Why a jet wash alone can leave your block paving worse than before

The before and after photos are always dramatic. What they do not show is the joint sand that went down the drain along with the moss.

The joint sand is doing a job

Block paving is not glued down. Each block is held in place by its neighbours, and the sand in the joints locks them together. Remove that sand and the blocks can shift, rock and eventually sink.

The weeds come back faster

Empty joints are the perfect home for windblown seeds. A drive that has been washed but not re-sanded can look worse than before within a season.

The clean is the satisfying part. The re-sand is the part that matters.

What a proper clean looks like

1. Remove weeds and roots from the joints, not just the tops
2. Deep clean the surface with professional pressure equipment
3. Let the paving dry completely
4. Brush kiln-dried sand into every joint to re-lock the blocks
5. Check for any sinking or damage that needs attention

Is DIY worth it?

You can clean a patio yourself, but washing incorrectly can damage surfaces that are already in poor condition. If your drive is large, old or uneven, it is worth getting it done properly once. See our driveway cleaning service.