Block Paving Cleaning & Sealing in London
Block paving cleaning and sealing restores your driveway's appearance and locks the structure together for years. We clean, re-sand joints with polymeric or kiln-dried sand, and apply a professional-grade sealant that prevents weed growth, stops sand erosion, and protects against stains. Full driveway treatment typically takes one day.
Why Block Paving Needs Specialist Treatment
Block paving isn't just a surface — it's an engineered system. The sand in the joints transfers load between blocks and holds the whole structure together, like a flexible grout. Pressure washing without proper aftercare washes that sand out, weakening the joints. Re-sanding and sealing aren't optional extras on block paving — they're essential to keeping the system structurally sound, not just clean.
Our Process
1. Assessment
We inspect paving condition, joint sand levels, drainage and stain types, diagnosing root causes — not just surface symptoms.
2. Pre-Treatment
Biocidal wash for organic growth. Specialist treatment for oil, rust or efflorescence as needed.
3. Cleaning
Commercial pressure washing with a surface cleaner attachment, at the appropriate pressure for block paving — not maximum power.
4. Joint Preparation
Old sand removed from joints, which are then cleaned and dried ready for re-sanding.
5. Re-Sanding
Fresh kiln-dried or polymeric sand installed, compacted and levelled.
6. Sealing & Inspection
Sealant applied (typically 2 coats), binding the sand and forming a protective barrier, then a final coverage check.
Sealant Options — Structural vs Aesthetic
Not all sealants do the same job. The key distinction is between sealing for structure and sealing for looks:
| Feature | Penetrating Sealer | Topical / Film-Forming Sealer |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Soaks into paver and sand | Forms a coating on the surface |
| Appearance | Natural look, no change | Wet look / colour enhanced |
| Joint stabilisation | Excellent — binds sand from within | Moderate — surface layer only |
| Durability | 3–5 years | 1–3 years (needs stripping to reapply) |
| Best for | Long-term structural protection | Visual enhancement plus protection |
We use trusted UK sealant brands including Resiblock, Smartseal and Seal'n'Lock, matched to your paving and the finish you want.
Is Sealing Worth It?
Benefits: long-term joint stability, weed prevention, stain resistance, reduced maintenance.
Trade-offs: upfront cost, a slight change in appearance depending on the product, and reapplication needed every 3–5 years.
The honest comparison: repeated cheap pressure washing without sealing gradually degrades the joints, which can eventually lead to paver shifting and a far more expensive relaying job. One proper clean, re-sand and seal lasts 3–5 years and protects the investment you've already made in your driveway.
Pricing
Block paving cleaning and sealing typically costs £10–£20 per m² for the full service. See our detailed block paving cost guide for a full price breakdown by service tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — we assess the condition first, and old sealant may need stripping before reapplication.
Depends on the product. Penetrating sealers leave the natural look unchanged. Topical sealers give an enhanced wet-look or colour-deepened finish.
Typically one day for cleaning, re-sanding and sealing. Curing takes 24–48 hours, during which you should avoid foot and vehicle traffic.
Dramatically reduced. Polymeric sand combined with sealing gives the best weed prevention.
Every 3–5 years depending on traffic levels and the product used.
Polymeric sand sets firm when wet, resists erosion and prevents weed growth far better than standard kiln-dried sand — higher cost, but much longer lasting.
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Get a Free Assessment
We'll diagnose the issues and recommend the right treatment for your block paving.