How To Maintain Your Concrete Driveway: Tips For Long-Lasting Results

Concrete driveways are popular among homeowners worldwide due to their strength and durability. However, neglecting proper care can result in cracks, discoloration, and other damage, leading to costly repairs. Concrete is among the strongest and most widely used building materials, making it ideal for driveway construction.

Maintenance is critical to ensuring its longevity. While concrete doesn’t demand intensive upkeep, regular care and periodic maintenance are essential to avoid expensive fixes. Continue reading to discover essential maintenance tips for lasting results.

Maintaining Tips For Your Concrete Driveway

Maintaining your concrete driveway is crucial. Learn practical tips to keep it clean and in top condition.

A Pressure Washer Will Keep It Clean

Incorporating cleaning into your regular maintenance routine is essential. Leaving the driveway unclean allows dirt and debris (including organic matter) to penetrate the surface, leading to discoloration or even cracking over time. Pressure washing with hot water and eco-friendly detergents will enhance your driveway’s appearance and help prevent damage.

Outdoor debris isn’t the only threat—oil, fluids, and grease can be absorbed into the concrete, causing permanent stains. To avoid this, treat stains immediately, even on sealed surfaces. Sprinkle sawdust over fresh spills, let it sit for a day to absorb the oil or grease, then sweep it away and clean the remaining spots with grease-cutting, biodegradable detergents.

Patching The Cracked/Broken Pieces Of The Concrete

If your driveway has cracked or broken concrete, it’s important to address it before water and weather worsen the damage. Fill cracks and holes with a concrete patching compound to prevent further deterioration.

You can easily find patching materials for your concrete driveway at local hardware or home improvement stores.

Before purchasing, ensure the patching material suits your concrete surface and climate. Instructions may vary for pre-treatment before application.

Use a stiff-bristle brush to remove as much dirt and debris as possible, followed by a power or acid wash to clean the grime. Once clean, apply the patching material according to the manufacturer’s directions.

If your concrete driveway is cracked or broken, you need not worry. Clean Custom Concrete’s concrete floor services in Ohio can restore your home’s outdoor appearance.

Applying The Sealant On Concrete

To maintain your concrete’s condition, start by sealing it. Various sealants, including eco-friendly options, are available. A sealant protects the concrete from water and chemicals and helps prevent stain retention.

A concrete sealer should be applied while the surface is still curing. A good sealant can also help remove oil stains from gasoline, grease, and other unsightly marks.

Concrete is naturally absorbent and can absorb liquids. When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause damage. In cold weather, the water within the concrete expands, leading to cracks and fissures, which may result in costly repairs or even a full replacement if the damage is severe.

Filling Up The Edges

The edges of a concrete driveway are the weakest points, so it’s important to reinforce these areas. One effective method is to backfill the edges with dirt.

Filling the spaces around the concrete form with dirt helps strengthen the driveway and prevent early damage in these vulnerable spots.

Final Thoughts

Follow these tips to keep your concrete driveway looking its best for long-lasting results. Inspect for cracks or damage and repair or seal them to prevent liquid absorption. Additionally, clean the driveway regularly using a pressure washer and mild soap. If your home’s concrete sidewalk or driveway is cracked or chipped, Clean Custom Concrete LLC offers expert concrete sidewalk repair in Olmsted Hills, Ohio, ensuring a durable and professional finish.