Concrete driveways lend your outdoor space a clean and elegant appearance. The material is known for its strength and durability, but over time it can begin to take on a lackluster appearance due to the effects of time and environmental exposure. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to protect the surface’s integrity. Here’s what you should know.

How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway

Do:

Shovel with care.

Scrape marks from snow tools aren’t easily removed, and their appearance may detract from your driveway's aesthetics once the snow melts. Even light snowfall should be handled with care, since metal shovels with sharp edges can drag against the concrete, causing scuff marks and scrapes to develop. Using plastic shovels and taking care to lift the snow from the ground upward instead of scraping the tool against the surface will help extend your concrete's lifespan. 

Reseal it regularly.

Resealing a concrete driveway is a simple way to promote its long-term strength. Generally, it should be sealed every two years, but exposure to more inclement weather than usual could require sealing it sooner. Sealing the surface prevents premature discoloration, keeps stains from developing, and creates a powerful barrier that prevents moisture intrusion.  

Don’t:

Let stains settle.

The longer stains linger on the surface, the more likely they are to settle into the ground. Anything from oil and grease to a beverage can leave behind a permanent mark. Prevent this by using chemical treatment and a high-pressure hose to eliminate the stain. Oil can be stubborn, but rubbing cat litter on the spot and massaging it with a broom may help break up the damage.

Plant trees nearby.

Tree root systems are powerful, and they can make their way beneath the concrete and through cracks in the surface over time. This can be visually displeasing, but you can avoid it by planting trees at a distance from the driveway. If you already have existing trees around the driveway, installing a barrier around the surface can prevent the roots from infiltrating it.

Keep your driveway in ideal condition with services from Piedmont Concrete Finishing in High Point, NC. They offer various services for residential and commercial customers, including repairs and maintenance. Visit them online for a complete list of services, or call (336) 887-3694 to request a quote.