Your concrete driveway serves more than a practical function; it lends to the overall aesthetics of your home. Over time, weather and use take their toll on your driveway leading to damage. Though durable, concrete doesn’t last forever and eventually you’ll need to do a concrete replacement. With proper care and maintenance, however, you will extend the lifetime of your concrete. Here are a few tips to keep your driveway looking like new as long as possible.

3 Maintenance Tips for your Driveway

1. Keep it Clean 

Cleaning your concrete helps to prevent ugly stains from oil and rust, as well as prevent damage. Dirt and grime build-up contribute toward wearing down your concrete, so it’s best to maintain a regular cleaning schedule for your driveway. The most straightforward way to clean off your driveway is to pressure wash it every couple of months. Depending on how much traffic your driveway sees, you may want to do it more or less often.

2. Seal It Regularly

One of the best ways to protect your concrete is to seal it. Not only does this keep your driveway looking like you did a full concrete replacement, but it also keeps water and dirt out of the pores, preventing cracks. You should have resealing done every 3 to 5 years.

3. Avoid Overloading It

Concrete is strong, but it does have a weight limit. The concrete mixture used will have a rating of around 2,000 to 5,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). If you don’t have this information and you still need to use your driveway to store a heavy item, make sure to move it around occasionally. Setting large, heavy objects such as an RV or boat and trailer on your driveway for extended periods will cause it to crack. If an item sits in the same spot on the driveway, it will place too much stress on the concrete and the ground below it. As the earth below shifts, the concrete becomes uneven and will crack, potentially requiring a concrete replacement.

If your driveway is due for concrete replacement or repair, the concrete experts at Ackerman Contractors in Columbia, MO, can help. With over 25 years of industry experience, they have the expertise to tackle this summer project. Visit their website to learn about their services and their commitment to exceeding expectations. Call them today to request a free quote at (573) 256-1986.