Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit your home. Cracked, exhausted looking driveways…
Many driveways are gorgeous from within the property. But as soon as you get to the kerb.. Those chipped slabs and weed-infested cracks say otherwise. Reviving your driveway doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think.
Photo by Ben Bouvier-Farrell on Unsplash
A fresh block paving driveway can:
- Transform your home’s kerb appeal
- Add serious value to your property
- Last for decades with minimal upkeep
Here is everything you need to know…
What we’ll cover:
- Why Driveways Crack In The First Place
- The Big Benefits Of A Block Paving Driveway
- How To Restore A Tired Driveway
- Choosing The Right Materials & Installer
Why Driveways Crack In The First Place
Before you can fix a driveway, you need to know why it failed.
There are only so many reasons why driveways crack. In fact most of them are preventable. Once you know why it happened you can prevent it from happening.
The most common culprits are:
- Poor sub-base preparation: A weak foundation will always lead to sinking and cracking
- Drainage issues: Standing water erodes joints and weakens the surface
- Tree roots: Roots can lift slabs and split paving from underneath
- Heavy vehicles: Driveways not built for the weight will fail fast
Patching up your driveway without fixing the sub-base underneath is pointless. Solve the underlying problem first.
The Big Benefits Of A Block Paving Driveway
Block paved driveways are currently one of the UK’s driveway of choice. This isn’t just down to aesthetics though, far from it in fact.
Adds Real Value To Your Home
This is the big one.
Installing a new block paved driveway is one of the cleverest investments you can make. Choose your driveway specialist wisely and you can transform a cracked tired entrance into an asset that adds serious value to your property.
Surprisingly, you can increase the value of your home by up to 5-10% just by installing a private driveway in the UK. That could be worth thousands of pounds depending on your property.
And here is the kicker:
Buyers love off-street parking. Every year there are more cars on our roads and having your own driveway really boosts appeal. Particularly if you are located in a busy town where parking on the street is a pain.
Built To Last
Block paving is one of the most durable driveway materials you can buy.
Block paving driveways that have been installed properly should last 20+ years with minimal maintenance. When you compare that to gravel or standard tarmac you can see why block paving is superior. They can deal with heavy vehicle usage, all weather conditions in the UK, daily wear and tear and even oil drips/stains (with sealing).
Oh, and another benefit. If you damage one block it is so easy to pull up and replace that block. Not your entire driveway. That should tell you it is the wise investment.
Looks Incredible
OK, don’t lie… appearances are important. Block paving is available in all sorts of colours, patterns and shapes. Some popular patterns are herringbone, basketweave, stretcher bond and circular fan. The right pattern can help create the illusion of space on small driveways and add a touch of luxury to larger driveways.
How To Restore A Tired Driveway
Now on to the fun part. You have a cracked weed infested driveway. How can you transform it into something to be proud of? There are two routes to go. You can restore what is already there, or you can rip it out and start over.
Option 1: Clean & Repair
If your driveway is still solid but looks tired and worn give it a deep clean and see if that’s all it needs. Begin by power washing the driveway to remove years of dirt, moss and grime. You’ll be amazed at how a driveway looks with a good cleaning.
Then move on to the smaller fixes:
- Replace cracked or broken blocks
- Re-sand the joints to lock everything in place
- Treat any weeds or moss
- Apply a sealant to protect the surface
This kind of restoration is much cheaper than a full replacement.
Option 2: Full Replacement
Occasionally your driveway may be beyond repair. If the sub-base has given way or there are numerous sinkholes in the surface it’s best to start from scratch.
A full replacement gives you the chance to:
- Fix any underlying drainage issues
- Choose a brand new style or layout
- Upgrade the sub-base for long-term durability
- Add new features like edging or lighting
Yes it’s more expensive initially. However, you get a driveway that can last for generations. According to industry stats, houses with high kerb appeal are worth 34% more than homes which lack appealing exteriors. Tough to argue with that.
Choosing The Right Materials & Installer
The materials you pick will make or break your driveway project.
Block paving is by far the most popular option for many reasons. However, there are types of block paving:
- Concrete blocks: Affordable, strong, and come in many colours
- Clay pavers: Premium look that holds colour for decades
- Natural stone: The most expensive but unbeatable for character
- Permeable blocks: Eco-friendly and great for drainage
Concrete blocks are the best value when it comes to price vs quality for most homeowners. If you have the money Clay and natural stone are awesome.
But here is the thing…
Materials mean nothing if they aren’t installed correctly. A cheap installation company can ruin even the highest quality blocks with shoddy prep work. Verify their past work & reviews, ensure they prepare proper sub-base, that they correctly manage drainage, and that they stand behind their work with a warranty. You’ll save yourself thousands with a good installer.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to live with a cracked driveway. Not anymore! With some know-how and elbow grease, you can transform that dull, cracked-up entrance into a stunning driveway that will increase your home value and wow guests for years to come. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Find out why your driveway cracked in the first place
- Decide between a repair or full replacement
- Pick the right materials for your home and budget
- Choose an installer who knows what they are doing
Your driveway makes the first impression when visitors arrive at your home. Impress them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a block paving driveway last?
With very little maintenance required a block paving driveway can last 20 years or more if installed correctly.
How much does a new driveway cost?
Expect to pay from about £3,500 for a small block paved driveway. Larger driveways can cost £6,000 or even more. Always obtain several quotes.
Does a driveway add value to my home?
Yes. A well-installed driveway can add 5-10% to your home’s value.
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