Consequences of sealing brick drive?

[Terry Pinnell]

About a year ago I had very helpful advice here about the merits and otherwise of using sealant on my block brick drive, to prevent weeds growing in the sand.

I didn't go ahead at that time but am now once more thinking about it. Two points I'm still not sure about (I don't think I can have raised them last year) are these:

1. The drive is sloping. There's a drain about 2m long at the bottom, just ahead of our front door and the garage entrance. Would sealing significantly increase the volume of water running into this drain? Presumably a lot of it the rain falling on the drive at present is getting absorbed temporarily by the sand and bricks? And that wouldn't happen anymore. So I'm worried that this might cause unwanted puddles if the drain couldn't get rid of the excess fast enough.

1. I don't like the glossy effect of the brochure examples I've seen. The potential supplier assures me it comes in a clear version that would leave my bricks looking just as they are now - but he would say that. Is it true?

-- Terry, East Grinstead, UK

[Clot]

Contact herbicides will resolve that. i.e. systemic.

Gallons more that could enable you to wash your shoes before entering the house.

There some of these drives close by. To me, they are hideous, but that is my view.

[NT]

Am unclear here, as what you do to the bricks wont affect weeds. Its what goes between the bricks that will.

Sealing bricks will only increase their moisture level.

NT

[Phil L]

The only time the drain is going to have any work to do is during a prolonged spell of heavy rain or a sudden summer storm, normal light showers and drizzle aren't going to run anywhere, and yes, it will still wet the drive and be evapourated like it is now

There are two types, gloss and matt, the matt finish is just that, it simply makes the blocks look damp and isn't shiny. It serves only one purpose and that is to prevent moss and weeds growing in the joints as it's similar to varnish and hardens the top bit of sand in each joint, thus preventing seeds taking root.

Ive put it on a few drives for customers and the results have been impressive, although it requires a coat every year if you want to keep it looking good, so in answer to your subject header, there are no consequences, try it and if you like it repeat the process anually, and if you don't, simply wait 10 - 12 months for it to wear off and forget about it.

[Terry Pinnell]

Thanks Phil, appreciate that detailed advice.

-- Terry, East Grinstead, UK