After conquering the challenge of buying a home, homeowners are tasked with a new trial: properly maintaining the property. Often, this leads them into untested territory. One example of maintenance that some find daunting is all the upkeep needed for a driveway. To help get the most out of your driveway’s lifespan, let’s go over a few maintenance, upkeep and repair basics.
First, there are many types of materials used for driveways. Each one has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to maintenance, appearance, environmental impact, etc. To keep things easy, we’ll go over the top two popular choices: asphalt and concrete. Asphalt, also known as blacktop, is an inexpensive option that’s also quick to install. Although the lifespan for this material is shorter than others, it can last more than 20 to 25 years when cared for properly. A drawback is that, as a petroleum product, asphalt is one of the least environmentally friendly options for a driveway.
Concrete is another frequently chosen material. Its popularity comes from the fact that it is a robust material capable of weathering any climate. The lifespan of concrete is up to 40 years, depending on the level of care, and requires relatively little routine maintenance. There’s also an environmental cost to concrete, but it’s not as high as asphalt.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent damage and fight off general wear and tear for both types. One of the primary preventive measures is water control. By minimizing the amount of water penetrating the surface, these materials can be better shielded. Homeowners are encouraged to direct downspouts away from the driveway and into the yard. Likewise, establishing a two- to three-inch protective runoff area around the driveway’s edges could go a long way in preventing damage brought on by water.
Other preventive actions include hosing it down regularly, avoiding chemical de-icers and salt for cement, and being careful when shoveling snow, since scrapes can make the surface more permeable. Of course, no matter how much thought is put into the driveway, cracks and other signs of damage will eventually appear. Some of these can be handled by the homeowner, while others may be difficult to hide, patch or repair yourself. For instance, most homeowners can seal-coat an asphalt driveway on their own every year. They only require the right supplies and know-how. Bigger problems, on the other hand, are a job best left to the experts. If your concrete driveway starts to sink, repair services should be enlisted to raise and level it. The same goes for a full replacement. When the driveway has reached the end of its lifespan, majorly subsided or is otherwise considerably impaired, you should put your trust in the specialists. Want to learn more? Check out the accompanying resource for further information on other types of driveway materials and how to maintain them.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/driveway-types/
https://blog.nationwide.com/home/home-maintenance/driveway-concrete-repairs-and-tips/
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