Concrete driveways do not require a whole lot of maintenance over their lifetime, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any maintenance requirements at all. With this in mind, here are some examples of long-term concrete maintenance steps you’ll need to take to keep your Santa Rosa, CA driveway in great condition for many years to come:
- Sealing: One of the best things you can do to preserve the appearance and structural integrity of your driveway is regularly clean and seal it. Cleaning your driveway is very simple—sweeping and spraying it off should be sufficient, though you may need to take extra care to remove stains (see below). Concrete driveways should be resealed every couple of years, or when you start to see some wear in the finish. You can find high-quality sealers at your local hardware store, or you can have the job done professionally. If you’re doing the job yourself, make sure you follow all application guidelines issued by the manufacturer.
- Stains: As mentioned above, you may find it necessary to remove stains from your driveway. Any time you have oil, gas or grease spills, it’s ideal to remove the material as soon as possible. One of the best solutions will be pressure washing, but there are also certain types of cleaning chemicals you can find on the market that will effectively remove most stains you’re likely to have in your concrete.
- Be careful: There are some causes of driveway damage that should be relatively easy to avoid so long as you’re smart about how you use your driveway. For example, most residential driveways aren’t meant to hold up to heavy-duty vehicles like construction equipment or large tractors or trailers. If you’re plowing or shoveling your driveway, you should make sure to do so in a way that won’t damage your pavement. Avoid using any types of metal blades that could scrape the surface and damage the sealant.
- Avoid certain chemicals: We generally recommend that you avoid the use of deicing chemicals in the winter, as this could result in spalling or scaling. Deicing chemicals often force thawing and refreezing of moisture, which can actually be worse for your concrete over time. Be on the lookout for products that contain ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate—these are especially harmful, because they will have a detrimental effect on the chemical composition of the concrete itself. These types of chemicals can also be harmful to any vegetation in the area.
Interested in learning more about the steps you can take to keep your driveway in good condition for many years into the future? We would be happy to provide you with additional concrete maintenance tips you can apply to your driveway in Santa Rosa, CA.
For more information about protecting your concrete and about the services we offer to customers all over the Santa Rosa area, we encourage you to contact the team at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. today with any questions you have for us. We look forward to working with you.