Concrete Driveway Maintenance
A well groomed driveway adds to the value of the home and makes the compound appealing. When visitors drive in, they get the impression that you love and care for your home. It makes the environment more serene and welcoming for your guests. Every driveway looks good when new. However, the glow changes with continuous use and weather changes. It is up to the owner to care for it to ensure that it remains in a good condition over time.
Concrete driveways are a popular choice among homeowners because they are cost effective and durable. They are more expensive compared to gravel and asphalt, but cheaper compared to brick and stone. It’s very heavy and can be modeled to suit various aesthetic appeals. With colors and stamping, you can play around with concrete to get the most colorful driveway. The different colors and shades also allow you to create a driveway that matches the surrounding landscape. Concrete is also a great material for driveways as it is made of natural materials meaning it is environmentally friendly.
CONCRETE DRIVEWAY
The cleaning schedule should be based on how busy the driveway is and the type of vehicles that are parked there. Any spills should be cleaned immediately since they can sip into the concrete and discolor it or cause wear and tear.
SEALANT
Even though the sealant will protect the surface from absorbing stains, ensure that oil, gasoline, grease and dirt are cleaned off as soon as possible. If the stains are intense, consider pressure washing and use of special chemicals to clean off the spills.
If you have a concrete driveway, consider sealing it regularly. Sealing should be done when you notice signs of wear or every two years, whichever comes earlier. However, if you live in an area with severe weather or the driveway is in a busy business area, then you should consider sealing more often. You can get commercial sealers from hardware stores and do the sealing yourself. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the sealant. If you don’t have the time or expertise, then just hire a contractor to do it for you.
AVOID USE OF DEICERS
You should avoid the use of deicers on concrete driveways because they can cause surface damage. Deicing can lead to spalling and scaling since it promotes refreezing and thawing of moisture. Any compound that contains ammonium sulphates and nitrates is harmful because these chemicals attack concrete.
DRIVEWAY CARE
Though concrete is a quality material for use in residential driveways, it is not made to support large equipment and heavy vehicles. So handle your driveway with care if you want it to remain in good condition for a long time. When plowing and shoveling, be careful so as to ensure that the metal blades and other sharp objects do not scratch and damage the surfaces. Avoid pulling and dragging items on the driveway as you may scrape the surface.
Investing in driveway heating systems will keep your driveways safe during winter. Talk to your contractor more about heated floors, floor heating and snow melting systems.
