Driveways are one of the most-visited parts of your home, often neglected until they are stained or cracked. Give them the care they need by making quick repairs. Not only will you prolong your driveway’s lifespan and look good in the future, but you can also save money in the process.
Here are six effective tips for maintaining your driveway.
Prevent Cracking
For driveways, prevention entails sealing concrete yearly and sealing asphalt after a few years to keep water from entering, freezing, and cracking. Shrub and tree roots can create cracks by pressing up from the ground. The remedy is to cut trees in the vicinity of your driveway or trim their roots.
Fill Up Cracks and Holes
When cracks or holes occur, repair them instantly. Use a masonry chisel to scrape loose materials and sweep the debris away before adding a patching compound and crack filler. Once the compound has dried, seal your whole driveway. Making sure that your driveway is level and smooth will also help avoid trip injuries as visitors enter your house.
Reduce the Water on Your Driveway
Clear a two or three-inch area along the sides of your driveway to have a water and snow run-off area to lessen the possibility of reaching the surface. Always make sure the downspouts are draining into the lawn instead of on your driveway.
Protect the Edges
Whether you believe it or not, driveways aren’t meant for big vehicles. Driveway corners are highly susceptible to chipping under excess weight. Therefore, ensure you park your car away from the edges and that building trucks never park there during home improvement projects.
Carefully Plow
Lift the blade of the snowplow sufficiently to ensure that it does not scratch and ruin the surface of the driveway. When shoveling, choose a plastic shovel on rough surfaces to reduce the chance of slipping on the driveway. You should then proceed and move the snow to the sides and shovel it off or remove or clear the snow a couple of inches at a time.
Clean the Driveway
The removal of stains created by the engine oil, heater fluid, and related impacts more than the look of your driveway. Engine fluids can reach up to a quarter of an inch of concrete and weaken the asphalt. Use non-clumping cat litter to extract new oil, followed by grease-removing dishwashing soap and warm water. For the best possible results, hire a professional pressure washing service.
Do you rate your investment in property? Do you value the safety and comfort of your visitors and family at home? If this is the case for you, then you accept that you deserve a durable driveway surface. Get the most out of your house with a tidy, well-kept driveway. Not only does this boost curb appeal it also extends the lifespan of your driveway compared to those that are neglected. A little maintenance will carry major returns later.
