Driveway Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

 

Your driveway is the first thing people see when they come to your house, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. The following are five simple maintenance tips that can help you care for your driveway better than ever before. Read on and take notes, because these tips could easily save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the future!

Driveway Maintenance Tips 

Having a beautiful driveway that looks like it’s been professionally installed can be important not just to your curb appeal but also to protecting your driveway from premature wear and tear. You may not realize it, but there are several things you can do to help maintain the quality of your driveway and extend its life as long as possible. Here are the top driveway maintenance tips you need to know.

Seal cracks and holes

If you want your driveway to last as long as possible, you must keep it in top condition. One way of doing this is by filling in cracks and holes. These will allow water to seep under the surface, which can lead to structural damage. To fill them in, use a patching material like tar or concrete sealant, then compact it with a trowel or similar tool. Use these instead of a trowel if the hole is large enough for hand tools. Apply one more coat of sealant after the repair has dried completely. For larger cracks, apply three coats of sealant and allow each coat to dry before applying another layer. Check periodically for any new cracks or holes so that you can take care of them before they get too big. The best time to do this is at night when it's cooler because the heat from the sun can soften up old patches. Another thing you should be aware of are weeds growing around your home. They will eventually work their way through the pavement and cause some major problems for you if not taken care of quickly enough.

Resurface your driveway if necessary

If your driveway is looking rough or you have a small hole in it, you may want to consider resurfacing it with some asphalt. Resurfacing your driveway will not only make it look better but also give it more longevity. Asphalt driveways can last for 15-20 years if they are properly maintained so this should be one of the first things you do to extend the life of your driveway. A professional contractor can help you decide which type of asphalt product would work best on your property and get it done quickly and efficiently. However, if you are someone who likes to get their hands dirty and do it yourself, you can purchase either liquid or dry asphalt by the gallon at any hardware store. These two products take different amounts of time to cure; liquid asphalt needs just 24 hours while dry requires 7 days before being able to use it again.

Avoid Potholes

The first and most important thing you can do for your driveway is to make sure it's clear of any debris. This includes leaves, pine needles, acorns, and other bits of nature that can become lodged in cracks and cause the asphalt to deteriorate. It's also a good idea to have your driveway inspected by a professional every year or so. They'll be able to advise you on anything that needs immediate attention as well as give you tips on how to keep it looking its best. When inspecting your driveway, they may recommend an overlay. An overlay will add more strength to the surface and prevent potholes from forming in the future. If you're interested, they should be able to provide a quote now! But don't worry if you want to think about it, they are available 24/7 and are happy to come back when you decide what's right for you. Remember, butler driveway contractors offer top-quality service at affordable prices, which means having a clean, smooth-driving driveway is no longer a pipe dream!

Check your drainage system

As part of your driveway maintenance, you must check your drainage system to make sure it is working properly. Make sure the downspouts are draining water away from the house, and also make sure they don't have any cracks in them. If they're blocked by overgrown plants or a clog, this could cause water to back up and seep underneath the foundation of your home. Next, take note of whether there are any areas with standing water. That can indicate problems with the gravel bed underneath your driveway, which might need grading so that it slopes away from the house. Finally, be on the lookout for leaks under driveways which can happen when driveways sit directly on top of an underground pipe such as an oil line or sewer line. If these lines break, water will seep through the concrete and leak out at ground level. These sorts of cracks can sometimes only be detected by inspection of professional concrete driveway contractors near me.

Keep oil and grease away from driveways

Keeping oil and grease away from your driveway is one of the most important things you can do for its longevity. These substances will eat away at the concrete in the driveway, leading to cracks and potholes. There are a few ways you can avoid this, like avoiding cooking near your driveway or parking your car on it. In addition, be sure to rinse off any oil or grease that drips onto your driveway with water right away. If you find yourself unable to clean up the mess right away, put down some kitty litter or straw before it soaks into the surface. Lastly, be sure to get rid of any oil or grease stains as soon as they appear by scrubbing them with dish soap and cold water before they dry out.