How to Remove Weeds From an Interlock Driveway in Aurora, Ontario
- Michael Nardi
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
If you live in Aurora, Ontario, you’ve probably seen it happen: your beautiful interlock driveway starts to sprout weeds between the stones. What once looked clean and sharp suddenly looks messy and neglected. As the owner of Wash Doctors Pressure Washing, I see this problem all the time when visiting homes throughout Aurora and the surrounding York Region communities.
Interlock driveways are extremely popular in Aurora because they look great, last for decades, and increase curb appeal. But they do require some maintenance—especially when it comes to weeds growing between the joints of the pavers. No exterior surface is permanent, especially pavers!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why weeds grow in interlock driveways, how to remove them properly, and how professional cleaning like what we offer at Wash Doctors can restore your driveway to like-new condition without having to re-lay your entire driveway.
Why Weeds Grow in Interlock Driveways
Many homeowners assume weeds grow up from underneath the driveway. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Although it can happen if the interlock was not properly installed.
Most weeds actually grow from seeds that land in the joints between the stones throughout the year. Dirt, dust, and organic debris accumulate in the sand joints over time. Once seeds land there, moisture and sunlight allow them to grow.
This is where things get tricky for many of the homeowners we talk to. You might think that the polymeric sand between your paver joints is rock solid. But when a seed or weed starts to grow, even the slightest crack is enough for it to work its way through. Weeds are persistent, we've been to many job sites where weeds have even worked their way through tiny cracks in solid concrete slabs!
This is why it's so important to ensure you are regularly cleaning and maintaining your driveway or patios!
Common causes of weeds in Aurora interlock driveways include:
Wind blowing seeds into the driveway joints
Leaves and organic debris breaking down into soil
Old jointing sand washing away over time
Poor drainage or shaded areas that stay damp
Lack of regular cleaning or maintenance
Also, because of our Ontario freeze-thaw cycles, the sand between pavers can gradually loosen and wash away, creating the perfect environment for weeds. Below are some steps to help you maintain things better at your home.
Step 1: Remove Existing Weeds
The first step is to remove all visible weeds from between the interlocking stones.
There are a few methods homeowners commonly try:
Hand Pulling
Small weeds can be pulled by hand or with a weeding tool. The key is to pull the entire root system. If the root breaks, the weed will often grow back quickly.
Weed Burners
Some homeowners use propane weed torches to kill weeds. While effective, these should be used cautiously near homes, fences, or dry landscaping.
Natural Weed Solutions
A mixture of vinegar, salt, and dish soap is a common DIY solution. While it can kill weeds, it may also stain certain surfaces and won’t remove the dirt that allowed weeds to grow in the first place.
Even after removing weeds manually, the root debris and soil usually remain in the joints, which is why weeds tend to return.
Step 2: Pressure Wash the Interlock Driveway
This is where professional cleaning makes the biggest difference.
A proper pressure washing removes:
Weed roots
Dirt and organic debris
Moss and algae
Old contaminated jointing sand
Years of built-up grime
When we clean interlock driveways in Aurora, we use commercial surface cleaners that evenly clean the stones without damaging them.
Many homeowners try to pressure wash their driveway themselves, but there are a few risks:
Using too much pressure can etch or damage the pavers
Improper angles can blow out the joint sand
Uneven cleaning leaves striping marks
Professional equipment and experience help ensure the driveway is cleaned thoroughly and safely... that's why people call us!
Step 3: Re-Sand the Joints
After pressure washing, the joints between the stones will often be partially empty. This is completely normal and actually our goal when we are hired to replace the polymeric sand between paver joints.
Re-sanding is a critical step because it:
Locks the stones together
Helps prevent some shifting or sinking
Reduces the occurrence of weed growth
Improves drainage
Most professional including Wash Doctors Pressure Washing use polymeric sand, which hardens slightly when wet. This helps block weed seeds from settling into the joints.
Proper re-sanding involves:
Spreading sand across the driveway
Sweeping it evenly into the joints
Compacting it between the stones using a plate compactor
Properly activating the sand with water
Skipping this step is one of the biggest reasons weeds come back quickly. Some homeowners think they can just pressure wash their driveway and be done with it. But the reality is that if you're using a commercial grade machine, it will more than likely remove old jointing sand during the cleaning process. Those new voids created after pressure washing are the perfect place for weeds to grow, that's why we recommend re-sanding after most driveway cleaning appointments.
Step 4: Apply Preventative Maintenance
Once your driveway is cleaned and re-sanded, the goal becomes keeping weeds from coming back.
Here are a few tips we recommend to Aurora homeowners:
Regular Driveway Cleaning
A light cleaning once or twice per year removes debris that feeds weeds.
Keep Edges Trimmed
Grass and weeds along the edges can spread seeds into the driveway joints.
Remove Leaves Quickly
Leaves break down into soil that helps weeds grow.
Schedule Periodic Professional Cleaning
Most interlock driveways benefit from professional cleaning every 1–3 years depending on exposure and traffic.
When to Call a Professional
While small weed problems can sometimes be handled with DIY methods, there are times when professional help makes sense.
You may want to consider professional cleaning if:
Your interlock driveway has extensive weed growth
There is moss or algae buildup
The stones look dark or stained
Joint sand has washed away
The driveway hasn’t been cleaned in years
A professional cleaning not only removes weeds but also restores the overall appearance of the driveway.
Interlock Driveway Cleaning in Aurora
At Wash Doctors Pressure Washing, we help homeowners throughout Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding York Region area restore their interlock driveways.
Our driveway cleaning process includes:
Professional pressure washing
Removal of weeds, moss, and debris
Careful cleaning that protects the pavers
Optional joint sand reinstallation
A driveway that looks dramatically cleaner
Many of our Aurora customers are surprised at how much brighter and newer their driveway looks after a proper cleaning.
Interlock stone can last decades, but keeping it clean is the key to maintaining your home’s curb appeal.
Final Thoughts
Weeds growing in an interlock driveway are a common issue for homeowners in Aurora, Ontario, but they’re completely manageable with the right approach.
The most effective solution involves:
Removing weeds and roots
Pressure washing the interlock
Re-sanding the joints
Maintaining the driveway regularly
If done properly, this process can keep your driveway looking clean and weed-free for years.
If your interlock driveway in Aurora has become overgrown with weeds or just needs a deep cleaning, Wash Doctors Pressure Washing would be happy to help.
A professionally cleaned driveway can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home so give us a call at 416-272-4905.
Wash Doctors Pressure Washing Serves: Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Markham, and surrounding communities.
For a quote on interlock driveway cleaning in Aurora, contact us today.
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