Growth in the joints is a sign the jointing sand has washed out and organic silt has taken its place. Seeds land in that silt, and the joint becomes a very thin, very well-drained plant pot.
Clean, then refill
Removing weeds without replacing the joint material just resets the clock. The joint has to be cleared to depth and re-sanded, or the same seeds land in the same gap.
This guide sits under our Patios & Driveways work, covering 20-mile radius of Plymouth.
Kiln-dried sand and stabilisers
Standard kiln-dried sand is the normal refill. Where a driveway is heavily trafficked or on a slope, a stabilising sand or sealer holds it in place for longer.
Order of work matters
Weed treatment, then clean, then dry, then sand. Sanding a damp joint traps moisture and the sand slumps within weeks.
Questions we get on this
- Do you use weedkiller?
- We treat growth as needed and always tell you what is being used and how long to keep pets off.
- How long before weeds return?
- A properly re-sanded joint typically stays clear far longer than a swept one, but no joint is permanent.
- Is sealing worth it?
- On a sound, well-laid driveway, often yes. On a failing one, no - and we will say so.
Related reading
- Water spots that will not come off glass
- Damp patch on an upstairs wall - roof, gutter or wall?
- Bird droppings, nesting debris and blocked outlets
- White powder on brickwork: efflorescence explained