Do you own a home with a driveway? If you do, then there may be a few things that you need to do to maintain it. Have you ever thought about how to keep your driveway in good condition?
It’s important to take care of it, just like you take care of your home. For a more in-depth guide, keep reading to learn what you can do for your driveway maintenance.
1. Clean Your Driveway Regularly
One of the simplest and most important driveway maintenance tips is cleaning your driveway. Doing so will preserve its structural integrity, ensure safety, and keep it looking good. You should sweep your driveway every one to two weeks.
Especially if it is located in an area with regular weather conditions, to remove dirt and debris. Washing with plain water and a mild detergent will help to remove any tough stains. Clean spills and oil stains right away.
Also, you should repaint the lines on your driveway every two to three years. Check to see if the current paint needs a touchup. If possible, protect your driveway from potential damage by covering it with a tarp or plastic sheet. Consider power washing your driveway once every year or two to create a uniform appearance.
However, if you need assistance, you can always hire the best power washing service to help you out. During the cold winter months, inspect the driveway for cracks and water damage.
2. Repair Any Cracks or Holes
As a homeowner, driveway maintenance is just as important as home maintenance. One of the most important maintenance tasks is repairing any cracks or holes that have developed in the surface of your driveway. Cleaning the driveway with a pressure washer can be beneficial to help reveal any cracks or holes and any divots that may have developed.
Once identified, seal the cracks or holes with an epoxy filler specifically formulated for use with asphalt. If holes are deep or too large for epoxy fillers, it is best to use a cold patch mixture which can be accomplished in multiple pours for a long lasting repair.
After filling in any cracks or holes, use a tamper or a piece of wood to compact the patch and ensure a seamless repair. Finally, use a sealer to protect the repairs and the entire driveway surface from future damages due to water and sun exposure.
3. Seal Your Driveway Every Few Years
Driveway maintenance is an important part of ownership for homeowners. Another important maintenance task is to seal your driveway every few years to protect it from wear and tear over time. Sealing your driveway will slow down wear and tear from water, salt, and other chemicals that can cause damage to asphalt and concrete.
Below are some of the steps in sealing your driveway. Let’s have a look at them below!
Clean the Area That You Are Planning to Seal
When it comes to driveway maintenance, knowing how to properly clean the area that you are planning to seal is essential. For starters, remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking the area, such as leaves or dirt. This will help ensure the sealant will be able to properly adhere to the driveway surface and last longer.
Once you have gotten rid of any debris, use a pressure washer with a cleaner that is appropriate for the type of driveway material you have. Make sure to also use a brush or scrubber if necessary to get rid of any grime and dirt that may be embedded in the driveway. Finally, rinse the area off well with water to make sure all the cleaner has been removed.
Apply an Even Coat of Sealant
To make sure your driveway is in optimal condition, applying an even layer of sealant is an important step in proper driveway maintenance. Use a premium quality asphalt sealer meant for outdoor use, as this will help improve the driveway’s durability and prolong the life of your investment.
Begin in one corner of the driveway, and spread the sealant in the direction of the peak of the driveway with an asphalt squeegee or broom. When applying the sealant, be sure to keep an eye on the edges to ensure there are no drips.
Allow Several Hours to a Day for the Sealant to Dry
If a homeowner is considering sealing their driveway, allowing several hours to a day for the sealant to dry is a critical part of the process. After the application of the sealant, the homeowner should avoid driving on the driveway or walking on it for several hours, preferably a day in order to allow it time to dry and properly adhere.
Vehicle and foot traffic too soon can disrupt the sealant and lessen its lifespan. A flashing caution light, cones, or a sign can help warn people away from the driveway while it dries. However, if it is not a busy time of day, the homeowner could just monitor the driveway and make sure no one is entering.
4. Protect Your Driveway From Oil Stains
Oil stains are one of the most common causes of deterioration. As such, homeowners should take the necessary steps to protect their driveways from oil stains. Parking vehicles only in designated spots away from trees or shrubs can help reduce the likelihood of staining.
Also, thoroughly cleaning any spill and immediately applying an oil absorbent material such as cat litter can also prevent unsightly stains from appearing. Homeowners can also apply a high quality, oil-resistant sealer to their driveways to reduce the likelihood of oil stains.
5. Use Caution When Parking on Your Driveway
When parking a vehicle on your driveway, it’s important to be cautious. Make sure you have enough room for your vehicle without extending too far onto the lawn or walkways.
If you damage the lawn or your vehicle, the repair costs can add up quickly. Keep any shrubbery or trees trimmed to avoid damage to your vehicles when you’re pulling in or out of the driveway.
Learn More About Driveway Maintenance Today
Driveway maintenance is an important part of keeping your home looking great. Regular cleaning, sealing, patching, and removing snow and ice can help your driveway last longer, maintain its attractive appearance, and continue to serve its purpose.
Don’t wait – take the steps needed to ensure your driveway remains in great shape for years to come!
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