Concrete is a popular material used in driveway and pavements because it’s strong and durable. However, that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Your concrete may still show issues if it’s not maintained properly, which is why it’s crucial you invest in quality concrete maintenance. Otherwise, having your concrete repaired or replaced will cost you more money.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Have a Professional Contractor
It’s easy to find a contractor that offers cheap services, and it’s easy to get swayed by this. However, it’s extremely important you make sure you’re working with a reliable contractor, even if he or she doesn’t have the most affordable price. High-quality materials and proper foundation work are important, which you can get from a reliable contractor.
2. Avoid Heavy Vehicles on the Driveway
Heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses will put pressure on your concrete driveway, which can damage the surface. That’s why you need to avoid parking these heavy vehicles in your driveway for a long time. Instead, look for an alternative option.
3. Be Careful When Shoveling Snow
Be careful when clearing snow from your driveway because the shovel’s sharp edges can chip into your concrete, creating ugly marks. Although they may seem minor at first, the scuffs may build up over time and ruin the aesthetics of your driveway. Use a plastic shovel instead.
4. Never Let Water Build Up on Your Driveway
Water can seep into the concrete that will saturate the bedrock underneath. Over time, this can erode the soil, which can cause the driveway to crack, sink or become uneven. Prevent this from happening by ensuring you build the driveway away from a drainage area. However, if your concrete driveway lies in an area prone to flooding, you must keep it dry at all times.
5. Reseal Your Driveway
For concrete to maintain its strength, it must be resealed. How often you should reseal your concrete driveway will depend on several factors like the weather and the amount of vehicle traffic. A standard residential driveway must be resealed every two years, while business driveways must be resealed more often than that.
6. Avoid Roots to Grow Underneath
Tree roots can wriggle their way through about anything, even concrete. Once the tree roots are in, they can create cracks that could upend your driveway. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you can’t have trees on your property. What you can do is plant your trees far away from the driveway or install tree root barriers around the driveway.
7. Clean Up Stains Immediately
If there are oil or grease spills on your concrete driveway, clean it right away. If you are having a hard time getting it out, you can use a pressure hose with the right chemical dissolvent.
Make Your Concrete Last
Making your concrete driveway last isn’t impossible. It all comes down to proper maintenance. Use these tips to help you make the most out of your concrete driveway and ensure that you don’t encounter costly repairs or replacements in the future. Your concrete needs TLC, so make sure you give what it needs.
Are you looking for reliable concrete pavers in Edmonton, AB? WW Construction is a full-service paving contractor for residential and commercial properties. Contact us today!
Recent Comments