Keeping your driveway and sidewalks in good condition is essential, as they are the first thing you see when you come home and the last thing you will see when you leave. Unfortunately, not all homeowners realize how vital these surfaces are until it’s too late. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your driveway and sidewalks so that they always look great.
Seal Your Driveway Every Few Years
Sealing your driveway is an essential preventative measure that can help keep it looking great for years. By sealing your driveway, you’re creating a barrier between the pavement and the elements, which can help protect it from fading, staining, and cracking.
It’s a good idea to seal your driveway every few years to ensure that it stays in good condition. You’ll typically have to reseal your driveway after it has been resurfaced, but you should also do it on an annual basis, even if your pavement hasn’t been touched up.
Shovel Regularly During the Winter
During the winter, it’s essential to shovel regularly to avoid any damage to your driveway or sidewalk. When snow and ice accumulate, they can put a lot of pressure on these surfaces and cause them to crack or buckle.
Make sure to shovel at least once a day and more if there are many snowfalls. It would help if you also tried to remove the snow and ice as soon as possible before it has a chance to accumulate. Don’t wait until the snow is almost a solid sheet, as it can be challenging getting rid of.
Avoid Using Salt
Salt can be a great way to melt snow and ice, but it can also damage concrete if it’s not removed afterward. If you have to use salt, make sure to sweep it up later so that it doesn’t hurt your driveway or sidewalk.
The best way is to shovel regularly during the winter. If you remove the snow and ice as soon as possible, you won’t need to use salt at all. You can also try using sand or calcium chloride instead of salt, as they are less damaging to concrete. However, if your concrete is already cracking or chipping, it’s time to give concrete repairing services a call.
Use a Broom to Remove Leaves from Your Walkway
Leaves can be a nuisance in the fall, as they can pile up quickly and make it difficult to walk or drive on your driveway or sidewalk. The best way to deal with leaves is to remove them as soon as possible before they have a chance to pile up.
One way to remove leaves is to use a broom. Make sure to sweep them towards the edge of the driveway or sidewalk so that you can easily collect them. You can also use a leaf blower to get rid of leaves, but make sure not to blow them onto the concrete as this can damage it.
Ensure the Plants Are Trimmed Back
One way to help prevent driveway and sidewalk damage is to ensure all plants are trimmed back from the pavement. Plants can put a lot of pressure on these surfaces, which can cause them to crack or buckle.
It’s a good idea to trim all plants back from the pavement so that they don’t have a chance to damage it. You can use a lawnmower, trimmer, or shears to do this. Just be sure to trim them back far enough not to touch the concrete. It would be best if you also tried to keep any mulch or dirt away from the edges of the driveway or sidewalk, as this can also damage them.
Take Care Not to Spill Anything
One of the easiest ways to damage your driveway or sidewalk is to spill something on them. This is especially true for liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and antifreeze. If you happen to spill something on your driveway or sidewalk, make sure to clean it up as soon as possible. Use a broom or a mop to soak up any liquid, and then use a cleaner to remove any residue. Be sure to rinse the area with water afterward.
It’s also essential to take care not to spill anything in the first place. Ensure you have a designated area for storing hazardous materials, and always be careful when pouring anything.
There’s nothing worse than having a driveway or sidewalk that’s damaged. Not only is it a dangerous tripping hazard, but it can also make your property look less appealing to potential buyers. The best way to prevent driveway and sidewalk damage is to take a few preventative measures. By maintaining your driveway and sidewalks, you can keep them looking great for years to come.
Meta title: How Can You Keep Your Driveway in Top Condition?
meta desc: To keep your driveway and sidewalks looking great, you must take a few preventative measures. Learn about some helpful pointers to protect them effectively.
