Maintaining a Concrete Driveway

Concrete driveways are a common feature found on the property of many homes. Driveways are so commonplace it’s easy to overlook them. Despite this commonality, driveways require regular maintenance like any other part of your home. The following 5 ways to maintain a concreate driveway will help keep your driveway in top condition.

Tips for Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway

These 5 tips for maintaining a concreate driveway will keep your home’s driveway in top shape.

1. Keep Your Driveway Clean: Regular cleaning is one of the most important ways to keep your driveway in good condition. Cleaning away regular debris is easy and can be done with a broom or blower. A simple power wash or gentle cleaning chemicals can do the job well when cleaning your driveway. Removal of dirt and moss prolongs the life of your driveway, as does quickly addressing any spills such as gas, oil, or grease. By cleaning spills quickly, you prevent staining.
2. Use a Sealant: When your driveway was poured, a sealant should have been applied after the concrete had time to set. However, sealants wear away over time, necessitating that they are re-applied every few years. A fresh application of sealant ensures your driveway is protected from wear, traffic, and the elements.
3. Be Careful: While your driveway is made of concrete and very sturdy, it can still be damaged if you are not careful. For example, if you have a heavy work van or make use of heavy machinery, it can damage your driveway and reduce its lifespan. Also, be careful in the winter when shoveling, as the sharp edges of shovels and other tools can damage the surface and allow moisture to enter the concrete, leading to further damage.
4. Don’t Use De-Icer: During the winter, it is tempting to apply de-icer to your driveway to aid in thawing. However, these chemicals can damage the surface of your driveway by causing scaling and spalling to the concrete. In addition, de-icer can get into the joints and cracks in your driveway, causing a cycle of freezing and thawing that can damage your concrete further and compromise its structural integrity. If you need to improve traction in the winter, use sand, as it is not harmful to concrete.
5. When To Replace Your Driveway: When your driveway is damaged or old, it may be time to replace it. Do-it-yourself repair by replacing the damaged section with new concrete may not result in a strong bond or a good match in terms of appearance. Once the damage has gone beyond the surface and damaged the body of the concrete, repair becomes difficult, and replacing it may be best to restore appearance and stability.

Final Thoughts

Your driveway is an integral part of your property and one you should take proper care of. Keeping your driveway clean and properly cared for helps it last longer and provides the safe support you need.

Categorised in: Concrete Driveway

This post was written by admin