If your driveway is starting to look a bit green around the edges, you’re definitely not alone. As autumn rolls in across Cheshire, block paving, tarmac driveways and concrete outside areas tend to attract moss, algae and a general buildup of dirt that seems to creep up overnight. Once winter arrives with freezing temperatures and constant damp, that mess doesn’t just look bad — it can damage the surface underneath.
So the big question we hear every year is: should you jet wash your driveway before winter sets in? The short answer is yes. Cleaning now helps prevent moss and green algae from holding moisture in your paving slabs or block paved areas. When that moisture freezes, it expands and weakens the surface. Once small cracks form, germinating weeds and frost damage follow very quickly.
This is one of those home maintenance tasks that saves a lot more than it costs. If your driveway is huge or your worried about doing it right at this time of year its best to book a professional driveway pressure washing, don’t worry we can help!
Why Jet Washing Before Winter Helps
Moss and algae are much easier to remove before the weather turns colder. When they stay in place, they act like a sponge — holding water on the surface. Over winter, that trapped moisture freezes and thaws repeatedly, causing:
- Crumbling at the edges of paving slabs
- Dislodged block paving if the grit sand washes out
- Surface flaking on concrete
- Slippery outdoor spaces (a common slip hazard in winter)
We’ve seen driveways where the black spot and algae became so slick by December that even walking to the car felt like crossing an ice rink.
How We Clean Block Paving the Right Way
Block paving absolutely benefits from a winter clean, but the technique matters. A domestic pressure washer can sometimes blast out too much jointing sand, and then the blocks lose support. Our approach is designed to avoid that:
- Jet washing to remove buildup of dirt and moss using controlled water jetting
- Allowing the driveway to dry fully
- Brushing in fresh jointing sand or setting sand
- Compacting and re-sanding joints so everything locks back together
When block paving is finished correctly, it can look almost newly laid. Heather from Northwich told us her driveway looked “like a newly laid drive” after we cleaned and re-sanded it — which is exactly what should happen.
Tarmac Driveways Require a Softer Touch
Tarmac driveways don’t need re-sanding, but they can be damaged by too much pressure. We use gentler jet washing settings and specific cleaning solutions that lift dirt without stripping the surface. If needed, we can apply a light surface sealing treatment afterwards to help the driveway resist winter wear, for more information please contact us to arrange a quote
Resin Paving and Resin-Bound Surfaces
Resin paving looks great, but moss can cause staining and reduce drainage if it settles in the top layer. A winter clean prevents this and keeps the surface safe underfoot. Resin-bound systems also handle winter better when the pores remain free of algae.
Dealing With Stubborn Stains Like Black Spot
Green algae lifts easily, but black spot can be more stubborn. We use a biodegradable cleaner or stain remover when needed — not harsh hydrochloric acid or anything that damages stone. For certain surfaces, sodium hypochlorite can be used safely under controlled professional conditions.
What About Drainage?
After a jet wash, we also check storm drains and each drain cover to ensure they’re clear. Blocked drainage can lead to water sitting around the driveway which causes frost damage later.
Can You Do It Yourself?
A home pressure washer and patio cleaners can help with light buildup, but there are two common mistakes we see:
- Using too much pressure and damaging the surface
- Not re-sanding joints afterwards (for block paving)
If it’s a small patio and you’re confident, a soft-bristle brush and a mild cleaning solution may be fine. But for large areas, winter clean preparation is best left to experienced hands with advanced machinery.
Why Now and Not Spring?
By spring, any damage is already done. Cleaning now prevents:
- Cracks spreading
- Weeds germinating in loose sand
- Surfaces becoming unsafe and slippery
Mark in Knutsford told us he appreciates that we always message the day before and turn up when we say we will. That reliability means the job is done before the weather turns, not halfway through winter when it’s already too late.
Ready to Protect Your Driveway Before Winter?
We’re a local family-run business. We clean driveways across Cheshire and we keep things simple:
Clear quotes
Appointment reminders
Turning up on time
No mess left behind
If you’d like to get your driveway winter-ready, you can request a quick quote here:
