Driveways may seem straightforward. However, there are a few do’s and don’ts you should know about your driveway. These dos and don’ts will help you make the right decisions to make sure that your driveway will last as long as it should.
Do Regularly Maintain Your Driveway
Imagine this: you’re driving into your driveway one day when suddenly you run into a pothole. That pothole might have been caused by several things. Age, and neglect are the primary culprits for this problem. However, if you regularly maintain your driveway, you will only encounter these problems near the end of a driveway’s lifespan.
Don’t Leave Cracks, Potholes and Oil Stains
One of the worst things to do to your driveway is to let cracks and oil stains stay on it for an extended period of time. Cracks will slowly grow in size and spread, potholes will start pooling water and damaging the foundation of your driveway, while oil stains will create more potholes by acting like an acid that damages the asphalt or concrete itself. Make sure that you remedy these problems as soon as possible to avoid these problems growing in size.
Do Create a Budget For Your Driveway
An essential part of making sure that your driveway can stay in pristine condition for as long as possible is a budget. A budget let’s you plan your maintenance and the materials to repair any damage that might appear on your driveway. As we’ve said earlier, the longer you leave cracks and oil stains, the worse they get. So having a budget set up will let you fix them quicker and easier.
Do Take Note Of The Type of Driveway You Have
There are two types of driveways you can have. It will either be an asphalt or concrete driveway. You may be wondering why knowing your driveway matters. It’s because each one will have its own needs when it comes to repairs and maintenance.
Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways are excellent for cold climates and have a general lifespan of around 25 to 30 years. It is also very easy to repair compared to concrete. However, it is also easier to damage and is especially vulnerable to heat and oil.
Concrete Driveway
Concrete is the opposite of asphalt, where it is great for hot climates. It also lasts twice as long with a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. It’s harder to repair than asphalt but comes with the added benefit of not needing much maintenance.
Knowing your driveway will give you an idea of what you need to do to keep it in top condition.
Don’t Try To Do a Driveway Project Yourself If You Don’t Have The Tools Or Expertise For It
Driveway projects can certainly be a good challenge for any business or home owner. It’s great if you know what you need to do and you have the materials you need for it. However, it is much more convenient and cheaper if you hire a professional contractor for these types of projects. They’ll be able to complete the project much quick and ensure that your driveway project is done correctly