Your driveway is one of the most important parts of your entire home. Aesthetically, this is the part of your home that many people will see from the outside first. Before they even make it into your home, they will already be judging your driveway over your home. Your driveway also serves a very functional purpose: your car literally drives through here, so it has to be safe at all times. Because of the wear and tear it goes through, it is also this part of your property that suffers the most damage.
That’s why you’re here. People have been staying home more than usual lately, so you may have noticed that your driveway is in dire need of renovation by veteran Colorado Springs concrete construction companies. This article gives you some of the best tips so that you can do just that.
Clean your driveway
Before you begin repairing your concrete driveway, you need to start with a clean slate. Think of this as a blank canvas to work on. Remove stains and leaves by sweeping or blowing them off. It is also best to do this every week. Allowing this debris to linger for a long time will only make it harder to get rid of.
With that in mind, here are some useful cleaning tips that you can apply to ensure a more effective driveway repair process:
- Remove dirt and sludge by applying a coat of sealant every year to keep the new color and protect the concrete to make it look new and even.
- Avoid chemicals as many detergents and chemicals can leave a dull or sticky finish on your driveway.
- If there are still stains, they can be removed with a degreaser or primer.
A clean driveway can help ensure that any work on your driveway will last.
Repair any cracks and holes
If you are ready to begin repairs to your driveway, the first thing to do is to fix any cracks and holes. This is to ensure that your repairs look their best and don't appear botched.
Here are some tips that you can follow:
- If the cracks are less than half an inch, a crack filler can be used to repair them. It is the perfect self-leveling tool as it is very fluid. That way you won't even see the patches after sealing.
- Just in case you overfill the hole, you can level it with a scraper and spread the filler evenly. Let it dry for a maximum of eight hours before you start sealing again.
Treat existing cracks
If the driveway or sidewalk is aging and your car also drives in and out frequently, it is normal for your driveway to develop cracks. However, once they are there, you need to fix these cracks quickly to avoid further damage.
You can do this:
- You can use a screwdriver to remove any dirt that's stuck in the cracks.
- Use a wire brush to scrub the walls.
- If you can scoop out dirt, you can vacuum it.
- Next, use a good ol 'crack filler to fill it in.
- Once the previous step is complete, you can use a small trowel to smooth the surface.
Remember to do regular maintenance
To fix your driveway, you must also learn how to maintain your driveway to prevent further repairs in the future. Good maintenance will help you extend the life of your driveway. Regular maintenance is something that you need to do every six months to two years, depending on the climate you live in. This includes sweeping and mopping with a hose, using a detergent to remove stains, applying a protective sealer, and sweeping regularly to make sure your driveway looks fresh and new. If there is a problem, fix it immediately.
Seal the edges by hand
The edges of your driveway are best sealed by hand. You can work by starting at the top of your driveway and going down. If your driveway ends in a garage or sidewalk, a paint brush should be enough to seal the edges. Then you can make the edges more precise with a squeegee.
Conclusion
If you have a concrete driveway, you should know how to take care of it. This starts with being aware of proper maintenance tips that will extend the life of your driveway. Because of the purpose your driveway is serving, you need to make sure it will last a long time.
