How To Properly Maintain A Concrete Driveway
Concrete is a strong and highly durable material ideal for driveways. Apart from the strength, they’re also easy to care for and maintain. Because of this, many homeowners consider them perfect for enhancing the curb appeal and functionality of their driveway. Although slightly more expensive than other materials, concrete is cheaper when compared with cobblestone or brick, and is considered the strongest material among all options.
If given appropriate care and maintenance, plain concrete can be a unique and attractive driveway surface. If you’d like some helpful tips on how to maintain a concrete driveway properly, you may consider the following suggestions:
- Clean And Seal Concrete
A concrete driveway can lose its luster easily if not cleaned and maintained regularly because of exposure to elements like harsh weather. It is also prone to wear due to heavy use. As such, you’ll need to consider the conditions it’s exposed to so you can determine how often it needs cleaning. Additionally, concrete contractors, such as Pro Angle Concrete, can give cleaning and maintenance suggestions, so it may be helpful to consult with them, too.
For colored concrete, the slab should retain its color indefinitely given sufficient care and regular maintenance. The cleaning procedure needed is generally similar to plain concrete.
Concrete driveways also need to be sealed annually. This is because adding a seal serves as a barrier from stains and other impurities. It can also prolong the life span of the slab and add sheen to the surface. Penetrating and topical sealers can also help repel water, oil, salt, or mold, especially in places with extreme weather changes. This is a cost-effective type of driveway maintenance, and most homeowners can do it themselves without requiring professional services.
- Remove Stains Immediately
To prevent discoloration, promptly clean up oil, grease, and other staining substances that get in contact with the driveway’s surface. If not, stains are likely to stick to the surface, especially for those with specialized textures and finishes such as stamped concrete. You’ll then need chemical cleaners and a pressure washer to remove them.
To remove fresh oil stains, you can start by wiping off the excess oil using a rag or kitty litter. Then, you can scrub the surface with baking soda or laundry detergent and rinse with water. For hardened stains, you may use a poultice made of kitty litter, or sawdust soaked in acetone or lacquer thinner. Spread the poultice over the stain, cover it with plastic, and leave until the stain is dissolved.
- Avoid Using Deicing Chemicals
Keeping driveways clear of snow can be challenging during winter. This is why many homeowners use deicing products as a convenient way to keep the passageway passable. Apart from this, it’s also crucial to prevent accidents caused by a slippery driveway surface. However, snow melting chemicals are known to degrade the quality and durability of concrete.
Rock salt, the most common deicing substance, increases water absorption in concrete. Combined with this, the cycle of freezing and thawing can cause concrete to break down. This is why homeowners need to select the right snow-melting products and use them alongside the best snow shovel uk, to protect the durability of the concrete. Here are some deicers that are considered best for concrete driveways:
- Calcium Chloride
This is a fast-acting, less corrosive, and eco-friendly chemical compound.
- Magnesium Chloride
This is said to be the safest, noncorrosive snow-melting product. It’s also safe for plants and won’t damage landscaping.
- Potassium Chloride
Although this works slower than other deicing products, it’s also safe to use on concrete and not harmful to pets, plants, and water supplies.
- Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
CMA is ideal for newly built driveways or those less than two years old. This product is made of acetic acid and is safe for animals and plants.
Other snow-melting products are nonchemical-based and considered to be more eco-friendly ones. Apart from using deicing agents, homeowners may also mechanically remove snow from their driveway, although this would take time and effort. Some also use snow-melting or traction mats to prevent slipping on ice.
- Use With Care
New concrete driveways are best used seven days after installation. However, it may take up to 30 days before you can safely use it for driving or parking heavy equipment or machinery. Besides, despite its durability, regular driveways meant for houses are usually not designed for heavy use, so it’s also best to avoid parking heavy trucks or moving vans on them.
When it comes to plowing or shoveling your driveway during winter, it’s best to avoid using metal blades to prevent damage or scratches on the surface of the concrete driveway.
Conclusion
When given proper care and maintenance, concrete driveways may retain their functionality for up to 50 years. Moreover, concrete slabs tend to be highly durable with a capacity to support heavy vehicles, provided that they’re installed effectively using a good base and sufficient reinforcements. Therefore, it may be a wise investment to use concrete slabs for your driveway for their durability.
