When Is the Best Time to Repair or Seal an Interlock Driveway

An interlock driveway improves your curb appeal and adds character to your home. However, it may start showing signs of wear and tear over a period of time and may require repair. If you need repairs for interlock driveway check here. 

Signs That Your Driveway Needs Sealing

Your interlocked driveway could face several problems. While some problems are apparent, some may be difficult to identify. Below are signs that your interlocked driveway needs sealing or repairs:

Drainage Problems

Water pooling is a very common problem with interlock driveways. It indicates the interlock pavers have been shifting. Typically, drainage problems in interlock driveways occur if the earth was not prepared properly before the stones were laid. You should contact a professional to examine your interlock driveway if you notice any water getting collected and not properly draining. 

Loose Stones

Loose stones are another problem indicating your interlock driveway needs repairs. The sand that is placed between the natural stones helps to keep the pavers in place. However, if this sand is not enough, it can make the pavers lose. Not only does this affect your driveway’s appearance, but it also poses safety issues. 

Potholes

Potholes are common on interlock driveways in areas that experience extreme temperatures. The potholes get formed due to the freezing and thawing cycles. When the water freezes in cold temperatures, the ground begins to expand. It contracts once this water melts, resulting in potholes. Potholes also indicate that the driveway was not installed correctly. A certain amount of space should be left between the interlocking stones to provide for expansion and contraction. Laying the stones too far apart or close to each other can lead to problems like potholes. These potholes can be hazardous for the suspension of vehicles moving on the driveway. 

Weed Growing Through the Pavers

The narrow spaces between the pavers are great for pests, weeds, and unwanted plants to push through. However, they can spoil your driveway’s aesthetic. Polymeric sand can seal narrow spaces and prevent weed growth. This sand comes in different colors and will also strengthen your driveway. You can follow the steps below to add polymeric sand to your interlock driveway:

• Wash out the old sand with a jet spray or pressure wash
• Sweep the polymeric sand into the paver joints once the driveway is dry
• Mist the surface lightly to help the sand settle
• Sweep the remaining sand into any empty spaces in the pavers

Wear and Tear on Interlock Stones

Finally, regular wear and tear of the interlock stones over time also indicates your driveway needs repairs. The interlock stones may lose color and fade due to constant sun exposure. The bright sunlight may also weaken the stones over time. Sealing the driveway often strengthens these stones and gives them luster and shine. You must seal your interlocked stones every two to five years to ensure their long life. 

What is the Best Time to Repair or Seal Your Driveway

Ideally, you should repair or seal an interlocked driveway during summer. Summer months are usually drier, making it easy to work on the driveway. Below are a few reasons why sealing or repairing your interlock driveway during summer will give you the best results:

• Summer months help to quickly dry sealers and cleaners used during the interlock driveway repair. As a result, you will be able to use your driveway much sooner.
• The materials used for the repairs expand in the summer heat, helping you completely fill any gaps or pores in the driveway.
• Sealing your driveway during summer will prevent fissures or cracks from expanding or getting bigger.
• It will also prevent any issues or problems caused due to heavy snow, rainfall, or thick ice during winter.
• Any sloping or grading issue in the driveway will also be easy to repair in the dry summer season when there is no precipitation or flooding.
• Sometimes, your interlocked pavers may have moved upwards or become loose. You need to remove them, reapply new aggregate, put the interlocking stones in their place again, fill in the gaps between them with polymeric sand, and seal the driveway again. This entire process will be much easier when the weather is dry during summers than during other seasons when you can expect rain or snow.

Restoring and repairing your interlock driveway takes work. While it may feel like a DIY job, there could be unforeseen complications that are best handled by professionals. If you need help repairing or sealing your interlock driveway, contact MCD Contracting. They offer professional interlock installation and repair using polymeric sand.