A tired driveway does not always need replacing, but the wrong fix can waste money. RKG's published service and guide pages separate cosmetic problems such as moss, staining and missing joint sand from structural problems such as sinking, failed edging, cracks, soft bases and water running the wrong way.
Quick answer
Clean and seal a structurally sound drive that is mossy, stained, faded or losing joint sand. Spot repair broken blocks, sunken sections or loose edging before sealing. Resurface only when the existing tarmac base is sound. Replace when the sub-base, levels or drainage have failed.
Warning signs and likely next steps
| What you can see | What it may mean | What to ask RKG to check |
|---|---|---|
| Moss, weeds, staining or faded colour | Often cosmetic if the drive is otherwise firm and drains correctly. | Whether pressure washing, re-sanding and sealing is enough. |
| Missing joint sand in block paving | Joints may need re-sanding before weeds and movement get worse. | Whether blocks are still level before joint sand and sealer are applied. |
| Broken, chipped or oil-stained blocks | May be suitable for individual block replacement. | Whether nearby blocks or the laying course have also moved. |
| Sunken sections or loose edge restraints | The issue may be below the surface, not only in the finish. | Whether sections should be lifted, re-laid or fully rebuilt. |
| Cracks, soft spots or ripples in tarmac | Minor surface cracks may be restorable; major movement can point to base failure. | Whether an overlay is safe or excavation is needed. |
| Water sitting on the drive or falling the wrong way | Levels, falls or drainage may need redesign. | Where water will drain after any repair, resurfacing or replacement. |
Cosmetic problems: clean, re-sand and seal
RKG's cleaning and sealing page describes pressure washing, joint re-sanding and premium sealing for block paving, tarmac and natural stone. It also gives guide pricing for pressure washing alone and for full wash, re-sand and seal treatments.
This route fits a driveway that still feels solid underfoot, drains correctly and mainly suffers from moss, lichen, oil marks, faded colour or loose joint sand. It should not be used to hide sinking or drainage problems.
Localised issues: spot repairs before sealing
The same cleaning and sealing page says RKG checks for stains, broken blocks and drainage issues before sealing. It also lists spot repairs such as replacing cracked, chipped or stained blocks, lifting and re-laying sunken sections, and re-bedding loose edge restraints.
That sequence matters: repair first, then wash, re-sand and seal. Sealing over loose edging or movement can make the surface look better while the underlying defect keeps progressing.
Structural signs: sub-base, edging and drainage
RKG's sub-base, drainage and resurfacing guidance all point to the same performance factors: excavation, MOT Type 1, compaction, edging, levels and water route. If the driveway has sunk, cracked badly or drains toward the house, the visible finish may not be the main issue.
For tarmac specifically, RKG's resurfacing guide says an overlay can work only where the existing base is sound. If the base has failed, a full replacement gives the quote control over excavation, sub-base, edge restraints and drainage.
Questions to ask during a site visit
- Is the problem cosmetic or structural? Ask whether the surface, laying course, edging or sub-base has failed.
- Can individual areas be repaired? Broken blocks and loose edging may not require replacing the whole drive.
- Will water drain correctly after the repair? A repair that leaves standing water is not finished.
- Is an overlay safe? For tarmac, ask whether the existing base is sound enough for resurfacing.
- What will be written in the quote? The specification should separate cleaning, spot repairs, sub-base work, edging, drainage and finish.
What to read next
If the driveway mostly looks tired, start with cleaning and sealing and the maintenance guide. If movement or drainage is visible, read resurfacing vs replacement, sub-base preparation and driveway drainage solutions before comparing quotes.