A home’s driveway is often the first thing visitors see. It’s also exposed to the elements 24/7, which can take a toll on even the most durable materials. As a result, it’s essential to regularly inspect and maintain your driveway to ensure it stays in good condition. Here are four tips to help you keep your home driveway in tip-top shape.
Inspect your driveway regularly.
Once a week, take a walk around your property and inspect your driveway for any damage. If you notice any problems, address them right away. The sooner you fix the damage, the less chance of the problem worsening.
To properly inspect your driveway, you’ll need to look for the following issues:
- Cracks
- Potholes
- Weeds or grass growing in the cracks
- Oil or gas stains
If you find any of these issues, take action to repair them as soon as possible. Ignoring them could lead to further damage and even more extensive repairs down the road. You should also check for any debris or rubbish blown onto the driveway and remove it when necessary.
Repair damage right away.
If you notice any cracks, chips, or potholes on your driveway, repair them as soon as possible. Unaddressed damage can quickly worsen, leading to further costly repairs. Make sure to use high-quality materials designed for outdoor exposure that won’t deteriorate quickly over time. Moreover, consider having your asphalt driveway professionally repaired if there is extensive damage.
If you’re repairing damage on your driveway, make sure to follow these steps:
- Clean the area of any dirt or debris. This will help ensure a good bond between the new material and the driveway surface.
- Apply a coat of primer to the area. This will help the new material adhere to the driveway and last longer.
- Apply the new material. Use a trowel to spread evenly over the area and fill in any cracks or holes.
- Allow the material to dry for 24 hours before driving on it.
Clean your driveway regularly.
At least once a month, sweep your driveway to remove any accumulated debris or leaves. It would help if you also hosed down your driveway to remove any dirt or grime built over time. If you live in an area with harsh winters, remove snow and ice from your driveway as soon as possible to prevent any damage.
If you don’t clean your driveway regularly, the accumulation of dirt, leaves and other debris can cause significant damage. Not only will this make it harder to drive on the driveway, but it will also make it more susceptible to cracks and potholes. This is because dirt, leaves, and debris absorb moisture from the surface, which can lead to cracks.
In addition, if you don’t clean your driveway often, it can accumulate stains from oils, gasoline, and other pollutants. In extreme cases, this can even lead to growing weeds and grass in the cracks. An excellent way to address this is to pressure wash your driveway at least once a year. This will remove all the built-up dirt, debris, and stains, leaving your driveway looking like new.
When pressure washing your driveway, make sure to follow these tips:
- Use a garden hose to wet the driveway down before starting. This will help the pressure washer be more effective and prevent any damage to the surface.
- Start from the top of the driveway and work your way down. This will help avoid any streaking or unevenness on the surface.
- Use a pressure washer with adjustable settings. This will allow you to customize the amount of pressure depending on the type of surface you’re washing.
- Always use caution when using a pressure washer. Never point it at anyone or anything you don’t want to be sprayed with high-pressure water.
Seal your driveway every two years.
One of the best ways to protect your driveway from damage is by sealing it every two years. Sealing your driveway will not only help protect it from water and weather damage, but it will also make it look nicer. This is because the sealant helps fill in any cracks or imperfections on the surface.
When applying a sealant, make sure to follow these steps for the best results:
- Clean the driveway thoroughly.
- Allow the driveway to dry completely before applying the sealant.
- Apply two coats of sealant in an even layer over the entire surface.
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying another coat.
- Follow up with a final coat of sealant to ensure the best coverage.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your home driveway looking its best for years to come! Regular inspection, cleaning, sealing, and repair will go a long way toward maintaining your investment and ensuring that visitors always have a positive first impression of your home.