Maintaining concrete may seem like an overwhelming task, but it can be very easy with the right plan and steps. Taking just a few hours out of your schedule a couple of times per year is all that is needed to maintain your beautiful concrete. This will keep your commercial or residential property looking radiant for years and prolong the life of your concrete. Some simple steps include sealing cracks when they’re small, power washing annually, and using sealer once every 1-5 years, depending on usage. According to your concrete driveway contractor, as long as you follow these steps, you’ll have no problem ensuring years’ worth of great-looking concrete.
The Benefits Of A Concrete Driveway
Having your concrete driveway contractor install a concrete driveway is an excellent way to improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. It is one of the most durable materials on the market, providing many years of reliable service before requiring any repairs or maintenance. Not only can you customize your concrete driveway with a textured finish and in a variety of colors, but you also have the choice of installing a driveway that’s colored and stamped to resemble other pavement materials such as brick, flagstone, or slate.
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Additionally, this low-maintenance material resists staining from oil or gas spills. Finally, it does not crack under weather conditions like freezing temperatures and snowdrifts, ensuring you never have to worry about resurfacing your drive again. With all these great benefits, investing in a concrete driveway is an economical choice for homeowners.
Stamped and Colored Concrete Options
Cleaning Your Concrete Driveway
Concrete driveways are a durable, long-lasting choice for any homeowner. They can usually go for a long time without needing to be cleaned, but if you make it part of your regular maintenance schedule, you’ll avoid serious issues in the long run. Regularly removing grime, dirt, rust, and other stains will keep the surface looking its best and ensure it stays that way for years to come.
Try to aim for cleaning at least once every six months; this will give you plenty of time to identify any problem areas before they become too severe. In addition, cleaning concrete often isn’t overly labor intensive, so taking care of it regularly is an easy way to protect one of your home’s most prominent features.
Grass And Weeds
A weed-free and manicured lawn is essential to a beautiful, well-kept home. Unfortunately, when weeds and grass begin to encroach around your driveway or sidewalks, they spread roots which can put pressure on the existing concrete surfaces. If left unchecked, weeds and grass will cause cracking and further damage leading to costly repair bills.
Thankfully, you can maintain the beauty of your property by regularly trimming away any encroaching weeds and ensuring that grass at the base of your driveway or walkways is kept short enough that it cannot spread extensive roots beneath the surface of your concrete. In addition, to ensure no more damage occurs, you should seal cracks or expansion joints that have already been affected and add water protection, such as stains, to the joint areas. Following these simple steps will help ensure your already laid driveways and walkways remain in top condition for many years.
Seal The Deal
To ensure your driveway’s lasting structural integrity, applying a tough concrete stain at least once a year is essential. This protective layer will create a resilient defense against water permeation and diminishing abrasion damage.
Moreover, two coats that are regularly applied will also minimize the amount of UV sun exposure that your driveway experiences, thus further increasing its longevity as well as improving its aesthetics. Providing this level of care for your driveway will ensure that it remains in excellent condition and can withstand the challenges of all kinds of weather conditions.
Fill Cracks
Taking the time to patch any cracks or holes in your driveway can help keep your driveway in great shape for years. With some patience and know-how, you can easily remove loose materials, fill in any gaps with a crack filler and patching compound, and then seal the entire surface of your driveway.
Not only will this make it look better, but it may also reduce tripping accidents protecting guests who visit your home. If done properly, you’ll enjoy a pleasant-looking driveway with peace of mind that those who visit are safe.
Don’t Use Salt
Concrete surfaces are vulnerable to damage when exposed to salt or chemical de-icers and will require costly repairs if that happens. Avoiding the use of salt is a great way to protect these surfaces; instead, consider using a snowblower or shovel to remove snow, as well as alternatives like sand, coffee grounds, alfalfa meal, or kitty litter to make the surface less slippery.
If you need something more powerful for melting stubborn ice patches, try spraying the area with sugar beet juice. It’s inexpensive and can effectively lower the melting point of ice in temperatures as low as -20°F. Finally, always patch up any cracks caused by chemicals.
Do I Need A New Driveway?
A new driveway is a large investment for any homeowner and one that needs to be taken seriously to ensure you receive the best value for money. However, due to the weathering of external elements and damage from your car, replacing your existing concrete driveway may become necessary.
An array of signs can point towards needing a new driveway, such as cracks in the foundation, uneven or sloped surfaces, or if the edges are crumbling away. While these issues might be simple maintenance repairs, if they occur frequently, then a new driveway might be required. Therefore it is important to pay close attention to these warning signs and monitor their progression regularly to maintain your driveway’s longevity. If you are interested in a new concrete driveway, contact Cesar’s Concrete today.
