Autumn paving maintenance tips: Keep your driveway and walkways in top shape

autumn paving maintenance tips: keep your driveway and walkways in top shape

As autumn sets in with falling leaves and cooler weather, it’s important to prepare your driveway, walkways, and patios for the months ahead. Whether your paving is tarmac, concrete, or natural stone, a little seasonal care will extend its lifespan and save you money on repairs. Follow these autumn paving maintenance tips to keep your surfaces clean, safe, and protected.

1. clear away leaves and debris

Fallen leaves may look beautiful, but they trap moisture, cause stains, and encourage moss and algae growth. This not only spoils the look of your paving but can also make it slippery and unsafe.

• Sweep or blow leaves away regularly.
• Pay extra attention to corners and edges where debris builds up.

Keeping your paving clear helps prevent long-term damage and keeps your outdoor spaces safe.

2. inspect for cracks and damage

Cold weather makes small cracks worse as water freezes and expands inside them. Autumn is the perfect time to fix problems before winter.

• Look for hairline cracks, potholes, or loose paving stones.
• Repairing minor issues now avoids expensive fixes later.

If you notice larger cracks or drainage issues, it may be worth booking a driveway and patio cleaning service to restore and protect your surfaces.

3. clean and seal your surfaces

Cleaning and sealing your driveway or patio is one of the best ways to protect it during autumn and winter. A quality sealant will:

• Repel water and ice.
• Protect against road salt.
• Preserve colour and appearance.

Start with our paving cleaners to remove dirt, moss, and algae, then apply our water-based EASYSeal sealers for lasting protection.

4. improve drainage

Standing water is one of the main causes of paving damage. Make sure your surfaces drain correctly before winter sets in:

• Redirect downspouts away from paved areas.
• Fill low spots where water tends to collect.

Good drainage reduces the risk of cracks, erosion, and frost damage.

5. prepare for winter treatments

Snow and ice treatments can damage paving if the wrong products are used. Stock up now so you’re ready when frost arrives.

• Concrete - use calcium magnesium acetate or sand instead of rock salt.
• Asphalt - rock salt is usually safe but should be used sparingly.
• Stone pavers - avoid harsh chemicals, sand is often the best option.

6. edge and trim nearby plants

Roots and grass can grow beneath paving stones, causing shifting or cracks over time. A quick trim of surrounding plants in autumn prevents future issues and keeps edges neat.

final thoughts

By following these autumn driveway and patio maintenance tips, you’ll protect your paving through the winter and beyond. A little effort now prevents costly repairs and keeps your outdoor spaces looking their best.

Pro tip: if your driveway or patio has significant damage, contact us for a professional inspection and quote before the first frost.