Tips for Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway
One of the best benefits of having a concrete driveway is that they require very little maintenance and routine care over the course of its lifetime. But the fact of the matter is that no driveway paving material is truly maintenance-free — even concrete. While concrete driveways typically have a lifespan of about 30 years, there are some occasional steps you can take in order to preserve the life and appearance of your driveway. Read on to learn more, and if you are in need of a quality concrete repair product to fix any cracks or wear, be sure to check out our affordable and easy-to-use options at Fascrete.
Clean and Re-Apply Sealer As Needed
Occasionally cleaning your concrete driveway and keeping it sealed are a couple of the best measures that you can take in order to keep it looking its best. How often you should take these steps will greatly depend on the weather conditions of where you live and the amount of vehicle traffic the concrete receives. Generally, concrete driveways should be resealed about every two years, or when the finish begins to show some wear.
Avoid the Use of De-Icing Chemicals When Possible
The use of de-icers on concrete driveways in the winter can cause quite a bit of surface damage such as scaling and spalling as they force the thaw and refreezing of moisture to occur on the driveway. While de-icers are a great tool to keep your driveway walk- and drive-able, it is suggested to avoid products that contain ammonium sulfates and ammonium nitrates as these chemicals are especially harmful and will attack the concrete. If de-icers are a must for you, try and opt for options such as sodium chloride (rock salt) or calcium chloride, as they will do less harm to your concrete driveway. Also, be sure to avoid the use of de-icers during your driveway’s first winter since the new concrete is more susceptible to the harmful effects. A great alternative would be to use sand which is a great source of traction.
Be Sure to Remove Stains Immediately
While a sealer will help protect the concrete from absorbing the stain, it is still a good idea to remove any oil, grease, gasoline, or other spills as soon as possible. If your concrete driveway does show discoloration, pressure washing and specific cleaning chemicals can help with removing most stains.
Use Concrete Repair Kits As Needed
When your concrete driveway shows occasional signs of wear and tear, it is wise to have concrete repair products handy such as patch kits from Fascrete. Not only are they affordable and easy-to-use, but they also will help with prolonging the life of your driveway and prevent you from needing an expensive repair job.
Treat Your Concrete Driveway With Care
Although concrete is one of the strongest, most durable paving materials for driveways, the typical residential driveway is not engineered to support heavy vehicles such as moving vans or large construction equipment. Also, be sure to use care when shoveling or plowing your driveway, and avoid the use of metal blades that have the potential of scratching the surface.
By following these tips, your concrete driveway should stay in great shape for years to come. If you do notice any signs of wear and tear, be sure to give us a call with any questions and check out our concrete repair products at Fascrete today.