Tips to Keep Your Concrete Driveway in Tiptop Shape and Minimise Repair Issues
Concrete driveways are a common feature in most Australian homes thanks to the remarkable strength and durability of concrete as a paving material. Despite having these commendable qualities, concrete driveways are not entirely indestructible. Over time, these driveways can get damaged because of constantly being subjected to harsh weather elements as well as the extremes of normal use.
To minimise repair issues that may arise down the road and prolong the lifespan of concrete driveways, homeowners are expected to have a preventative maintenance program. If you've recently installed a concrete driveway in your home and want to learn about how you can protect your investment, below are some useful tips for you.
- Clean and reseal on occasion: If you want to keep your driveway intact and looking its best throughout the year, cleaning it occasionally and ensuring it is properly sealed all the time is extremely important. How regularly you clean and re-apply a sealer will depend on the level of vehicular traffic that the paving gets and the weather elements the concrete is exposed to. Generally speaking, you should clean your driveway when it begins to look dirty and have it resealed when the finish starts to look waned. For optimal protection of your concrete, always follow the sealer manufacturer's recommendations.
- Don't allow stains to settle in: The principle reason why sealer is applied onto concrete driveways is to protect the paving from absorbing various types of fluids. While applying a sealer will ensure your concrete doesn't take in most stains, it's always a good idea to clean up motor oil, fuel, grease and other types of spills as quickly as possible. You may use a power washer and certain cleaning products to remove fresh stains.
- Don't exceed the load-bearing capacity of your concrete: In the construction world, the term 'load-bearing capacity' is used to refer to the maximum weight that a structure is designed to carry safely and without getting damaged. The typical concrete driveway built for residential use isn't designed to support the weight of large vehicles and heavy construction machines. Knowing the load-bearing capacity of your paving and making sure it isn't exceeded is vital to keeping your concrete intact for a longer duration.
Practising these simple tips can go a long way towards keeping your concrete driveway looking pristine and lasting as long as possible. But should any paving repair issues arise, make sure they are handled by a professional concrete repair professional immediately.
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