How to Maintain a Concrete Driveway?

Concrete driveways are quite popular because not only do they offer a long-lasting parking solution, but they also require very little maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean that you should do nothing in terms of maintenance. As sturdy as they are, they still require maintenance from time to time.

Keeping and maintaining a concrete driveway may be a bit confusing to some,  especially new homeowners. There are things you must do and avoid to ensure driveway longevity. So, if you don’t know where to start, here are some tips on maintaining your concrete driveway.

Related post: Cement Concrete Road (Pavement): Cost, Layers and Construction

Power-clean the Concrete

Of course, our first maintenance tip for your driveway is always to keep it clean. That said, you should clean your concrete driveway at least once per year using a power washer or a pressure cleaner and cleaning soap.

You can also hire professional cleaners like The Pressure Cleaning Guys or other service providers in your area to have your driveway professionally cleaned. However, always be careful not to use your pressure cleaner in cracks as they can damage it further, making the crack longer and wider. Doing this makes your driveway vulnerable, especially in the winter.

Patch Cracks and Holes

If you notice that there are already some cracks, chips, holes, or areas that have been broken off, then there’s no time to lose. It would help if you immediately patched them up before the winter. This is because the most damaging element for concrete driveways is water. If the water comes in and the winter rolls around, the water will freeze inside your concrete driveway, making new cracks and breakage or worsening the existing ones.

To start sealing them all up, you should sweep your driveway first and clear off any debris and dirt using a power washer. Next, let it dry, apply the patching material, and let it dry again. And then, you can apply the concrete sealant.

Be Careful in Snow Removal

It’s very convenient to use salt and de-icing products during the winter. They make your job faster and easier. However, do know that these products can damage your concrete driveway. In particular, de-icers usually result in scaling and spalling of the concrete because all it does is melt the ice and let it refreeze. This is especially true if your concrete driveway is new.

If you want to remove the snow, it’s better to use a plastic shovel or a snowblower. Be careful not to push in too much or damage your driveway. Also, don’t directly aim your snow blower at the concrete. Put it at a slant angle to avoid scraping your driveway. You should also avoid using sharp tools to remove compact ice and snow. They lead to accidents, and accidents lead to a cracked driveway.

Minimize Water Contact

You should try your best not to let your concrete driveway have any contact with water. If you’re fond of washing your vehicle in your driveway, it might be best to do it elsewhere. As mentioned, water is the mortal enemy of concrete since it can seep inside it. When winter comes, the water will freeze, and the ice expands, resulting in cracking and breaking of the concrete.

If you can’t avoid it, you can make a two to three-inch strip on both sides of the driveway. This allows you to control where the water will go, reducing the chances of it penetrating inside the concrete. Also, ensure that your downspouts are aimed away at your driveway.

Protect the Edges

As sturdy as a concrete driveway is, it has its vulnerabilities, especially with heavy vehicles. The edges suffer the most damage, though, as it’s the softest part of the concrete. It can be prone to breakage, cracks, chipping, etc. That said, if you park your vehicles in your driveway, ensure they are far from the edges.

Also, if you have a renovation project requiring heavy construction vehicles, ensure they’re not parking in your driveway. The heavyweight construction vehicles will surely crack the concrete driveway you worked so hard to protect.

Replace It When the Time Comes

If your driveway has cracks and chipping more than usual, maybe the integrity of the concrete has already been compromised. Once the damage has already penetrated inside the concrete, there’s no way to restore it. In this situation, the solution would be to change your driveway altogether. You may put it off later since you can’t see it, but the cracks and breakage will only get worse from here on out. Best to replace it.

Final Words

Although a concrete driveway doesn’t require much maintenance, it’s still necessary to maintain it from time to time. This is especially true if your concrete driveway is quite new. But if your driveway has already been damaged and the damage has already penetrated inside, it’s best to have a new driveway instead. 

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Easy Ways to Maintain A Concrete Driveway

Followings are the 10 Easy Ways to Maintain A Concrete Driveway:

It’s worth the investment to have a concrete driveways installed on your property. Not only is it more durable and less prone to cracking, but it will also last for years if you do the proper maintenance. Read this article for 10 easy ways to maintain your concrete driveway!

Keep it Clean

Assuming you have a concrete driveway, you will want to keep it as clean as possible. There are a few easy ways to do this. First, sweep it regularly with a broom or blower. This will remove any debris that could potentially stain the concrete. Second, hose it down every so often to remove any dirt or grime that has built up. Be sure to use a mild cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Third, if you have any oil stains, treat them immediately with a degreaser or similar product. fourth, if you live in an area with hard water, consider having your driveway sealed to prevent staining.

Seal the Surface

Seal the surface of your concrete driveway to protect it from weather damage and staining. Choose a sealant that is specifically designed for use on concrete, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. You will usually need to apply the sealant with a brush or roller, and you may need to let it dry for several hours before driving on the driveway.

Patch Holes

If you have any cracks or holes in your concrete driveway, it’s important to patch them as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage and keep your driveway looking its best.

To patch holes in your concrete driveway, you’ll need:

-Concrete patching compound

-A putty knife

-A trowel

-A wire brush

First, clean out the hole with a wire brush to remove any loose debris. Then, apply the concrete patching compound to the hole with a putty knife. Use a trowel to smooth it out, and make sure that the compound is level with the rest of the driveway. Let it dry for 24 hours before using the driveway again.

Apply a Protective Coating

A concrete driveway is a great addition to any home. It is durable and easy to maintain with a little bit of effort. One of the best ways to protect your driveway and keep it looking new is to apply a protective coating.

There are many different types of protective coatings available on the market, so it is important to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before application and follow all safety precautions.

Once you have applied the protective coating, be sure to regularly check it for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any problems, be sure to address them right away to prevent further damage. With a little bit of care, your concrete driveway will last for many years to come!

Seal the Joints

It’s important to seal the joints in your concrete driveway to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. You can do this yourself with a few simple supplies.

First, clean out the joints with a wire brush or other tool to remove any dirt or debris. Then, apply a bead of caulking around the perimeter of each joint. Use a putty knife to smooth it out, and then allow it to dry completely.

Once the caulking is dry, you can apply a sealant over top. This will help protect the joint from water damage and also make it easier to clean in the future. Simply apply the sealant with a brush or roller, and then allow it to dry according to the product instructions.

Maintain Your Concrete Driveway with Regular Cleanings and Inspections

A concrete driveway can last for many years with the proper care. To keep your driveway in top condition, it is important to perform regular cleanings and inspections.

For routine cleaning, sweep your driveway free of debris and use a garden hose to remove any dirt or grime. You may also need to pressure wash your driveway from time to time to remove tough stains.

It is also important to inspect your driveway regularly for cracks or other damage. If you notice any damage, repair it immediately to prevent further deterioration.

Avoid Damage to Your Driveway from Vehicles

It is inevitable that over time, your concrete driveways will suffer some damage from the vehicles that drive on it. But there are ways to minimize this damage and extend the life of your driveway.

One way to avoid damage to your driveway is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. This will help to prevent flat spots from forming on your tires, which can cause indentations in your concrete. It is also important to have your alignment checked regularly so that your tires are not rubbing against the edges of your driveway.

Another way to avoid damage to your concrete driveway is to have it sealed on a regular basis. This will help protect it from the elements and from oil and other fluids that can stain or break down the concrete. You should also clean up any spills immediately so that they don’t have a chance to set in and cause permanent damage.

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