Be it a regular, asphalt, concrete, brick, or stone driveway, maintaining a driveway is important to avoid potholes, crumbles, and cracks in it. Rust stains can be another problem.
Driveways suffer a continuous beating over time. Imagine a 2-ton car running over it several times every day. Scorching hot sun beating down. Salt consuming the driveway top or water filling up the cracks and freezing. All this could lead to cracks in both asphalt and concrete driveways. You should counterattack and provide some relief to your driveway from this torture.
Regular maintenance every 2-3 years can avoid cracks and stains in the driveway. Regular maintenance also ensures a longer driveway life. A well-maintained driveway adds to the beauty of your home and can also add to its value. Also, it gives a smooth driving experience when you don’t have to dodge the potholes and cracks.
It’s hard to stop cracking in the driveways since nature takes a toll on everything. Roots grow below the driveway soil and grow up, breaking it apart. All you can do is avoid the settling of moisture under the driveway.
Maintaining a Brick or Paver Driveway
Sand often accumulates in the cracks of brick or paver driveways, thus, allowing grass to grow between the bricks. Replace the cracked bricks with fresh ones to keep your driveway look new.
The best solution for this situation is that you place a plastic coating below the driveway. It will prevent the unwanted grass from growing. If you see a cracked brick afterward, it can be replaced with ease. Use a screwdriver to pull the brick out and place a new one. Brick and paver driveways usually require less maintenance than others.
Maintaining the Concrete Driveway
A concrete driveway is the most expensive, lowest maintenance, and best looking. Rain usually soaks under the driveway, which causes a slight shift in the ground. Thus, resulting in the crumbling and cracking of concrete driveways. Damage can be even more if you live in a freezing or chilling climate.
Check your driveway for visible cracks, crumbled concrete, and holes. Also, check it after rains to see if there are any areas with standing water.
Block and seal all the cracks and holes in the driveway. Level out any low spots with concrete resurfacing. Lift any sunk-up areas that are lower than the remaining driveway. Make it a habit to reseal the driveway every 3-5 years.
Maintaining the Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways provide a durable yet smooth surface for your vehicles. It also gives an attractive appeal to your home. Yet, these driveways need regular care to maintain their durability. Even the minor cracks left unnoticed can make your driveway a crumbled headache.
Spring is good to examine your asphalt driveway for the damages. Check for cracks, weed growths, and potholes. Even check for standing water on driveways immediately after rains.
Repair the cracks, patch all the potholes and fill all low areas in the driveway. Use an edging tool to clean the edges and pull out all the weeds around the driveway. Perform a seal coat to your asphalt driveway every 1-3 years.
Maintaining the Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways are the least expensive to install when compared to other driveways. These are good to have if you have a long driveway. But gravel driveways need continuous care. If not cared for properly, they can change into a muddy mess in no time.
Perform regular checks for any ruts or potholes. Check the driveway after rain to ensure that water is not pooling anywhere. There should be proper rainwater drainage to avoid gravel loss and unwanted potholes.
Fill the gravel on uneven surfaces and repair any ruts or potholes. Repair the driveway water drainage system, if required. Pull out the unnecessary weeds in and around the driveway. Repeat the maintenance twice every year, preferably in spring and fall.
Driveway Maintenance Cost
Minor driveway fixings like seal-coat and stain removal will cost between USD 200 and USD 500. While replacing an asphalt driveway will cost between USD 7 and USD 15 per square foot. That’s still reasonable than paying thousands of dollars for a new driveway.
Hire a Professional Driveway Contractor
You must take the services of a qualified driveway contractor for maintenance work. Make sure that the contractor is insured, experienced, and knowledgeable. Before you come to the deal, ask for a written estimate for the cost and time taken. Also, ask for previous work references and photos for clarity. Hire a contractor who is there for a long time.
A well-maintained driveway stays functional and looks attractive for a long time.
