Introduction
Brick driveways are a timeless choice that add charm, elegance, and durability to your home’s exterior. However, without proper upkeep, weeds, stains, and uneven surfaces can quickly make them look aged and neglected. The good news? With a regular maintenance routine, you can keep your brick driveway looking stunning in every season. In this guide, you’ll learn how to maintain a brick driveway year-round to protect your investment, boost curb appeal, and extend its life.
Why Brick Driveway Maintenance Matters
Brick driveways are known for their strength and natural beauty, but like any surface, they require care to stay in top condition. Regular maintenance helps you:
- Preserve curb appeal: Clean, weed-free bricks make a property look polished and well-kept.
- Prevent costly repairs: Addressing small issues early, such as shifting pavers or moss growth, prevents long-term damage.
- Enhance safety: Uneven bricks or slippery surfaces can be a tripping hazard, especially in wet or icy conditions.
- Extend driveway lifespan: Proper cleaning, sealing, and weed control keep your brick driveway looking good for decades.
By caring for your brick driveway in every season, you’ll avoid unnecessary repairs and ensure your home always looks its best.
Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining a Brick Driveway
Step 1: Perform Regular Cleaning
- Sweep your brick driveway weekly with a stiff broom to remove leaves, dirt, and debris.
- Hose down the surface once a month to prevent buildup of dust and grime.
- For tougher stains like tire marks or oil spots, use a brick-safe cleaner or a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly.
Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they may discolor the bricks or damage mortar.
Step 2: Control Weeds and Moss
- Apply a weed killer or use natural solutions like boiling water or vinegar to prevent weeds between bricks.
- Pull out visible weeds by hand before they spread.
- In shaded or damp areas, scrub moss with a stiff brush and apply a moss-killing solution to stop regrowth.
Step 3: Inspect for Damage Quarterly
- Check for cracked, chipped, or loose bricks every few months.
- Replace damaged bricks promptly to maintain structural integrity.
- Inspect the edging of your driveway, as loose borders allow shifting and spreading of pavers.
Step 4: Re-Sand Joints Annually
- Over time, the sand between bricks can wash away, leading to loose or uneven bricks.
- Sweep polymeric sand into the joints, lightly mist with water, and allow it to harden.
- This step locks the bricks in place and prevents weed growth.
Step 5: Apply a Sealant Every 2–3 Years
- Sealing protects bricks from stains, weathering, and water absorption.
- Choose a breathable, brick-specific sealant to avoid trapping moisture.
- Apply using a roller or sprayer on a clean, dry driveway. Allow 24–48 hours for curing before driving on it.
Step 6: Handle Seasonal Maintenance
Spring
- Remove winter debris and pressure wash your driveway.
- Re-sand joints if necessary after freeze-thaw cycles.
- Inspect for shifting or heaving caused by frost.
Summer
- Watch for moss in shaded areas and remove it before it spreads.
- Sweep regularly to prevent dirt buildup that encourages weed growth.
- Seal your driveway in warm, dry conditions for best results.
Fall
- Rake leaves promptly—decaying leaves can stain bricks.
- Inspect and repair any damage before winter.
- Apply weed control to minimize spring growth.
Winter
- Shovel snow with a plastic shovel to avoid scratching bricks.
- Use sand or non-corrosive ice melt instead of salt, which can damage both bricks and mortar.
- Keep drainage areas clear to prevent pooling water and freeze-thaw damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Sealant
Sealing with a non-breathable product can trap moisture and cause bricks to deteriorate.
Solution: Always use a breathable sealant designed for brick or pavers. - Mistake 2: Ignoring Weeds Until They Spread
Weeds between bricks can shift pavers and cause structural issues.
Solution: Pull weeds as soon as you spot them and apply preventative treatment. - Mistake 3: Using Rock Salt in Winter
Salt accelerates brick and mortar damage.
Solution: Choose sand or eco-friendly ice melts instead. - Mistake 4: Skipping Re-Sanding
Loose joints lead to shifting bricks and water penetration.
Solution: Re-sand annually to stabilize and protect your driveway. - Mistake 5: Pressure Washing Too Aggressively
High-pressure washers can erode joint sand and damage bricks.
Solution: Use a moderate setting and re-sand joints afterward.
Extra Driveway Tips & Hacks
- Edge Restraints: Install strong edging to keep bricks from spreading over time.
- Use Outdoor Furniture Pads: If placing heavy items on your driveway, add protective pads to prevent scratches.
- Routine Inspections: Set reminders each season to walk your driveway and note small issues before they become major repairs.
- Combine Maintenance Tasks: Pair driveway care with other yard work—weed control and sweeping take only minutes when done regularly.
For more ideas, check out our guide on how to protect asphalt driveways from UV damage, which covers additional surface-care tips that apply to brick and other driveway materials.
Conclusion
Maintaining a brick driveway year-round is all about consistency. With regular sweeping, weed control, re-sanding, and sealing, you’ll keep your driveway looking pristine in every season. Avoid common mistakes, handle seasonal challenges proactively, and you’ll enjoy a driveway that remains both functional and beautiful for decades.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you see big problems—little habits like sweeping weekly or pulling weeds early can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs. Stay on top of your maintenance, and your brick driveway will reward you with lasting beauty and durability.