The Top Weed-Resistant Driveways For Cleaner Homes
After investing in a new driveway for your home, the last thing you want is for it to be overrun with weeds. Without the proper installation and care, your driveway can become full of weeds, causing it to look unkempt and even leading to potential structural damage.
Weeds are a shared frustration for most homeowners, but this does not mean you have to follow the herd. By choosing your driveway materials carefully and relying on reputable installers, like the Glasgow Paving Company, you can avoid the issue altogether.
To help you maintain a clean and attractive home, we are sharing the best weed-resistant driveways for Glasgow properties.
Why Do Weeds Grow In Driveways?
While it may seem as though weeds appear out of nowhere, there are several causes for these pesky plants and why they constantly interfere with your driveways:
Structural Gaps And Cracks
Whether the gaps appear in between block paving slabs as part of your driveway design, or have been caused by wear and tear, they can create breeding grounds for weeds. With gaps in your driveway, weeds have a place to take hold and will quickly overrun the space without interference or repairs.
If left to grow, weeds developing in gaps and cracks can damage your driveway further. As the plant grows, it will widen the cracks, leading to more structural damage. This can result in higher repair fees or a more complex job, as your entire driveway may need to be replaced.
Spreading of Seeds
Weeds are so hard to control because they are everywhere. Whether they are present in your neighbour’s garden, the local park or wildlife reserves, weeds spread through their seeds, which can be carried by wind or by birds.
Prime Growing Conditions
Many weeds are hardy plants, as they can grow in a range of conditions. However, in most cases, a driveway presents a perfect breeding ground for these plants because of sunlight and moisture.
With the unpredictable weather of West Scotland and the ongoing wet conditions throughout the year, weeds get plenty of organic support. This allows them to grow quickly, where they can overrun your driveway and garden without interference.
The Best Weed-Resistance Driveways To Keep Your Home Weed-Free
While many of these conditions for weed growth cannot be controlled, you can limit the interruptions and how easily weeds grow by choosing weed-resistant driveways.
Weed-resistant driveways have a unique structure or material composition which makes it harder for weeds to grow, and easier for you to maintain a clean home. These kinds of driveways usually reduce weed growth through a combination of material and installation methods. This is why not only considering your driveway options, but also the installer is essential.
To keep your home free from weeds, you should work with a certified and experienced driveway installer like The Glasgow Paving Company. We used established and approved installation methods, as well as supplying premium materials, to provide weed-resistant driveways for Glasgow homes.
Based on your budget, property style and requirements, there are several options for weed-resistant driveways, such as:
Resin-Bound Driveways
Resin driveways are some of the best options for weed-resistant driveways, as the material organically provides this benefit. Resin is a hard-wearing, seamless material that is installed in a tightly-knitted pattern. This makes weed growth incredibly difficult and actively combats this issue from taking over your home.
Despite the tight, seamless structure, these weed-resistant driveways are also permeable to prevent flooding. This keeps them low-maintenance and also prevents the moisture-rich conditions that can help weeds thrive.
Available in a range of colours and designs, resin driveways are a great solution for properties seeking a simple, modern appearance without the hassle.
Block Paving Driveways (With Proper Installation)
Due to the gaps between each block paving slab, these kinds of driveways are traditionally prone to weeds. However, with the right installation, this does not have to be an issue.
Block paving can be used to create weed-resistant driveways if they are installed over a weed suppression membrane. Additional support is also provided through kiln-dried jointing sand, which will be installed over the entire surface to fill in the gaps between paving slabs and prevent weed regrowth.
While these additional steps are needed to make block paving weed-resistant driveways, this may be a great option for you. Block paving driveways are incredibly popular because they allow for custom, decorative patterns. These weed-resistant driveways can offer timeless appeal to any property style and are long-lasting, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Tarmac Driveways
Tarmac is a great option for weed-resistant driveways because it has similar properties to resin. Both share a seamless, tight structure, which makes weed growth difficult and maintenance easy. However, tarmac has the additional benefit of being more affordable.
Those who are looking for weed-resistant driveways that won’t break the bank should consider tarmac. Despite its lower price range, these driveways are extremely hard-wearing, last a long time and can withstand ongoing heavy use.
While customisation is limited, as all tarmac driveways look the same, the weed-resistance and overall low-maintenance make them a great option for all kinds of properties.
Top Tips For Keeping Your Driveway Weed-Free
As well as considering the kind of driveway material you want, there are other methods to maintain a weed-free space, such as:
Invest In Professional Installation
Installation plays a huge role in whether your driveway will be weed-resistant or not. Alongside the material choice, it is the most important factor in determining whether your home will stay weed-free. Working with professional installers, like The Glasgow Paving Company, is the only way to ensure you experience all the benefits of weed-resistant driveways.
Professional installers not only have access to the best materials for weed-resistant driveways, but they also provide industry-approved installation methods. Our team is certified and accredited to deliver premium driveway installations, and we know the best methods to provide weed-resistant driveways. We cover all areas of the installation, including the foundational groundwork and the sub-base preparation, to ensure your driveway remains free from weeds for longer.
Use Weed Suppression Membranes
Often provided as part of professional installation, weed suppression membranes can offer an additional level of protection for weed-resistant driveways. These membranes are specially designed to suppress and prevent weed growth, reducing the risk of these plants overtaking your driveway in the first place.
While commonly used with block paving or gravel driveways, weed suppression membranes can be used for most other materials, too, if requested. They are commonly used for landscapes with excessive weed growth for additional protection.
Regular Maintenance
Simple maintenance tasks, such as sweeping the driveway regularly, can prevent weed growth. Keeping your driveway free from debris and seeds will prevent weeds from growing in the first place and make it easier to keep the space clean over time.
Weed killer treatments can be applied to your driveway during peak seasons, such as spring and summer, but preventive measures are often the most effective. Even with weed-resistant driveways, regular sweeping and cleaning can go a long way in keeping your home weed-free and attractive throughout the year.
Conclusion
Weeds are a major frustration for homeowners, but they no longer have to plague you. By choosing weed-resistant driveways such as resin, tarmac and professionally installed block paving, you can enjoy an attractive, weed-free driveway for years to come.
The success of a weed-resistant driveway lies in the installation, which is why working with professionals such as The Glasgow Paving Company is so important. We provide a comprehensive installation of various driveways, including the foundational preparation and optional subbases.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about our services or request a quote, please contact the team today.
FAQs
Are resin-bound driveways completely weed-proof?
Resin-bound driveways are highly resistant to weeds due to their seamless finish, but occasional airborne seeds may take root if your driveway is not regularly swept and cleaned.
Can weeds come through tarmac?
It is very rare for weeds to come through tarmac driveways, but it can be an issue if the base has not been installed correctly or the tarmac is damaged, leaving cracks for weeds to develop.
How can I stop weeds from growing between block paving?
A weed suppression membrane should be installed as the base layer of block paving driveways to prevent weed growth. Additional protection can come from sanding joints and repeating this process when needed over time.