The weather is one of the worst enemies of any type of driveway. Regardless of what it’s made of you have to make sure that you protect and maintain it. However, the steps that you need to take to weatherproof a driveway will be influenced by the material it is made of. Concrete driveways in particular require very specific techniques to make sure that it lasts under the effects of the weather.
The Best Ways to Weatherproof a Concrete Driveway
Weatherproofing your concrete driveway can take many forms. However, not all of them will be effective, or worth the effort. This is why we want to make sure you know exactly the best ways to weatherproof a concrete driveway with this list! Keep reading to find out how you can protect and maintain your concrete against the weather.
Weatherproofing Your Concrete Driveway Starts When It is Poured
Did you know that the very instant your concrete driveway is set, is when weatherproofing your driveway starts? This is because of how the setting process of concrete is where it is at it’s weakest. You or your paver have to make sure that nothing goes wrong during the initial setting otherwise you might have to deal with the aftermath when it does set. Sometimes these issues won’t show themselves immediately but a mistake during the curing process could lead to a drastically weaker concrete driveway.
Choose the Right Concrete Mix
Your choice, or your paver’s choice of concrete will define how well it’s going to hold up in that specific weather.
Every brand and type of concrete will have it’s own strengths and weaknesses. So you have to make sure that you or your paver knows exactly which type to use in the specific weather you have in your area. For example, a concrete mix that’s specifically made to handle high temperatures won’t do as well in areas where rainfall is common.
Choose the Right Sealcoat
Another important material when it comes to making sure that a driveway is maintained is to make sure that the sealcoat you use can hold up to the weather it’s in. Just like your initial choice in concrete mix, each sealcoat will have it’s own strengths and weaknesses, that you need to keep in mind. Doing so will let you choose the right sealcoat for the job, and ensure that your driveway is weatherproofed for cheaper, and for longer.
Frequent Maintenance and Monitoring is a Must
Weather damage to concrete doesn’t just happen. It won’t be everyday where you’re going to wake up to a large gaping hole in your driveway. Instead you’re going to wake up to a small crack that will slowly grow larger and larger the longer it’s left there.
Weather damage is a slow and constant process which you need to pay attention to. This is why you have to make sure that you constantly monitor and maintain your driveway for any issues. In case you do find an issue, it’s best to have these fixed before they start growing in size. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
Main Takeaway
You always have to understand that the weather is not your friend when it comes to the longevity of a driveway. It will do it’s best to ruin your well made pavement. But as long as you follow these tips, then you can guarantee that your driveway will last much longer.