A concrete driveway is a beautiful and useful addition to a home that really increases overall curb appeal. Since you have made the investment in a concrete driveway, it's important that you perform regular maintenance and repairs on it. This allows you to reap the benefits of your driveway for years to come. There are some tips that you can use to make your concrete driveway last.

Seal Cracks on the Surface

The best way that you can lengthen the life of your concrete driveway is to prevent it from cracking. According to Kelly Concrete, putting too much weight on your concrete driveway could result in cracks to the surface. Damage can also occur naturally from the changes in temperature from season to season. If your driveway gets cracks in it, you should repair them as soon as possible. Allowing water to get into these spaces will cause the problem to become worse. There are many products that you can purchase from your local hardware store that allow you to patch up any cracks that exist.

Prevent Leaking from Vehicles

There are a number of substances that can cause damage to your driveway. Make sure to regularly check that your vehicle is not leaking, or if you know it’s prone to leaking put down an oil absorbent garage mat. Common car spills such as oil, power steering fluid, gasoline, and general grease will stain your driveway if you aren’t paying attention. Oil Sponge advises to make sure the source of the vehicle responsible for the staining is repaired before attempting to remove the discoloration. Grease stains can be very difficult to remove, and you need to be careful that the soap you use doesn't leave a residue as well. If you already have older stains on your concrete, a power wash is usually the best option for getting your driveway back to its former glory.

Waterproofing and Sealing

There are waterproofing products that you can apply to your concrete driveway once per year. They will create a waterproof barrier on your driveway so that water won't puddle or cause damage. The sealants in these products will help protect the cement from the elements or other substances that touch it. These products are easy to apply yourself with a roller or sprayer. According to Textbook Painting, aside from protecting your driveway sealing concrete prevents mildew and staining, so these products can also make the surface look nicer. You can usually select the type of finish that you want.

If you have a concrete driveway, it's a good idea to understand what kind of maintenance this surface requires in order for it to look its best. If you aren't clear on the type of maintenance or products that you should be utilizing, you can contact a professional contractor that installs driveways to find out more. They can also help you with any damage or settling that has occurred.
 

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