options for UV-resistant coating to be installed which can help preserve the colour and design of the driveway for years to come.
With customisations available, resin bound driveways are highly versatile.
Block Paving Driveways
Block paving driveways provide a classic aesthetic to the home and will increase property value. Maintaining these driveways can be simple and it is easier to replace any damaged blocks should the occasion arise, saving you money as a whole replacement is not necessary.
Block paving can be installed in patterns or designs to create a unique appeal to your property, and is certain to look great for years to come. Multiple options are available for the concrete slabs and blocks, ensuring you can find something that suits your home well and will endure the test of time.
Tarmac Driveways
Where block paving driveways offer a classic and timeless appearance to the property, tarmac is the modern counterpart. Tarmac driveways are sleek and create a professional appearance for any property.
A durable material that can withstand heavy weights, tarmac is a highly practical driveway material and is more cost-effective than others. It can be easy to maintain because it is more affordable than other materials, but professional help may be required for any repairs.
Like with resin bound driveways, tarmac can get a UV-protective coating to offer more longevity to the colour and design, as well as to the quality as this coating will prevent the tarmac from drying out and cracking.
How To Care For Your New Driveway
Once you have decided on the material and got your new driveway installed, it is time to consider the aftercare that is required. Ongoing care and maintenance are needed no matter what material you choose for your new driveway to keep it in good condition.
Driveways are exposed to a lot of stress, not only from the heavy weight of vehicles but also as they are exposed to the elements. Regular maintenance is needed to prevent cracks and other damage, as well as keep the curb appeal of your new driveway.
The right kind of care will vary based on the type of driveway, but all can benefit from the following maintenance tips.
Initial Care and Curing Time
Once the driveway has been installed, it is time to develop your maintenance routine. Driveways need care from the minute they are cured until they need to be replaced, as regular maintenance is the key to maintaining both aesthetic appeal and durability.
Resin Driveways
Resin bound driveways are popular because they have a quick installation time, compared to other driveways. However, they still need at least 24-48 hours of curing time meaning you should avoid using your new driveway the first few days after it has been installed.
It is recommended to avoid parking heavy vehicles or machinery on the driveway during this time to allow it to cure properly. Failure to wait for the driveway to completely cure can cause damage, such as cracks, to the resin and prevent it from being as strong as you need.
Resin driveways are incredibly durable and visually appealing. However, they do require an initial curing time. Avoid parking heavy vehicles on a new resin driveway for at least 24-48 hours after installation. This allows the resin to set properly and achieve its full strength.
Block Paving
Block paving needs to settle fully before your new driveway can be used. While block paving is renowned for its high load-bearing capacity, which is why it is so popular for driveways, it does need to cure first before it can be used.
Like with resin bound driveway, it is a good idea to avoid using vehicles on your new block paving driveway for the first few days. Avoid all heavy vehicles and machinery for at least a week to ensure the driveway has set and is stable, but light foot traffic is okay during this time.
Tarmac
Tarmac driveways do take longer than resin bound and block paving driveways, and it is a good idea to let them cure properly before trying. Vehicles should be kept off your new tarmac driveway for at least three to five days, but this can vary based on location and climate.
The installers will advise you on the best time to let the tarmac cure, but this should be noted so it can settle and harden. Without this curing time, you will seek cracks and other signs of damage in your new driveway as the tarmac has not had the chance to become strong enough for use.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Like all areas of your home, your driveway will need to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking good and ensure it is not subject to damage.
Using during the changing seasons, you will need to increase the cleaning and maintenance to keep the driveway clear and the best way to do this varies based on the material used.
Resin Driveways
One of the main benefits of resin bound driveways is the fact they are relatively low maintenance, but this does not mean you don’t have to do anything with them. Like all paving and driveways, resin driveways will benefit from regular cleaning.
Due to the durability of the material, it is possible to use a pressure washer on a low setting to clean your resin driveway. On a low setting, you can easily remove any dirt and debris that may have built up with a pressure washer and a mild detergent can be used all over for cleaning.
Block Paving
Block paving will need to be cleaned periodically to prevent the growth of weeds and moss, as well as to keep the concrete a uniform colour. The best way to remove dust, dirt and other debris from the concrete blocks is with a stiff brush and soapy water. This allows you to scrub at any ground in dirt and bring the concrete back to life.
A pressure washer can be used if thorough cleaning is required, and this can make the job quicker to complete, but do not use it on the highest setting. When using a pressure washer, you also need to take care to not disturb the jointing sand between the blocks as this will make them loose.
Tarmac
Much like with resin bound and block paving driveways, regular sweeping of tarmac is required to get rid of loose debris and maintain a clear appearance.
If there is deeper cleaning required, such as removing stains or spills, then a soap solution and soft brush can be used. You should not use a pressure washer on the tarmac as it can erode the surface and damage your driveway.
Preventing and Repairing Damage
While regular maintenance can help prevent damage to your driveway, it is impossible to avoid it forever. There may come a time when damage has occurred and you need to repair it as quickly as possible to avoid the issue getting worse.
Resin Driveways
While resin bound driveways are crack-resistant, sharp objects or heavy impacts can cause damage to the surface. If you do notice any damage like cracks or holes, make sure you get it repaired as quickly as possible to avoid it spreading.
Resin repair kits are available where you can create a resin mixture to fill in the affected areas and prevent the damage from spreading. For any bigger cracks or damage, professional repairs are your best option.
Block Paving
Block paving is a highly durable option for your driveway, but damage can still occur over time. It is likely that individual blocks will crack or become loose, making them subject to more damage, over time and this needs to be addressed.
Luckily it is fairly easy to replace any damaged blocks as they simply need to be removed before a new one can be installed in its place. To ensure the new block sets evenly, make sure to clean the area before installation and resand the joints.
Tarmac
Despite its durability, tarmac is prone to cracks and potholes over time. Small cracks can be filled with a tarmac repair compound, similar to the resin repair kits which are widely available, and this should be done promptly to prevent the damage from getting worse.
For the larger areas of damage, it is best to seek professional repairs as this will ensure a seamless repair or reinstallation if required.
Seasonal Care
The cleaning and maintenance you perform on your driveway will change with the seasons.
Winter Care
Winter can be particularly harsh on all types of driveways and therefore additional care is needed during this time.
For resin and block paving, you should avoid using metal shovels for snow removal as they can scratch the surface and instead rely on a plastic shovel.
On tarmac driveways, you should not use salt to melt the snow and prevent freezing as this can damage the material. You can use salt or grit instead, which is just as effective at providing traction without damaging the tarmac.
Summer Care
In the summer, resin and block paving can both benefit from light watering to prevent overheating and potential warping, which can be done easily using a hose pipe.
Tarmac driveways can soften when under extreme heat, so during these times, you will need to be careful where you park. During extremely high temperatures, it is best for you to try to park in shaded areas when possible to prevent indentations appearing in the tarmac from the vehicle tyres which will need to be resurfaced to remove.
Choose M&M Driveways For New Driveway Care
At M&M Driveways, we understand the importance of maintaining your new driveway and can provide services to help with this, as well as driveway installation.
Our team of landscaping experts are dedicated to providing high-quality driveway and paving installation services, as well as maintenance when required. Working with our experts can ensure that your investment in a new driveway remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Whether you need advice on routine care, repairs, or protective treatments for your new driveway, we are here to help.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in getting a new driveway or want to learn more about our services, please contact the team today.
