Every homeowner knows the difference between having a driveway and having to park on the street. They save us a lot of trouble and protect our vehicles, but we need to return the favor. Maintaining your driveway regularly is really important if you don’t want to replace it every few years.
To help you learn how to take care of the path properly, we created this list of tips you should remember. You can use this list for other places in your home, like the outside pathways, the patio, and the pool area.
1. Clean it regularly
The first thing you need to know about maintenance is that you need to clean your driveway regularly. This covers everything, from any spilled fuel or oil to debris and snow. Use cleaning supplies that are not harsh and that don’t contain any harmful chemicals. Be gentle, and if needed, fill even the smallest cracks right away. Also, it’s very important to keep your driveway surrounding clean as well. You have to mow grass regularly and to keep all clean as well. Companies like www.treeserviceremoval.com can help you with maintaining trees in front of your house and around your driveway.
2. Fill in the cracks
When you notice any cracks, you need to act as soon as possible. You don’t have to hire a service for this, just get a crack filler. First, clean it, remove any loose materials, and apply the patching compound. Make sure it is fully dry, apply the filler and that’s about it. Double-check if everything is smooth. If you don’t smoothen everything out, you risk damaging your car, tripping on it, and chances are, the path will get damaged quickly.
3. Prevent the cracks before they occur
Before installing your new driveway, make sure to remove any trees or plants with big roots, as they may damage it in time. You also need to seal asphalt and concrete once every 2-3 years to prevent cracks that happen with use. When you choose the material you want to use for the path, read everything you need to know about preventing cracks, and how to take proper care of that material specifically.
4. Take care of the edges
If you own a heavy vehicle, like a truck, then don’t put it on the edges of the driveway. If you do that, you risk damaging it, and the material will crack under the pressure. If possible, reinforce the edges, so you don’t have to spend extra money fixing the damage.
Depending on the material and how you install it, some edges may be more durable than others. If you own a heavy vehicle, invest in something that won’t get damaged in time and that can withstand the weight.
5. Be careful when you plow
Replace metal materials with plastic. If you use a snow plow, then raise it so it doesn’t touch the driveway. Experts say that it is better to just push the snow away than to forcefully move it. When removing weeds, be gentle, and don’t use too much force.
6. Don’t wash it too often
One mistake that people make is that they clean their driveways too often. When you use water, you need to make sure that the water will not stay there. The same goes for snow.
When it melts, the water has to have a way to drip. Experts say that you should leave an empty space on both sides so the water can flow down.
7. Be extra careful in the winter
Don’t use salt in the winter! Yes, it is the easiest way to prevent frost and a frozen driveway, but you will damage the material. This is especially important if you have a concrete path. It is said that sugar beet juice is the best way to melt ice, but you can also look into products that won’t damage the material and that will get the job done.
8. Things you need to know about resin
Probably the easiest material to install and maintain. As suggested by theresinbondedslabcompany.co.uk, if you are thinking about installing a resin driveway, you should know that you can even do it yourself with a DIY kit. Don’t use harsh chemicals when you clean it, and plow any weed as soon as you notice it.
9. Things you need to know about concrete
This is a type of driveway that will serve you for a long time if you take good care of it. Depending on how often you use it, you may need to maintain and fix it every 2-3 years.
Clean any oil or fuel leaks as soon as you notice them, follow the other maintaining tips, and seal any cracks right away.
10. Things you need to know about gravel
If you are looking for something inexpensive, gravel is the right way to go. The negative thing about it is that potholes may appear, so make sure you fill any cracks as soon as you notice them. Plow around at least a few times per month and it should serve you for many years.
11. Things you need to know about asphalt
Asphalt is the most popular material and it does not get damaged in time. But, if you want it to always look as good as the day you installed it, you need to be smart about maintaining it. Rinse it with water at least once every week and make sure there is no oil or fuel spilled on it.
12. Things you need to know about brick
Brick is expensive and it is relatively difficult to install it. So, if you are prepared to invest your time and money into having a driveway like this, make sure to plow it once or twice per week. You should also get a proper hose and cleaning equipment because debris can get between the bricks.
13. Things you need to know about flagstone
It is said that this material is the best one if you want your driveway to look gorgeous. It is an expensive material, so you need to take really good care of it. Besides cleaning it regularly and properly, you will need to use cleaning materials that are not too harsh for flagstone and that will not damage it.
This is everything you need to know about maintaining your driveway. Make sure you remember these things and to act as soon as possible if you notice any damage. When installing it, use proper equipment, and trusted service. Depending on your budget, you can choose materials that are more expensive and easier to maintain, or you can invest in something that’s inexpensive, but needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained.
