5 Driveway Maintenance Tips

Driveways are one of the most used and noticeable areas of your home, often ignored until they crack or stain. Maybe you want to give them the attention they deserve but you don't know how. Not to worry here are 8 Driveway maintenance tips provided by JL Enterprise your Denver concrete driveway experts!

Use a concrete sealer

Sealing your Denver concrete driveway is important. Sealing your driveway will protect it from damage and deterioration against water absorption and the harmful UV rays from the sun. Sealing your driveway also prevents cracks.

Minimize water on the driveway

Unfortunately moisture affects concrete strength. Clear a two to three-inch strip around the edges of the driveway to provide a runoff area for snow and water to reduce its chances of penetrating the surface. Also, ensure that downspouts empty into the yard rather than onto the driveway. When water freezes, it expands. This creates powerful pressure under the surface. It's a strong enough force to crack the asphalt or concrete. For this reason, the Colorado winter can be one of the hardest seasons on your Denver concrete driveway.

Don't salt cement

Salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks.

Bumps and potholes don’t just appear due to regular wear and tear – salt damages concrete over time by causing corrosion to occur under the surface, leading to discolored, cracked and crumbling concrete.

Fill Cracks

eventually cracks or holes will appear, you must patch them immediately. Use a chisel to remove loose materials and brush out the debris before applying a crack filler and patching compound. After the material dries, seal the entire driveway. Ensuring your driveway is smooth and level may also help reduce tripping accidents when guests visit your home.

Clean your driveway

It is important to clean a concrete driveway in Denver, Colorado the weather is unpredictable and you should have your driveway prepared for all possible scenarios. another important tip is that you must keep your driveway clean. Removing stains caused by motor oil, radiator fluid and similar substances affects more than your drive’s appearance. Motor fluids can penetrate up to a quarter inch in concrete and can soften asphalt. Use non-clumping kitty litter to absorb fresh oil, followed by grease-cutting dishwashing detergent and warm water. For older stains, try scrubbing the stain repeatedly with grease-cutting, biodegradable cleaners. Be sure to use a regular scrub brush. A wire brush can damage the driveway’s surface.