The driveway is one of the first things people see when pulling up to your home. Making sure it’s looking its best, no matter what material is used is necessary for maximum curb appeal. Each driveway type requires a different level of maintenance, and this guide will help you determine exactly what you need to do to keep your driveway looking brand new.
Concrete Driveways
A common choice for driveways, concrete needs to be cleaned and sealed on a regular basis. Sealing is easy, only needing to be done every two years by yourself or through a professional paving company. You may need to seal your concrete driveway more often if it takes on heavy traffic or if you live in harsh weather conditions. If you spill something or a vehicle starts leaking, don’t leave it sitting around for days or weeks before cleaning it up. It can stain the driveway or compromise the integrity of the top layer depending on the chemicals exposed.
Asphalt Driveways
Much like with concrete, asphalt driveways are a popular choice that needs proper care in order for it to stay looking freshly paved. A rise with the hose once a week is enough to wash away dirt and other debris, while also looking out for any surface cracks. Clean up any spills to prevent discoloration and chemical abrasion, especially motor oil or gasoline. Your driveway is sealed upon installation and doesn’t need to be sealed again unless you want it to stay looking shiny and new.
Brick Driveways
With the long hours and amount of work done to install a brick driveway, it’s important to keep it looking as good as possible. If you spot weeds or flowers sprouting up between the bricks, remove them before applying the proper weed prevention product. Also, take note of any excessive dirt build-up that’s sure to happen over time. If you notice any, sweep it away or use a power washer to get rid of it and any other imperfects staining your driveway. But beware of getting water under loose pavers, as water beneath the bricks can cause further loosening.
Gravel Driveways
While it’s the least expensive driveway option, maintenance is still required to keep a gravel driveway looking nice. Like brick driveways, weeds are a common occurrence between the stones and need to be pulled or spray whenever possible. Unlike brick driveways, you need to rake the gravel at least once a week to keep it level and prevent potholes from developing. Potholes are one of the reasons people look to other options for driveways, even though raking consistently will keep them at bay.
Flagstone Driveways
Many unique designs are available with flagstone driveways, but they come with a high price tag. To properly clean flagstones, you need mild soap and a large outdoor brush to scrub any dirt from the stones, before rinsing it with a high-pressure hose. Doing this once a month will ensure your driveway looks great year-round. If you discover any staining, you’ll need to buy a specific flagstone cleaning solution that contains muriatic acid, only to be used with gloves and safety glasses.
At Ampac Paving and Concrete, our landscape specialists are dedicated to helping residential and commercial clients maximize the curb appeal of their home or business. We provide high-quality, durable landscapes featuring customizable asphalt, concrete, and interlocking stone driveways. Call or go online to request a free quote.
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