Driveway repair in Exeter
Professional driveway repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote based on damage
Typical Duration
Varies
Location
Exeter, Devon
Driveway repairs for all surface types - I assess what's actually wrong, fix the underlying cause, and restore a stable, level surface. Quote-based because every drive's different.
Don't Let Small Problems Become Big Bills
That little dip near the garage? It's getting bigger. Cracks in tarmac spreading? They'll only get worse. Driveway problems don't fix themselves - they just cost more the longer you leave them.
💡 Pro tip: Localised repairs done early can add 10-20 years to a driveway's life. Wait until the whole thing's failing and you're looking at full replacement costs instead.
Common Driveway Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sunken area | Failed base or drain collapse | Excavate, sort base/drainage, reinstate surface |
| Cracks spreading | Tree roots or settlement | Remove cause, patch or relay affected area |
| Puddles forming | Wrong fall or sunken sections | Re-grade surface, improve drainage |
| Blocks/gravel shifting | Edge restraint failed or joints empty | Reinstate edges, refill joints, compact |
| Pothole in tarmac | Water penetration and freeze/thaw | Cut out, repair base, hot or cold patch |
What You Get
🔧 The Assessment
I'll look at:
- What's failed and why
- Whether it's a localised fix or bigger problem
- What makes sense cost-wise (repair vs replace)
- Honest advice, no upselling
📋 The Work
Every repair is different, but typically involves:
- Excavate problem area
- Fix underlying cause (base, drainage, roots)
- Reinstate surface properly
- Restore levels and drainage fall
- Clean up thoroughly
📦 You're Left With
- Stable, level surface
- Root cause fixed, not just patched
- Clear understanding of what was done
- Realistic expectation of how long it'll last
Pricing
Driveway repairs are quoted based on:
- Extent of damage
- Surface type (block/tarmac/gravel/concrete)
- Access and working conditions
- Materials needed
Example scenarios:
- Small block paving patch: £85-£160 (2-3 hours)
- Gravel drive re-level and top-up: £160-£260 (3-5 hours)
- Sunken area with drainage fix: £210+ (4+ hours, materials extra)
I'll assess and quote before starting - no surprises.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Localised damage - don't replace when you can repair
✅ Pre-sale tidy up - sort issues buyers will notice
✅ Safety concerns - trip hazards, uneven surfaces
✅ Before it gets worse - small problems caught early
Why Choose Us for Driveway repair in Exeter?
Honest assessment of what actually needs doing
Fix the cause, not just patch the symptom
All surface types handled - block, tarmac, gravel
Localised repairs save full replacement costs
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I'll look at the damage, poke around to understand what's causing it, and take photos if helpful. Then explain what needs doing and why.
Step 2: Quote
You'll get a clear breakdown of work needed, time estimate, materials cost if applicable, and total price. No obligation - you decide if it makes sense.
Step 3: Repair
If you go ahead, I'll do the work as discussed - excavate problem area, fix underlying issues, reinstate surface properly, clean up completely.
🔧 DIY Tips
Small driveway repairs are achievable DIY:
🔧 Block paving repairs
- Lift sunken blocks with a bolster chisel
- Add/compact sub-base underneath
- Relay blocks on 40mm sharp sand bed
- Fill joints with kiln-dried sand
- See my Block Paving Repair page for full details
🔧 Tarmac patching
- Cold lay tarmac from builder's merchant works for small patches
- Cut out damaged area square (don't just fill holes)
- Compact base, add new tarmac, compact again
- Won't look perfect but stops deterioration
🔧 Gravel drive repairs
- Add fresh sub-base to sunken areas
- Compact really well (hire a plate compactor)
- Top with matching gravel
- Rake level and re-compact
⚠️ When to call someone
- Drainage issues (beyond DIY scope)
- Large areas (equipment hire costs add up)
- Tarmac work (needs specialist kit for proper job)
- Anything structural (collapsed drains, retaining walls)
💡 Pro trick: If you're DIYing, take before photos from multiple angles. If it doesn't work out and you need to call someone later, they can see what's been done and what state it was in originally.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 How long before I can use it? Depends on repair type. Block paving: 24 hours. Tarmac: 48 hours minimum. Gravel: immediately after compaction. I'll tell you exactly when it's safe.
Multiple problems? If your drive has several failing areas, we need an honest conversation about repair vs replace. Sometimes throwing good money after bad doesn't make sense - I'll give you my genuine opinion.
Exeter's older properties? Your driveway might be over Victorian foundations, wartime rubble, or goodness knows what. Sometimes we find surprises when we dig - I'll keep you informed and discuss options if we hit anything unexpected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes driveways to crack or sink?
Usually the base underneath has failed - poor original compaction, drainage washing it away, tree roots, or sometimes a collapsed drain. Just filling cracks or topping up gravel is temporary - you need to fix what's causing it or it'll keep happening. I'll dig down, find the problem, and sort it properly.
Can you repair tarmac driveways or only block paving?
I can patch tarmac for small areas, but large tarmac repairs really need a specialist with hot tar equipment. For block paving, gravel, and concrete drives I can handle most repairs. I'll be honest about what I can do well and what needs referring to a specialist.
Is it worth repairing or should I just replace the whole driveway?
Depends on the extent of damage and your budget. A localised sunken area? Definitely repair - it's a fraction of replacement cost. Whole drive breaking up? Might be time for a fresh start. I'll give you an honest assessment and options with rough costs so you can make an informed decision.
How long do driveway repairs take?
Impossible to say without seeing it - small block paving patch might be 2-3 hours, sorting a collapsed drainage issue could be a day or more. I'll assess, explain what's involved, and give you a realistic time estimate before starting anything.
Can you repair my driveway in winter or does it need to be dry?
Block paving repairs can happen in damp weather (though drier is better). Tarmac and concrete repairs need dry conditions or they won't bond. Gravel work is fine anytime. I'll advise based on what you need and what the weather's doing.
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