Concrete driveway repair goes beyond the fact that a driveway is a way to access the garage, to the fact that a driveway is a functional and aesthetic element of a house’s curb value and worth in its own right. Concrete driveways are known to be robust and durable, but this doesn’t mean that they will last forever and won’t need any repair and maintenance work. By following a number of simple steps, its life can be substantially prolonged to make it a long-lasting and aesthetic element of a house too long into the future.
Keep It Clean and Sealed
Regular cleaning is the best way to start the process of keeping the driveway clean and maintained. The long-term effect of dirt, oil, and grime buildup leads to the decay of the concrete and an ideal environment for the growth of mold and mildew if the driveway is not properly maintained and cleaned.
Best Cleaning Practices
For an ideal cleaning process, you should sweep the driveway frequently to remove any leaves, debris, and loose dirt. To clean the driveway in a deep manner, you should make use of a pressure washer with a low setting or a brush with stiff bristles and a concrete-friendly cleaner. If there is any spillage of oil and chemical substances, you should handle the issue before they seep into the concrete and make a stain.
The Advantages of Sealants
Sealing is an important step in creating a protective layer against moisture, chemical, and ultraviolet light. The sealing process helps to ensure that the concrete is protected from water penetration, which is an important factor in regions where concrete is susceptible to freeze/thaw weather conditions that cause concrete to develop cracks.
Selecting the Right Sealant
There are several options available in the form of acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane sealants. Which one to go for will depend upon the climate and the level of protection required. The acrylic sealant works well if the purpose is to provide protection and improve the appearance, and if the need is for durability, the best option will be the epoxy/polyurethane sealant.
Protect Against Weather Damage
One of the biggest risks to a driveway is the weather. Whether it is the freezing temperatures of winter or the hot temperatures associated with summer, the weather has the potential to be a negative factor in a concrete driveway if the proper steps are not taken to prepare for it.
Winter Precautions
Freezing temperatures mean that ice and snow can be detrimental in colder climates. Avoid the use of rock salt and de-icer chemicals that corrode concrete and harm plants nearby in favor of sand and calcium-based de-icer. Snow should be cleared to inhibit the formation of ice dams, thus preventing water from seeping into concrete cracks.
Summer Heat Management
The effect of hot summer temperatures might cause the concrete to expand, resulting in stresses and cracks in the concrete. Though this is a natural phenomenon, you can take steps to limit the damage that might occur to the concrete driveway, and that is by incorporating proper expansion joints into the concrete driveway and keeping the driveway clean to make it more reflective of the sun’s heat.
Find a Friend in Concrete Experts
Though homemade maintenance will take you a long way, there will come a point when the need for an expert’s input is inescapable. Concrete suppliers in Oklahoma City will be able to evaluate the current state of your driveway and point out problems that you may not be aware of. Whether it is intricate crack repair work, proper sealing, or simply advice, a relationship with a reliable concrete professional will give you the reassurance you need and the best treatment possible for your driveway.
Summary
Keeping a concrete driveway in a long-lasting and enduring manner requires less effort if one is to be proactive about its maintenance. Regularly cleaning the driveway, sealing it on time, and keeping it protected from harsh weather conditions are basic steps that need to be followed in order to maintain a driveway that is a prized possession for years to come.