The driveway is an essential part of your home to care for. It improves curb appeal and increases property value. If properly maintained, driveways can last for many years. A driveway can last for a minimum of 20 years with the right care. The following is what you can do to protect your driveway.
1. Seal Your Driveway
Regular sealing is necessary for protecting your driveway. As a general rule of thumb, driveways should be sealed every two to five years depending on the number of vehicles it handles and the kind of weather conditions it is exposed to. A proper sealer will protect your driveway for many years. Sealers are sturdy, repel water and oil, and prevent sunlight from damaging the top surface. Work with a professional who knows about suitable, high-quality sealers for drivers to avoid purchasing the wrong products.
2. Pack the Right Vehicles
Different driveways are designed to accommodate different vehicle sizes. Repeatedly packing heavy vehicles on a driveway meant for light cars can shift and destroy the structural integrity of your tarmac and cost you huge sums of money on repairs. Homeowners use about 1% to 4% of their home’s value on maintenance and repair annually, meaning a $200,000 home will cost $2,000 on repairs. The cost increase as the home ages. Driving and parking the right vehicles on your driveway will prevent damages and save you money on avoidable repairs.
3. Clean Your Driveway
A driveway is prone to getting dirty from garbage, stains, and other materials, some of which can be destructive. For instance, motor oil can change the appearance of your driveway, while motor fluids can penetrate and soften it. You can protect your driveway from such elements by cleaning it regularly. Use clothing to absorb the oils before cleaning your driveway with grease-removing detergents. Remove mud and other dirt with detergents and scrubs. Avoid using corrosive detergents or solutions to clean your driveway.
4. Minimize Water on Your Driveway
Water damage is one of the leader causes of damage on driveways. Water can easily seep through holes and cracks on the driveway, causing its foundation to soften and become unstable. Minimizing water on your driveways is significant in preventing water damage. You can achieve this by creating strips along the edges of your driveway to carry away water. It would also be great to ensure your downspouts pour water into the yard and not the driveway.
5. Conduct Routine Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
Regular inspection, repair, and maintenance can protect your driveway and increase its lifespan. Inspect your tarmac for early signs of damages like potholes and cracks. Repair any issues as soon as you identify them to prevent them from getting extensive. Also, conducting routine repairs on your driveway will help maintain its structural integrity for a long time. Be sure to hire an experienced professional to do these tasks for you. A professional knows what to look at and has the necessary knowledge and expertise required to repair and maintain your driveway.
6. Clear Vegetation Around Your Driveways
On average, 33% of renters move every year, but you should still want to care for your driveway. Vegetation like trees can damage your highway and obstruct access to your home when moving. Tree roots can grow through your slab, and falling branches or trees can crack your driveway. Also, grass can make you destroy the edges of your driveways when mowing. Plant trees a few meters from your driveways. Be careful not to damage the edges when mowing grass growing adjacent to your driveway. Clearing vegetation near your driveway can help you protect it from damages.
Bottom Line
Protecting the driveway is key to increasing your home’s aesthetics and saving you money on repairs. These tips can help protect your driveway from damage. Start using them today to extend your driveway’s lifetime.
