Your driveway is not just a piece of concrete that connects your garage to the street. It’s an essential part of your home’s curb appeal. The first thing that people see is the condition of your home’s exterior, and seeing a driveway that looks worn can be a turn-off to some, especially would-be buyers. If it’s smooth, it helps you take your car out easily. More importantly, a driveway that’s in good condition protects your home’s foundation by preventing water from seeping into the ground.
The lack of proper maintenance shortens your driveway’s lifespan, making it more likely for cracks and depressions to develop. Not only will it affect your home’s curb appeal, but it can also lead to vehicle damage and injury. Even worse is when existing issues weaken your home through its substructure. It’s for these reasons that you need to take driveway maintenance seriously before costlier damage arises. Here’s a quick look at some of the ways to keep your driveway healthy:
Keep It Clean Regularly
When it comes to regular maintenance, cleaning your driveway is the most immediate task you can do to lengthen its lifespan. Over time, moss and mold will cover the surface and reduce friction, making it harder to control your vehicle as it enters or exits your garage. These can also increase the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents, especially during rainy weather. Oil slicks and spilled lubricant can add to the danger, so it’s important to scrub your driveway clean of these issues before they can cause additional damage.
Start by sweeping the surface of loose debris and loosening oil, grease, and other stubborn stains using a baking soda solution. For tougher stains, you can mix water and washing soda and pressure wash the driveway. You can run through it again with a deck scrubber in case there are traces of mold and moss left.
Use a Quality Sealer
After cleaning your driveway, you need to protect it from the elements and chemical spills. Choosing a reliable sealant is crucial to this, so make sure to choose the right one depending on your driveway’s material. For asphalt surfaces, you can use a coal-tar sealer if you’re living in temperate conditions. On the other hand, for a more eco-friendly solution that doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds, opt for an emulsion sealer.
Concrete driveways can make do with penetrating sealers that patch up holes and prevent water from flowing into the ground. On the other hand, for a more premium feel and greater durability, go for a polyurethane sealer. Once your driveway is dry and the surrounding temperature is no more than 95°F, apply the coat evenly and let it rest. For the best outcome, wait for at least 48 hours before driving over the surface. Check it after at least three years and see if there’s a need to reseal.
Clear Out the Surroundings
The overgrowth of grass and tree roots can reduce your driveway’s lifespan significantly, so cleaning and resealing aren’t enough. You need to protect it from common factors, such as downspouts that lead water directly to the driveway or removing or transferring nearby trees.
You should also avoid leaving gas or solvent containers on the surface where they’re at risk of spilling. Otherwise, clean the spill right away before it sets and eats away at the sealant. While you’re at it, avoid using chemical salts to melt snow and ice. As much as possible, use non-chemical alternatives.
Get Help from a Professional
If your driveway has issues that are too complicated to fix on your own, or if it needs long-term maintenance and you don’t have time to do it, consider calling a professional service. There are many paving companies nearby. You can find ones that offer commercial parking lot striping services or driveway maintenance. In your case, it matters to contact a qualified service provider specializing in residential resurfacing and paving.
Consider the material of your driveway and the number of years since its last maintenance check-up. As you browse through numerous brands, deal only with those that carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, just in case anything goes wrong while their people work on your driveway.
Endnote
A driveway is not a component you can easily set aside if you talk about home maintenance. Include it the next time you think of an upgrade or remodel.
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