A concrete driveway is not only more convenient than gravel, but it also adds to the curb appeal of your property. This is the paving material that is most often chosen by homeowners because concrete is both affordable and easy to maintain. However, over time concrete can begin to show signs of wear. It is important that you take a few steps to ensure that you are preserving your investment long-term. There are a few care tips that can help increase the lifespan of your concrete driveway immensely.
Reapply Sealer
Sealed driveways look the most appealing, but they also last the longest. When a concrete driveway is first installed, a sealant is normally applied. This sealant is designed to act as a barrier between the concrete and outdoor elements. If you want the appearance of your concrete driveway to be maintained for many years, it is important to routinely reapply the sealant. This will give the concrete a coating that protects against wear caused by exposure to water, car fluids and much more. A commercial sealer is the best type to apply to your concrete driveway. If you notice any small cracks, it is also recommended that you apply a concrete crack injection to stop the crack from becoming larger.
Power Wash Away Stains
Using a power washer to get rid of stains and spills caused by oil, gas and grease is another important concrete driveway care tip to follow. You should never let stains sit. They will only be more difficult to remove the longer you leave them to sit. This means that having a power washer on hand to clean your driveway can be a good investment. A sealer is designed to keep these liquids from being absorbed, but they are only so effective.
Do Not Use a Deicer
Many homeowners use deicing products on their driveway to make it safer to walk on, but this might actually be causing your concrete to wear at a faster rate. If you want to increase the lifespan of your concrete driveway, you should stop using deicing products. The active ingredients in most deicers are ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulphates. These are harmful to concrete and actually cause it to begin breaking down. You will notice more cracks and signs of wear after you begin using deicing products on your concrete driveway. Using an alternative to deicing products can be the best way to extend the lifespan of your concrete driveway.
Share1 October 2015
If you have broken concrete around your property, you need to be creative about how you deal with it. You can tear it out, you can fix it or you can reuse the concrete in another area. Hi, my name is Betty, and I am a firm advocate of reducing waste and reusing things. I take this attitude to every part of my life, including my concrete. I own a business and a home, and I have concrete around both of them. Over the years, I have hired contractors to do repairs and a number of other things. I have also done a lot of research. Want ideas? Check out my posts. Cheers!