The Secret to Concrete Driveway Maintenance

by secure_admin | Mar 16, 2022 | Concrete Services

Though concrete is recognized as a highly robust and durable material, it still needs a particular amount of attention and care. Because of that, a concrete driveway is a heavy traffic area that requires close attention to keep it in tip-top shape as much as possible. Listed below are some of the helpful tips to maintain your concrete driveway according to an expert concrete contractor Harrisonburg VA. 

Maintain its cleanliness  

Oil stains and slicks are required to be dealt with immediately, and signs of algae and moss. That’s because they can result in significant damage to the sealant of your driveway eventually. Not only that, a driveway with moss and algae can make it look unappealing and untidy. The best solution for this is to use safe and not harmful chemical solutions. And before you apply any sealer to the surfaces, make sure to do a full clean first.   

Repair Cracks  

Ensuring that all cracks are fixed before they become a severe problem is essential if you want to keep up a healthy driveway. Cracks enable water to screen through, affecting your concrete’s structural integrity and damaging the subgrade. Grit and dirt can also clog up such fractures, making an uneven surface and allowing weeds to grow between the crack joints.   

Make sure to eliminate stains immediately.   

This may seem as if it cannot adversely impact your concrete surface. However, if you don’t clean up stains or oil spillage right away, it means that you need to use non-concrete-friendly and heavy-duty chemicals down the line to remove stubborn stains. One of the best ways to resolve this is by pressure washing your driveway, which is recommended before applying or reapplying a seal to the surface.   

Avoid de-icing  

Though making sure that your driveway does not get slippery during the winter season is vital to prevent unwanted falls and slips, make sure to prevent utilizing de-icers on your driveway surface as much as you can.  

Most de-icers aren’t intended to be used on concrete because they have chemicals that can adversely affect the driveway and the sealant applied to it. If you use de-icers throughout the icy seasons, expect to see a continuous cycle of thawing and freezing moisture, which strains the surface and poses issues like spalling and straining.   

Sealing driveway regularly  

Sealing is arguably the greatest means to secure your driveway and prolong its lifespan. This is especially true when you do this regularly. Concrete experts recommend everyone to do so six months after pouring the concrete and 2-3 years after based on how frequently you use and the conditions your driveway is prone to.   

Sealing is a process wherein a sealant is applied to the concrete’s surface to reduce damage and prevent corrosion. Moreover, note that there are different sealer types intended to be used for other surfaces.   

Moreover, the sealing can fill the pores that might otherwise absorb and gather dirt.  

How Concrete Driveways Improve Your Curb Appeal

by secure_admin | Mar 14, 2022 | Concrete Services

What ideas come to your mind if you want to add value to your house? Almost every homeowner starts by adding unique features to their home.   

You probably ignore everyday things such as your driveway and pavement. Unfortunately, this oversight is highly crucial.   

There are many ways in which concrete driveways can improve the curb appeal of your house and its value. Aside from that, they’re also an affordable project to consider.   

However, before you hire a concrete contractor Tri Cities WA, it’s best to know how concrete driveways improve your curb appeal. Here are some of them:  

Honed Concrete  

Do you want a driveway that shines? Well, you should consider honed concrete. To achieve this look, a contractor will have to grind down the surface and use a protective coat to seal it.   

This will lead to a beautiful driveway that is easy to clean and lasts longer. In addition to that, it is more resistant to stains, such as motor oil. With minimal maintenance, you can still keep your driveway looking clean.   

When it comes to outdoor concrete surfaces, concrete honing is a lot better compared to concrete polishing. Keep in mind that the main drawback of polished concrete is it becomes incredibly slippery when wet. On the other hand, you can treat honed concrete with a non-slip solution. Thus, your car will still have a better grip even if the surface is wet.   

Colored Concrete Driveways  

When you think of concrete, you probably think of grey and dull color. However, it does not have to be like that. If you install colored concrete in front of your home instead, you can stand out in your neighborhood. You can utilize this to match your home’s exterior color scheme.   

Colored concrete is a lot better compared to stained concrete. This is because stained concrete contains hazardous chemicals that are dangerous to you and the environment.   

More Beautiful than Asphalt  

Asphalt driveways may be more affordable upfront. They might also appear nice the day they are installed.  

Unfortunately, they will not stay that way for a long period. Driveways made of asphalt can get ugly and worn quickly. They will deteriorate and crack almost immediately.   

Because of this, you might be better off with a concrete driveway. While it might cost you more upfront, it lasts for a longer period and looks more beautiful than asphalt.   

Replacing an Unpaved Driveway  

The worst thing in the world that can significantly affect the curb appeal of your property is an unpaved driveway.   

Keep in mind that the first thing a potential buyer sees when they visit your house is your driveway. Of course, they will not have a great experience if your driveway is made of gravel that spreads dust around. Even before they can enter your home, they will be turned off.   

Because of this, it is ideal that you have any paved driveway. It does not matter if it is a simple concrete driveway.