As the weather gets colder and the nights grow darker, the way we look after our outdoor areas changes. From covering cold-sensitive plants to clearing the fallen leaves, there's a lot of work to do. It’s also worth paying particular attention to your Indian paving - after all, if you’ve invested time and money in installing them in your driveway, you’ll always want to keep them looking at their best! So with that in mind, here are our top tips to help you maintain your Indian sandstone throughout the autumn and winter months, so they stay looking pristine and lasting for many years to come.
Prevent damage by sealing your Indian paving
Our Indian sandstone is highly durable against casual bumps and impacts, but it can be vulnerable to water damage unless it’s sealed properly. During the winter months especially, water can often get into any minor cracks or fissures, freeze and expand, ultimately damaging your paving. The best way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that they’re sealed in advance. We typically recommend Joint It - you can find more details here.
Should you wash your driveway when it's cold?
It's a good idea to clean your driveway every six months or so, as it prevents the build-up of dirt and grime and keeps long-term stains at bay. During the colder months, it’s sensible to keep up with this washing schedule. However, we’d recommend giving yours a clean earlier on during the autumn when the weather is slightly warmer, and choose a sunny day so that any water evaporates more quickly. You can still wash it on colder days, but try to avoid doing it once temperatures are at freezing levels in the dead of winter.
To wash your paving, simply brush off any loose debris and mud, and remove weeds. Use an acid-free soap and water to wash down your driveway and scrub with a stiff brush, concentrating on stained areas. Finish by washing away the soapy water with a jet wash which should get any last bits of dirt you might have missed.
Don't let your drive become an ice-rink
One of the biggest driveway issues we all face during winter is frozen paving. When the rain comes down and freezes overnight, your drive can end up feeling more like an ice-rink than somewhere to safely park your car. Happily it’s fairly easy to prevent this - you can de-ice your paving in advance by popping down some salt or sand, which will stop the water from freezing over. Just remember to lay this down before the icy weather comes and top it up as needed.
Keeping your driveway maintained during autumn and winter is essential to prevent any damage when spring comes around. From sealing cracks to keeping ice at bay, these little things can go a long way to extending the life of your Indian paving. If you’ve got any questions or you need a few more details, don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly team.
If you think your driveway could do with being repaved, we have plenty of Indian sandstone to choose from, including Golden Leaf and Autumn Brown. Beautiful, high-quality, and durable, it doesn't get much better than our sandstone! To make your order, ring us on 01282 860571, and we'll help you pick the perfect paving for your drive.