Winter driveway maintenance

Cheshire winters aren't brutal but they're wet, and wet is what damages driveways. Here's what to do — and what not to — between November and March.

Salt: careful

Rock salt is fine on block paving and natural stone in moderation. On resin-bound, avoid bulk salt altogether — it pits the aggregate over time. Use a calcium-chloride de-icer instead, applied sparingly.

Weeds: get ahead

One autumn knapsack spray of a glyphosate-based weed killer before the first frost saves you a full day of hand-weeding in March. Ignore the internet's home-made vinegar recipes — they scorch the surface and don't reach the roots.

Algae and moss

Shady areas green up in January. A gentle jet-wash on a dry day, followed by a biocide wash, lifts 90% of it. Avoid a full-pressure lance on jointing — it strips kiln-dried sand out of block paving.