No matter if you own a large industrial building, rental property, or home, keeping your driveway in the best shape possible is extremely important. Not only does a properly paved driveway look good, but it also helps keep cars safe from damage caused by potholes and deteriorating asphalt.
The winter can take a toll on your driveway, so now’s the time to inspect it and make repairs in preparation for the colder months. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your driveway in shape this summer.
The first thing you need to do to maintain your driveway in the summer is to check its integrity. From small hairline cracks to large potholes, taking inventory of the damage helps you create a plan of action to make repairs without missing a thing.
Remember, even the smallest crack can cause big problems when winter and harsh weather rolls around, so it’s important to fix them when you can. Summer just happens to be the best season for driveway maintenance because the weather is better and you can more easily assess the damage caused by winter storms and spring showers. The warm, dry weather is the best time to use sealants.
You may be thinking, “But isn’t concrete a hardy material that should be virtually maintenance-free?” While it’s true that concrete driveways are built to last and withstand harsh conditions, keeping it clean and sealed can help slow down the effects of general wear and tear.
While we discuss some driveway maintenance in more detail soon, it’s important to understand that concrete does require annual maintenance (contrary to popular belief). Not only can weather and wear from vehicles cause damage to concrete, but oils and fluids that leak from cars can also stain the surface and be difficult to remove. Additionally, puddles that linger on the concrete’s surface can also wear down the seal, inevitably leading to extensive damage to the layers underneath if it’s not cleaned up quickly.
As you can see, there are many things that can damage your concrete driveway. The best way to prevent them is through consistent maintenance.
Once you make repairs to your driveway, you want it to last. Here are some ways you can maintain your driveway’s integrity no matter the season:
Cleaning your driveway may sound odd, but according to Independent Bank, it’s one of the best ways to extend its life. A weekly hosing or sweeping with a stiff brush easily gets rid of debris that could cause damage to your driveway (and your cars).
Look for discoloration. Dark spots that are signs of stains may appear harmless, but they can eat away at the asphalt. Make sure to clean these up quickly with restoration cleaners.
Though built strong, driveways can be damaged by heavy trucks, construction equipment, and even pressure washing. Make sure to treat your driveway with care; don’t let large trucks park on it for long periods of time and use a pressure washer sparingly.
Finally, you can’t forget to apply sealant when needed (or better yet, seasonally). Driveway sealing seals cracks and other imperfections before they become larger problems and can extend the overall life of your driveway. Pro tip: If you live in a snowy climate, you should apply a sealant to your driveway in the fall. This helps ensure the slab will stand up to harsh winter conditions and treatments like salt.
Ready to keep your driveway in shape this summer? Garvin Construction Products has a wide selection of concrete repair and construction products perfect for your project.
Contact us today to learn more.