Driveway & Patio Maintenance: Keeping Paving Looking Good
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated August 5, 2026
Well-maintained paving lasts decades; neglected paving starts sinking, discolouring and growing moss within a few years. The basics are simple: sweep regularly, check jointing sand yearly and be cautious with a pressure washer. That alone keeps a driveway or patio looking good for years.
How do you clean a patio or driveway without causing damage?
Regular sweeping and a weed brush are the safest routine. A pressure washer works faster, but washes out jointing sand and can damage softer materials if the pressure is set too high:
- Pavers and slabs: no more than 100 to 130 bar.
- Timber decking: no more than 80 to 100 bar, with a wide fan nozzle.
- Frequency: no more than once a year, ideally in spring in dry weather above 5°C.
Always top up joint sand once the paving is fully dry after pressure washing - otherwise weeds get an immediate head start in the empty joints.
When and why do you top up jointing sand?
Check at least once a year whether the jointing sand is still at the right level, and top up after heavy rain or snow where sand has washed away. Jointing sand does three things: it slows weed growth (it cannot fully prevent it, since seed also blows in from above), it keeps ants out, and it holds pavers or slabs in place so they don't shift. Want to be rid of the topping-up cycle? Choose polymeric sand instead of loose kiln-dried sand - see our guide on sand types for paving.
How do you prevent moss on your paving?
Moss forms from a combination of a damp surface, poorly draining ground and little sun - typical on north-facing patios or under overhanging greenery. Prune back overhanging branches and hedges, improve drainage where water pools, and sweep regularly so dirt doesn't build up. For existing moss, mechanical removal with a stiff brush, joint scraper or rotary brush machine is best - it removes moss including the roots without loading the surrounding soil with chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pressure washer harmful to my paving?
Not at the right pressure: 100 to 130 bar for pavers and slabs, 80 to 100 bar for timber. Too much pressure or lingering on one spot can damage the surface, and it always washes out jointing sand, which you then need to top up. Use it no more than once a year for this reason.
How often do I need to top up jointing sand?
Check at least yearly, and top up straight away after heavy rain or snow where you see visible sand loss. With polymeric sand, which sets hard, you need to do this far less often than with loose kiln-dried sand.
What is the best way to remove moss without chemicals?
Mechanically: a stiff brush, joint scraper or rotary brush machine removes moss including the roots. Combine this with removing the cause - more sun and better drainage - or the moss will quickly return.
Can this maintenance be included in a subscription?
Yes, periodic jointing-sand checks and weed control on paving can be included in a <a href="/en/maintenance-subscription/">maintenance subscription</a>, so you never have to think about it yourself.
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