Concrete Driveway Maintenance Tips
Concrete driveways are an increasingly popular paving choice for homeowners, yet proper care must be taken in maintaining them to prevent cracks and discoloration from developing. Failing this maintenance could result in cracking and discoloration affecting its integrity if left uncovered for too long.
An attractive concrete driveway adds value and makes your home stand out in the neighborhood, as well as reducing maintenance costs and keeping your property looking its best.
Make sure that your concrete driveway is regularly cleaned and resealed to help prevent damage caused by rain, snow, or sun exposure. Doing this will keep its surface free of staining for optimal guest experiences as well as appeal to neighbors.
Seal your concrete with a high-quality concrete sealer to protect it from moisture, weathering, staining and dirt accumulation. There is a variety of sealers available; select one which best meets your budget and climate conditions.
At least once each year, power wash your driveway to remove the debris and dirt that has accumulated over time, particularly if your concrete surface is subject to heavy traffic. This step should especially be undertaken if heavy traffic impacts it.
Keep an eye out for any cracks that appear and address them immediately before they spread into more extensive damage on your driveway. A crack can quickly widen and spread over time, which is not ideal.
Your concrete should be regularly treated for any weeds or roots that might be growing beneath its surface, which will protect it from being damaged and allow water to seep into it, potentially resulting in rust formation.
Cleaning your driveway regularly is an efficient and straightforward way to maintain it. A pressure washer or brushing can easily get rid of dirt, grime or tree sap that has built up on its surface.
Avoid chemicals that could potentially corrode and stain your driveway by opting for non-corrosive and biodegradable cleaners like vinegar or borax as alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners that will remove spills and messes without altering the integrity of concrete structures. These solutions also work great as effective spot cleaners.
Check your driveway regularly for signs of motor oil, gasoline or other chemicals left on its surface that could wreak havoc and require costly repairs if left to deteriorate. Failing to do so could lead to irreparable damage of the surface and necessitate costly replacement costs.
Winter requires you to be especially vigilant in clearing snow and de-icing your driveway, using appropriate tools like snowplows, shovels and rock salt plows that won’t harm concrete and make sealing harder.
Patch any small cracks in your concrete driveway before they grow into larger ones, to keep its appearance intact and extend its lifespan. Doing so will ensure it looks great while lasting longer.
Maintain a clear driveway by clearing away leaves, twigs and any debris that could cause stains – this will also help stop them forming in the first place!
Removing engine oil, gas or any other substances that might stain concrete can be challenging; the longer these substances sit on its surface, the harder they are to get off. Therefore, it is advised to tackle this task immediately when any stain appears rather than waiting until it becomes impossible to do so.
Contact 3D Concrete Design today or give us a call (847) 297-7968 on how we can help out your maintenance needs.