How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway Year-Round?

Harsh weather subjects your driveway pavement to damage on a daily basis. Rain, sun, snow, and large automobiles have their way. Nevertheless, with proper concrete driveway maintenance, they will last for decades. Intelligent concrete driveway maintenance is a way of safeguarding your investment. This guide demonstrates the easy steps on an annual basis.

Spring: Clean and Inspect

Spring brings fresh starts. It suits extensively with the concrete driveway care. Winter brings salt, dirt and destruction.

Start by sweeping away debris. And then look at every inch. Check for cracks, chips or damage to the surface.

Following this step, driveway wash-out. Use at least 3000 PSI pressure. This gets rid of tenacious dirt and sodium chloride.

Besides, seal cracks smaller than a quarter inch with concrete filler. Water trickles in and does more harm when you do not address it.

Moreover, contractors best use springs when sealing concrete driveway surfaces. Sealers are waterproof, stain-repellent and UV-resistant.

Summer: Protect and Prevent

A hot summer sun is beating on your driveway. Outdoor activity enhances strain risks. Thus, be alert in such months.

During the summer, the concrete driveway cleaning becomes very important. Cut your grass once a week to get rid of weeds and mud. We should use absorbent materials to control oil spills.

In addition, do not use harsh chemicals on your driveway. Fertilizers stain concrete. Rinse up any spills right away.

In addition, inspect your drainage system. Summer storms cause rainfall. Standing water

destroys concrete.

In the case of Eldorado Pavers, we would suggest that you put mats underneath the vehicles that are leaking.

Fall: Prepare for Cold

The time is autumn and the time for preparing. The sooner the better, the cooler. When there is no winter, then you must perform targeted maintenance.

Clean up any leaves that have fallen off. They are moist and result in staining.

Another, do another inspection. Driveway crack repair should take place. The repair products do not cure when the temperature is below 50 degrees.

Besides, clear all drainage. The drainage system prevents freeze-thaw damage during winter.

Winter: Handle Ice Carefully

The unique challenges of winter are in place. We must pay much attention to ice and snow.

Snow removal is right after a snowstorm. You should use plastic shovels as opposed to metal shovels. Metal blades can scratch concrete surfaces.

Moreover, select wisely your decicers. Constant rock salt destroys concrete. Rather, use water, calcium chloride or sand. They are alternatives that will not damage your driveway.

Moreover, wash your driveway after the increase in temperature. This gets rid of toxic chemical residues.

Year-Round Best Practices

The company also carries out concrete driveway maintenance throughout the year. These are practices that maintain the driveway in good shape.

Sweep regularly every week. This gets rid of harsh dirt that pits surfaces. In the meantime, deal with spills at the address. Fresh stains clean up easily.

And regulate the vegetation bordering. Weeds in cracks may bring structural damage.

More so, fluid leak checks vehicles. Put drip pans below troublesome cars.

At Eldorado Pavers, it is more about prevention rather than cure.

Common Problems to Watch For

The knowledge of issues makes you take action immediately. Early detection saves money.

We see surface scaling in the form of flaking layers. Take proper concrete driveway care and seal it to avoid this problem.

The presence of chalky deposits of white color points to efflorescence. Wipe away using a vinegar solution. Enhance drainage to avoid future occurrences.

Settlement leads to areas sinking. This signals a base problem. A professional assessment determines a method of repair.

When to Call Professionals

Certain things need the assistance of an expert. Engineers should assess any cracks in the structure more than 1/4 inch. Only a professional can repair major sinkings.

Professionally sealing concrete driveways provides a high-quality outcome. They adopt business-grade products.

Protect Your Investment

Concrete driveway maintenance helps maintain the value of your home. Regular maintenance increases the life of the driveway to 40 years or more. Lapsed driveways do not last beyond 15-20 years.

In addition, properly-maintained driveways are an improvement to curb value. They achieve favorable initial impressions.

Above all, it is cheaper to prevent than to repair. Minor problems avoid costly solutions.

Finally, it is hard to believe that concrete driveway cleaning will keep your investment beautiful all throughout the year. Adhere to these seasonal standards. Address problems promptly.

It is important to remember that Eldorado Pavers is always willing to assist with professional services.

FAQs

How often should I seal my concrete driveway?

For best protection, seal your driveway every 2-3 years. Areas with more vehicle traffic may need sealing every year. If the water doesn’t bead and instead soaks into your driveway, then it’s time to reseal.

What's the best way to remove oil stains from concrete?

For a fresh oil stain, soak it in cat litter, then after a bit, scrub with a dish soap and water mixture. For a more old stain, use a concrete degreaser.

Can I use regular salt to melt ice in my driveway?

Don't use rock salt since it can damage concrete. Instead use calcium chloride, sand, and do not use anything with ammonium.

How do I fix small cracks in my driveway?

Start with a thorough clean to remove all debris in the cracks and make sure to get loose particles. For hairline cracks, apply liquid concrete sealing compound. For larger gaps, use a concrete crack filler.

Why does my driveway have white powdery deposits?

Those are deposits of efflorescence that show up on the surface of concrete and are caused by water-soluble salt. You can remove it with vinegar and scrub it, and to prevent it in the future, improve the drainage around your driveway.