Block paving cleans well, and the jointing sand washes out in the process, so it is re-sanded with kiln-dried sand once dry. Concrete slabs, imprinted concrete and plain concrete drives take higher pressure.
Natural stone such as sandstone and limestone is softer and can mark under high pressure, so it is cleaned at lower pressure, often after a treatment to loosen lichen and algae. Tarmac is cleaned with care, because a strong jet can loosen the stone chippings in the surface.
What the work covers
Cleaning, joint clearing and kiln-dried sand brushed back in.
Lower-pressure cleaning, with a pre-treatment for lichen and black spots.
Cleaning of slabs, imprinted patterns and plain concrete.
Steps, kerbs and narrow paths around the main area cleaned at the same time.
Growth pulled from the joints before cleaning starts.
A sealer applied after cleaning and re-sanding, if you choose one.
Questions people ask
How is driveway cleaning priced?
By the surface type, the size of the drive or patio, how much growth is in the joints and whether re-sanding or sealing is added.
How soon can I drive on the paving again?
Once the surface is dry and the sand is in, the drive can be used. A sealer needs time to cure before it takes traffic, and the time depends on the product.
Will cleaning remove oil stains?
Fresh oil marks often lighten with a degreaser. Old stains that have soaked deep into concrete or block paving may fade without disappearing.
What are the black spots on my sandstone patio?
They are usually lichen. Lichen needs a treatment that kills it, and pressure alone can leave a mark. Treated spots fade over the following weeks.
Does sealing stop weeds growing?
It reduces the space for them by binding the sand in the joints. Seeds can still land and root in gaps or in dirt on the surface, so some weeds may appear over time.