Driveway maintenance likely isn’t the first thing to come to mind when you think of looking after your home. But you really should look after your driveway. I know that many people may think of driveway maintenance as a chore, but your driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit your home and you want to give a good first impression, right?
Not only will taking care of it keep your home looking fresh, but it could save you money in the long run. Here’s some tips to help you with your driveway maintenance:
Driveway Cleaning – Wash It
I know, this is one of the most obvious things to say but it’s true. The best thing you can do to look after your driveway is wash it. This should be done before any paint or treatment is applied.
Keeping it clean will help avoid damage from debris that has accumulated. This will reduce the development of harmful growths such as mildew and mould as well as remove weeds. Getting rid of weeds is essential because their growing roots can widen any cracks and damage your driveway even further.
By removing any build-up of mildew or oil you’ll also be making your driveway safer. It should be rough so that it has the right amount of friction to its surface. If you allow these substances to build up, you’ll end up with a slippery driveway that could be a safety hazard. This is one of the key reasons driveway maintenance is super important.
Look After Block Paving
If you have a block paving driveway, you should pay particular attention to the following advice. If your driveway is tarmac, you can read on.
Once washed, block paving needs some extra attention in certain areas. We’d recommend applying a sealant to prevent the growth of more weeds. Using a good quality sealant will help with maintenance long term as it will reduce what you’ll need to do in future. It is recommended that you re-apply every 2-5 years or so. This will work into you long term driveway maintenance routine.
You should also keep an eye on the sand between the bricks. It is normal for it to wear away over long lengths of time. This is due to repeated power washing and the natural elements causing the sand to break down. This is easily fixed. If you have any questions about replacing the sand in your block paving driveway, we can help.
Tarmac Driveways
If you have a tarmac driveway, you’ll want to seal it, as you would with block paving. You should look at different types of sealant, or potentially paint in more severe cases.
An important part of driveway maintenance, sealing it helps to restore colour and any lost resins. This is one of the best ways to look after your driveway. It will help to protect it from deterioration from sunlight as well as act as a defensive barrier against spills and the natural elements.
Speaking of spillages, small ones of oil or gasoline won’t harm the tarmac. However, larger spillages can. If an accident does occur and it is not dealt with straight away it can weaken your driveway’s surface and make it more susceptible to cracks forming. Further damage caused by this will need to be looked at by a professional.
With all surfaces, keeping it clean is one of the best ways to look after your driveway and extend its lifespan. It will also reduce maintenance costs and therefore save you money in the long run.
At Cotswold Contractors, we have extensive experience with block paving, flags, slabs tarmac, cobblestone and more. If you have any questions about your driveway, or you’re thinking of getting a new one, get in touch!