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Whether you live in a neighborhood or a country setting, driveways play an integral role in your life. And as you prepare for spring and summer to arrive, it's time to give yours some attention! These steps don't have to be complicated or expensive, and following them will ensure a smooth transition from winter to spring.
This article will go over how to maintain and prepare your driveway for spring based on the material and additional factors. Remember, if you have any concerns or are unsure what to do, reach out to a licensed professional as soon as possible for assistance. You don't want to cause more damage and more expenses by trying to fix issues alone.
Tips for Asphalt Driveways
Springtime is usually when folks begin to notice asphalt driveways starting to sink. This occurs because the sun softens them, causing any trapped water to expand and put pressure on the surface.
Asphalt driveways tend to get pitted with time, but you can prevent this by getting your driveway seal-coated once every five years or so. This involves a machine applying a new top layer of asphalt onto the existing one, which fills in all those pits and reduces water penetration.
It's also important not to let puddles sit for long periods of time on your asphalt driveway, as they will eventually start eroding it from underneath. And if you do see that any areas are starting to heave up from moisture beneath the surface, it's time to get on top of them and repair the damage before it turns into a more serious problem.
Tips for Brick Pavers
Brick pavers tend to be more delicate than other types of driveways, which means they'll need some extra TLC when the weather starts warming up. Asphalt driveways typically require 3-5 sealer coats in order to last about 5 years, while brick paver driveways only need 1 coat every 2-3 years since they're not as porous; we can apply sealer directly onto the pavers instead of soaking down into their pores as asphalt does.
And just like with asphalt, it's important not to let water sit on your brick paver driveway for too long, or it will erode the surface. Also, because paver driveways are typically more expensive than asphalt, they'll also hold up better for longer, so you can get away with applying sealer less often.
Tips for Concrete Driveways
Concrete is probably your cheapest and most durable option out there when it comes to driveway material. Though concrete doesn't necessarily need any TLC every season, we do recommend giving it a thorough power washing at least once or twice a year in order to remove all dirt build-up. This will extend its life significantly and make your home appear much cleaner as well!
Additionally, if your driveway has experienced any significant cracking or frost heaving (which is when ice pushes up through the soil and puts pressure on your concrete), you may need to get it repaired. This preventative measure will help maintain the integrity of your driveway and keep it looking like new for longer.
What To Do If You Notice Damage
If you do notice any damage to your driveway, the best course of action is to get a hold of a reputable asphalt contractor right away. Most likely, they'll be able to grind down the area and add a fresh layer of asphalt down before it becomes a bigger problem. You can also try patching smaller areas with an asphalt repair product (a quick-dry concrete mix) until you can get it repaired, but be sure to use caution when working around your driveway. Pouring fixers or cleaners on the surface may actually cause more damage than it fixes!
And if you have a brick paver driveway, call us to help repair any sunken sections that might pop up during springtime. We've got lots of solutions available to remedy the situation and avoid further erosion.
Working With The Right Contractor
Once you're ready to begin preparing your driveway for spring, it's time to call someone who has experience working on the material. To protect yourself from hiring unqualified contractors or getting overcharged by unethical workers, be sure to perform a little research first.
The best way to find a good contractor is by word of mouth - ask neighbors or friends who have had similar work done whether they'd recommend the contractor you're considering and why or why not. You can also check for licensed, bonded, & insured contractors on our website, which will give you peace of mind before making any final decisions.
Once you've selected your contractor (and as long as the weather cooperates), prepare your driveway for springtime in just a few steps:
- Add new gravel to fill up low spots that water might gather near
- Fix cracks & potholes with an asphalt repair product
- Pressure wash all surfaces to remove any dirt or debris
Apply sealer directly onto your driveway
These steps are crucial, especially when it comes to applying sealer. Make sure that your contractor is using the correct tools and processes; otherwise, all of their hard work preparing the driveway for spring may be useless. You don't want to throw away your hard-earned money, so be sure to hire an experienced contractor like us here at Houston Driveway Replacement.
Simple Springtime Maintenance for All Driveway Types
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your driveway is to keep it clear of debris, especially any branches that may be blown down in the springtime. Not only will this keep your property looking much nicer, but it will also help prevent obstructions during any upcoming snowfalls.
Spring isn't too far away now, so if you haven't started preparing your driveway already, now's the time to act! Be sure to clean up any fallen leaves or dead brush before seal-coating or resealing to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness.
And as always, don't hesitate to ask us for additional recommendations for maintaining your driveway; we're happy to provide professional advice on proper procedures. We hope you've enjoyed this article on how to keep your driveway looking good as new for the spring season!