
How to Choose the Right Driveway for You and Your Home
January 29, 2026
How a New Driveway Can Refresh Your Entire Home
February 10, 2026February may still feel like winter, but it’s the ideal time to start planning for the months ahead, and your driveway is a great place to start. After a season of heavy rain, frost, and constant temperature changes, many driveways across Plymouth, Ivybridge, South Brent and the South Hams are showing signs of wear and tear.
At RM Driveways, we help homeowners prepare for spring with expert advice, free surveys, and professional solutions that ensure your driveway is looking its best, and performing properly, by the time the warmer weather arrives.
Here’s what to check now.
1. Cracks, Potholes or Loose Surfaces
Winter weather can be brutal on driveways. Freezing temperatures followed by thaws cause expansion and contraction — which can lead to surface cracks and deeper damage.
- Tarmac driveways may show cracks or early signs of potholes
- Block paving can loosen or become uneven due to water beneath the surface
- Gravel can get rutted and sparse, especially on sloped driveways
- Resin-bound surfaces may crack or discolour if improperly laid
❗If you see any of these issues, it’s best to address them before they get worse.
2. Poor Drainage or Puddling
Has your driveway been holding water all winter? If so, it’s likely that the levels or drainage system need attention. Standing water can lead to long-term surface damage, and even affect your home’s foundations or garden layout.
RM Driveways often installs ACO channel drains and adjusts driveway levels to ensure surface water flows away properly — something particularly important for homes across Devon’s hills and valleys.
3. Weeds, Moss and Slippery Surfaces
Moss and algae thrive in wet conditions. On block paving or resin driveways, this can make your surface slippery and unsafe — especially for children or older adults. Gravel driveways can also collect debris, creating a muddy, uneven look.
Now is the perfect time to schedule a clean or discuss resurfacing options that reduce maintenance in the long term.
4. Edging and Kerb Stones
Don’t forget the finer details. Loose or sunken edging, cracked kerb stones, or broken gravel boards can let your whole driveway down — even if the main surface is sound. Replacing or realigning your edging now can refresh your drive without a full replacement.
5. Book Your Driveway Work Before Spring Rush
February is an ideal time to book your driveway project. With the worst of winter behind us and demand about to rise, acting early means:
- Faster turnaround times
- Greater availability
- Better weather conditions for installation
- A beautiful new driveway in time for summer
How We Can Help
Whether you need a full new driveway or just a few simple repairs, RM Driveways offers a full range of services:
- Block paving repairs or full installs
- Tarmac resurfacing or new layouts
- Resin-bound overlays for worn concrete
- Gravel top-ups and stabilisation systems
- New drainage and levelling to prevent winter damage next year
📸 See our recent work
📍 Based near Ivybridge and serving Plymouth, Plympton, South Brent & South Hams
📞 Call 07936 369163 for a free survey and advice
Spring is a season of fresh starts — and that includes your driveway. Whether it’s safety, function, or appearance, small problems now can become bigger issues later. A quick check today could save you money and hassle in the months ahead.




