Concrete driveways generally last from 25 to 30 years but can last even longer with good maintenance. However, it can be difficult to know how to begin taking care of your driveway.
Do you want to learn more about driveway maintenance, the best driveway materials, and other options for low-maintenance driveways? Keep reading this guide on everything you need to know about driveway maintenance, taking care of your driveway, and for some driveway maintenance ideas!
Regularly Clean Your Driveway
One of the most important things you can do to keep you driveway in good shape is to clean it often. This is important to do, especially before you paint or seal your driveway.
First, you should clean your driveway to remove any stains or growth. For example, mold and mildew can often grow on the surface of your driveway and may cause discoloration to your concrete.
Another thing that may build up on your driveway is dirt, mud, and even decomposing leaves. Anything that gets on your car tires can be tracked onto your driveway and lead to a dirty residue. By regularly cleaning this, it will keep your driveway looking newer.
Finally, driveways often get oil stains on the cement. This can happen when oil leaks or spills out of your car. These kinds of stains are harder to remove, but it is important to take care of them before you seal your driveway.
Driveway Resurfacing
Another way you can keep your driveway well maintained is by resurfacing it. This is a type of maintenance that doesn’t need to be done more than once or twice in the lifespan of your driveway, but it can make it look brand new.
Essentially, it allows you to fill in any cracks or missing pavement and apply a new layer of cement to the top of your driveway. When you resurface your driveway, it can prevent more damage from cracks in your driveway and will extend the life of your concrete.
When you resurface your driveway, you are adding a protective layer to the top of your existing driveway. While it takes more work than sealing your driveway, it is a great way to maintain your driveway and keep it in good condition.
Seal Your Driveway
Another great way you can maintain your driveway is by sealing it. Sealing coats are a way to increase the life expectancy of your pavement because it acts as a protective layer.
This means your driveway will be protected from damage, from natural elements, and even will protect your driveway from staining.
Adding a sealing coat to your driveway is also beneficial because it is much less expensive than resurfacing your driveway or replacing the concrete. You can seal your driveway several times throughout the years and it will still save you money.
It is also something that you can do on your own! While many types of maintenance to your concrete driveway should be done by professionals, you can do a seal coat yourself.
Research Types of Driveways
There are so many different types of driveways that it can be difficult to choose the best driveway materials for you. Here are a few of the most popular driveway types.
First, there is the classic concrete driveway. These are popular because they are durable and can be customized in appearance! Brick driveways also have the same benefits, but they are much more expensive.
However, brick driveways are seen as more classy.
You can also get an asphalt driveway. These are easy and less expensive to install, but it doesn’t look as nice as other types of driveways.
If you are looking for a type of driveway that is easy to install, you may want to consider gravel or a crushed stone driveway. Because these can be installed so easily, you can do it yourself and save some money!
Regardless of the type of driveway you install for your home, they will have their own benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking for driveways that require less maintenance, it is important to do your research before making a final decision.
Invest in Low Maintenance Driveways
There are many types of low-maintenance driveways that you can invest in for the future.
However, one of the easiest ways you can lower the maintenance on your driveway is by getting a polyurea driveway installed. Polyurea driveways are a coated driveway or garage floor that can help prevent your concrete from being damaged.
In fact, this type of driveway can improve slip resistance and is resistant to impact or common chemicals that may spill. These floors are a great choice in some driveways and especially in garages that need storage. However, polyurea driveways may not be the best choice in areas where snow needs to be removed regularly – shovels, snowblowers, and plows can cause major damage to the finish as well as the concrete.
Chip sealing for your driveway is a less expensive alternative to resurfacing your driveway or repaving your driveway. it is durable, so it will last for a long time and it is also easily customizable!
You can choose the color of chip coating you want in your driveway or garage, so you can be sure your driveway will look great for many years.
Find a Driveway Maintenance Company Today!
If you need help maintaining your driveway, you don’t have to do it alone! There are many companies that offer driveway maintenance services or that can help you install a new low-maintenance driveway system.
If you are looking for help with your driveway, Garage Force can help! We offer high-quality concrete coating for garages, driveways, and anywhere else that you have concrete. Our services will help you maintain your concrete driveway and will keep it in great condition for years to come!
If you are interested in learning more about our services, contact our team or find a Garage Force location near you!