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Whether you go with classic black or a more modern concrete or stone, a neat and presentable driveway is not only functional but also attractive to look at. A well-maintained driveway can also improve your home\u2019s curb appeal and increase its resale value.<\/p>\n
Ongoing maintenance is essential if you want to keep your driveway in great shape; without proper care, it can start to disintegrate in as little as 15 years, showing signs of cracks, crumbling or shifting. Use the tips and suggestions below to keep your driveway looking its best for many years to come:<\/p>\n
Seal coating is a special protective coating minimizes the effects of the elements on the surface of your driveway, helping to extend its life. The driveway should be seal coated immediately after being paved, poured or installed.<\/p>\n
As a part of ongoing maintenance, the process of seal coating helps minimize the effect of changing temperatures and severe weather by reinforcing the driveway and prevent breaks or cracks.<\/p>\n
A new layer of seal coat should be applied around every three to five years to help provide protection, depending on how the asphalt ages. Bear in mind that some sealants may darken stone or concrete driveways<\/p>\n
Certain types of chemicals or contaminants are corrosive and cause the driveway’s surface to deteriorate rapidly. For example, sulfates can eat way at concrete, and calcium chloride can have a damaging effect as well.<\/p>\n
Even some common liquids like sea\/salt water can create a corrosive effect.\u00a0Any stains or spills should be dealt with immediately, and any dirt swept away to prohibit the growth and accumulation of weeds.<\/p>\n
Try to keep your driveway as dry as possible. Puddles of standing water can eventually lead to potholes or other problems with the surface of your driveway.<\/p>\n
If possible, sweep your driveway driveway soon after a storm or a thaw and avoid allowing water to puddle on its surface.<\/p>\n
When water finds its way into the cracks and freezes, it expands, forcing the cracks further apart. Driveways that are located in climates that have cold winters are particularly prone to water damage from cracking.<\/p>\n
Seal cracks immediately to prevent water damage and the associated costs of repairing it.<\/p>\n
Mitigate direct damage. This is a common-sense tip, but many forms of driveway damage are from heavy load or direct impact.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re moving something heavy or potentially destructive, take extra precautions such as using a blanket or similarly shock-absorbing material to protect the surface.<\/p>\n
Not all damage is preventable. Eventually, your concrete driveway will probably chip, crack, or show other forms of wear.<\/p>\n
Any time you notice a crack or indentation in your driveway, you address it as soon as possible; cracks in particular have a tendency to spread out, and divots can deepen and broaden.<\/p>\n
With the above strategies, you\u2019ll be able to keep your concrete driveway in peak condition for years to come.<\/p>\n