If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, you should maintain it to get the most out of it. Exposure to environmental elements, such as rain, snow, and the scorching sun, takes a heavy toll on your driveway. The weight of vehicles, especially if you use heavy ones, causes the fragmentation of your asphalt or concrete. Proper maintenance helps avoid damage. It also guarantees safe driving conditions. How can you extend the life of your driveway?
Keep It Clean
You should sweep and blow off your driveway as regularly as possible. Getting rid of unwanted leaves and debris helps prevent unnecessary staining. Removing piles of leaves also helps eradicate moisture that can damage your concrete or asphalt. You should clean radiator fluid stains, motor oil stains, and all other stains from other substances. Understand that motor fluids penetrate most types of surfaces, which can damage them. If you have an asphalt driveway, for instance, such fluids will soften it.
Prevent Cracks
If your driveway is not cracked yet, you ought to take measures to prevent cracks. Removing trees and shrubs near your driveway will help. Trimming away the roots of the trees will also help. In case you notice some cracks, you ought to patch them immediately. Prior to applying any crack filler, make sure to brush out all the debris in the cracks. If the cracks are large, you should work with a professional repair contractor.
Seal It
Different types of surfaces require different types of sealing. Prior to purchasing any sealing agent, it is important to ensure that it is ideal for your type of driveway. It is advisable to wash your driveway thoroughly to eradicate all stains before applying any seal. Applying a thick layer of seal protects the surface against ice, auto liquids, salt, and water damage. If you have a concrete driveway, you should opt for high-quality industrial concrete coatings.
Protect the Edges
Driveway edges are vulnerable to chipping, especially under excessive weight. It is important to keep heavy trucks off your driveway. You should also avoid driving too close to the edges. Parking your vehicle away from the edges is advisable, too. Water also weakens both the edges and the entire driveway. This makes it important to drain it accordingly. It is advisable that you reroute your downspouts into the yard and not onto your driveway.
Be Careful When Deicing
Since not all deicing methods are suitable, you should be careful to adopt the right method. If you prefer mechanical removal, use the right tools. You should also do it carefully. If you are plowing, for instance, be careful not to scrape the surface. It is advisable to shovel off the snow a couple of inches at a time. If you prefer using chemicals, opt for mild ones. If possible, do not use chemical deicers on concrete. Their effects are likely to discolor the surface. If the chemicals penetrate the surface, they will corrode the reinforcement bars beneath the surface. This can cause cracking and crumbling.
A properly maintained driveway lasts longer than a neglected one. If you are too busy to give it your full attention, working with a reliable maintenance contractor would be a wise decision. Professional maintenance also ensures that all maintenance tasks are done right.
