The short answer
Sealing an existing driveway in the UK typically costs around £3–£8 per square metre on top of the clean, so for a 40m² drive that is roughly £120–£320 added to the cleaning price. Sealing is most often applied to block paving, where it helps lock the jointing sand in place, slow weed and moss return, and make routine cleaning easier; it is also used on some patios and concrete. A good seal generally lasts around 2–5 years depending on the product and traffic before it needs refreshing. It is optional rather than essential — the surface must be thoroughly cleaned, dry and re-sanded first, because sealing traps in whatever is underneath.
Sealing is the optional last step after cleaning an existing surface. It is not always needed, but on block paving it can earn its place. The figures below are typical prices for guidance, not quotations.
Typical UK costs
- Sealing£3–£8 / m²
- 40m² drive sealed~£120–£320 added
- Typical lifespan~2–5 years
- Most used onblock paving
- Must be done afterclean, dry & re-sand
What sealing costs and how long it lasts
Sealing is priced per square metre on top of the clean, usually £3–£8 per square metre, which adds roughly £120–£320 to a 40m² driveway. The exact figure depends on the sealer — a basic water-based product costs less than a high-build or colour-enhancing one — and how many coats the surface needs. A seal generally lasts around 2–5 years before it dulls or wears in the wheel tracks and benefits from a refresh; sealing is always done on a fully clean, dry and re-sanded surface, never as a shortcut over a dirty one.
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing | £3–£8 / m² | on top of the clean |
| Single drive (~25m²) | ~£75–£200 added | varies by sealer & coats |
| Double drive (~40m²) | ~£120–£320 added | varies by sealer & coats |
| Lifespan | ~2–5 years | before a refresh |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: trade cost guides and cleaning specialists.
Is sealing worth it?
- Block paving: sealing helps hold the kiln-dried sand in the joints and slows weed and moss return, which is where it earns its keep.
- Stained or porous surfaces: a seal can make oil and dirt easier to wash off in future.
- Appearance: some sealers darken or enrich the colour, which suits some homes and not others.
- When to skip it: on a sound tarmac drive in good condition, sealing is often unnecessary — a periodic clean does the job.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to seal a driveway?
Sealing an existing driveway in the UK typically costs around £3–£8 per square metre on top of the clean, so a 40m² drive adds roughly £120–£320 to the cleaning price, depending on the sealer and number of coats.
How long does driveway sealant last?
A good seal generally lasts around 2–5 years before it dulls or wears in the wheel tracks and benefits from a refresh, depending on the product and how much traffic the drive takes.
Is sealing a driveway worth it?
On block paving it often is, because it helps hold the jointing sand and slows weed and moss return. On a sound tarmac drive in good condition it is frequently unnecessary, and a periodic clean does the job.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific surface. They are guidance, not a quotation.