Written by and published on https://www.finehomesandliving.com/.
Proper care and maintenance of driveways are extremely important for a job that will look good and last a lifetime. Once your new driveway has been installed, there are several things you should know to keep your driveway looking new and in great shape for years to come.One of the best attributes of a decorative concrete driveway is how little maintenance and routine care it will need over its lifetime. But no driveway paving material—including concrete—is truly maintenance-free. Here are some tips for preserving the life and appearance of your investment.
Do’s and Don’ts of Driveway Maintenance
Contents
Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit your home. Because most driveways don’t require as much maintenance as other areas in your house, you tend to overlook it. They do contribute to the attractiveness and curb appeal of your house, though. If they are neglected, after some time, some problems may arise. And they may reduce the resale value of your house. Whether you’re trying to sell your house, prepare it for guests, or simply make sure everything is alright, we made this list for you. Here are do’s and don’ts when maintaining your driveway.
Do: Clean Stains Right Away
If you spill any liquid on your driveway, you need to clean it the same instant. When you don’t, a stain like oil, petrol, or grease may get harder to remove. If your driveway is concrete, use a pressure hose and a chemical dissolvent to remove stains. You can also use cat litter or clay and a stiff broom to remove an oil stain from a concrete driveway. If it’s asphalt, use the same hose and a household cleaner. Scrub using a stiff-bristled brush and soap, diluted vinegar, or dishwasher liquid.
Don’t: Use Metal Shovels
Whether your driveway is concrete or asphalt, it’s better to use a plastic shovel to remove snow. In countries like the UK, where snow is inevitable, it’s important that you know exactly what materials are best for building your driveway and how to maintain it. A metal shovel may create marks with its sharp edges. One mark after the other and the driveway will start looking scruffy. This especially applies to Tarmac, which is one of the best driveway materials for UK homes that locals swear by, but can still get damaged by metal shovels. If you’re renewing your driveway or moving to a new house, find guides online about the best driveway material for your home and the climate in which you live.
Do: Fill Any Holes
Your driveway may have holes and cracks from crumbling concrete or asphalt. Check and examine it regularly to find those holes and cracks. Using caulk is a good option for sealing the cracks. Even out the low spots by yourself or with the help of a contractor. If the crack isn’t very deep, you can use a crack filler, as it self-levels the floor. Be careful not to overspill and overfill the crack. You can use a driveway seal to add a sealant coat after you’re done using the crack filler. One important reason to fill the cracks and holes is to prevent turned ankles and trips.
Don’t: Park Large Vehicles for a Long Time
Your driveway can handle large vehicles for a week or two, but any more than that could damage the surface. That’s because large vehicles exert too much pressure to the surface. If you have a large car, it’s still better to park it in the street or a parking lot nearby. Near the edges are the most vulnerable parts of your driveway, so be extra careful there. If your house is being remodeled, don’t let construction cars park near the edges. If they plan to stay for long, it’s better to tell them to park in the street.
Do: Hire a Good Contractor
Hiring a good contractor when first paving the driveway will prevent further problems from arising. Make sure the one you hire is professional and well-rated by friends or online. If the contractor uses cheap materials and doesn’t lay the foundations properly, the driveway won’t last long. It’s a good idea to keep the number of your contractor saved. Sometimes you won’t have the time to maintain your driveway, and you will need their help. Their regular maintenance may help prevent having to spend a lot of money to fix a damaged driveway.
Don’t: Leave Water Puddles
If water accumulates in your driveway, regardless of its materials, it will cause holes, cracks and may become uneven. That happens especially to concrete or asphalt driveways. You can prevent that by clearing any water right after the rain or storm are over. If you’re buying a new house, try not to make the driveway in a drainage area. And ensure that the slope allows the water to flow in the right direction. In winter, if the water freezes, it can cause accidents like slips and falls.
Your driveway is an important part of your house. Maintaining it now will save you money and effort later. Make sure to clean it regularly, patch up cracks and holes, and remove weeds if they grow inside them. When clearing snow, use plastic shovels to prevent damage to the surface. And park your large vehicles elsewhere, if you plan on keeping them there for a long time. If you think that preserving your driveway is a hard task or if you’re busy, hire a contractor to do the job.
Original post here https://www.finehomesandliving.com/featured/dos-and-donts-of-driveway-maintenance/article_e24acb30-e7c1-11ea-a21a-8f33a7908301.html/.
