When you install a concrete driveway in your outdoor space, your desire is to have it look as good as new every other day. Most homeowners think that this comes automatically, but the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t. You will need to do your part if you want the best results. Common sense indicates that owning something is easy, but maintaining it to shape requires a lot of work and personal input.
The main attribute that makes concrete driveway a great option to many homeowners across the world is how easy it is to maintain. You do not need to me skilled, or to employ professionals to maintain this type of driveway for you, you can do it all by yourself, and make your driveway the most adorable and fascinating piece of artwork in your entire premises.
Laying a great concrete driveway is an investment that you should not take for granted. To get value for your investment, here are a few tips on how to maintain your concrete driveway.
Ensure it is always clean
Did you know that you don’t need super cleaners in order to keep your driveway clean and presentable? You can do regular cleaning using a hand broom, but you will sometimes need to use a power washer and gentle washing chemicals to remove debris, dirt and moss that builds up, and can destroy your entire driveway if action is not taken swiftly.
How often should I clean my driveway? Good question! A simple answer to this question is that you should clean it on a daily basis. Make it a habit, and your driveway will give your home the most outstanding look in the neighborhood in return. If you are too busy to do it by yourself, this work is as easy as ABC and your domestic worker can efficiently handle as long as you strike an agreement with him.
Remove stains as soon as you see them
A quality sealant on your driveway can prevent absorption of stains, but only if gas, oil, or grease spills are cleaned immediately. If you fail to clean them fast, the stains will be absorbed, and they can cause unsightly discoloration in your beautiful driveway.
If you did not see the spillage and discoloration has started taking shape, do not worry. You can use pressure washing to remove the stains, or you can get advice from concrete experts on chemicals that can eliminate intense stains.
Do not use deicing chemicals
Most people tend to use deicing chemicals on their driveways, especially in countries that experience winter. They do this to make the concrete on their driveways look beautiful and remove melt the ice away. Despite that this is done for good, it causes more harm to the driveway than you can imagine. This is mainly because these chemicals contain ammonium sulphates and nitrates, which chemically reacts with concrete; thus causing scaling and spalling of the surface.
From an expert point of view, rock salt (sodium chloride), or calcium chloride causes less damage and can be used, but can harm the vegetation near the driveway. To better maintain your concrete driveway and everything around it in this harsh weather, consider using sand.
Regularly reseal your driveway
Basically, you should reseal your concrete driveway annually or every two years. You can also reseal it whenever you notice that the finish has started showing signs of wear and tear.
To ensure that the sealant you apply will make your driveway look as good as new for long, make sure you purchase the best sealants in the market. You can purchase from your local hardware shop, or from trusted online concrete material suppliers. Always apply sealants in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions, or employ the services of a skilled contractor for desirable results.
Treat your driveway with utmost care
It is widely known that concrete is one of the most durable and strong paving materials in the market. However, this does not mean that you should leave your driveway to take care of itself because you have used concrete on it. Do not allow heavy vehicles on your residential driveway, it is not made for that. When shovelling or plowing your driveway, do it with care and precision.
Maintaining your concrete driveway is a call of duty that you should answer diligently. When you follow the above tips, you will be on the right track in having an iconic driveway that everyone would wish to drive on.