Britain's prolonged summer heatwave has left driveways across the UK cracked and vulnerable, just as heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of the country. The dry, scorching weather has caused tarmac to split and the sand between paving blocks to contract, creating channels that could channel floodwater directly towards homes.
Why driveways flood in this weather
Block paving, tarmac and concrete repel water rather than absorbing it, directing it towards the lowest point—typically the house wall or garage door. The heat splits tarmac and causes sand between paving blocks to shrink, forming ready-made channels for floodwater to penetrate the base. Blocked drains and gullies can compound the problem, causing surface water to pool.
Quick fixes before the rain lands
Matt Jones, director of driveway and paving contractor Derby Driveways Direct, urged homeowners to clear leaves and silt from channel drains, gullies and the base of the driveway, and to sweep loose sand back into gaps between paving blocks. He also advised checking for water pooling against the house wall or garage threshold, recommending a professional be consulted if this is already occurring.
Jones cautioned against using a jet-wash immediately before a storm, warning that it removes joint sand and exacerbates flooding. He said: "Driveways flood because they're built to shed water, not absorb it, and this heatwave made it worse. Dry heat cracks tarmac and shrinks the sand between paving blocks, so flash rain finds a ready-made route straight to the base. Clear your drains, top up joint sand, and check for pooling against the house wall or garage door before the storm hits. Ten minutes now saves a much bigger repair bill later."
