Concrete driveways provide a place for you to park vehicles and make it easier to traverse your property. At the same time, proper upkeep is crucial for keeping the surface safe, aesthetically appealing, and free from damages. Below, professional driveway contractors offer a handful of helpful do’s and don’ts for maintaining your concrete surfaces. 

Do:

Periodically move heavy vehicles. 

If you park cars, trucks, boats, or RVs on your driveway for too long, they may put excess weight and pressure on the concrete, causing it to crack, crumble, or sink. Rotate the position of parked vehicles every week or two to ensure that the surface wears evenly. If the vehicle is no longer operational, protect your driveway by having the car towed to a salvage yard or repair shop. 

Sealcoat the surface. 

Driveway sealcoating is essential when it comes to repelling moisture and preventing freeze-thaw damages during the winter. Freeze-thaw occurs when snow melts and seeps into cracks in the pavement before refreezing and causing those cracks to spread. Schedule driveway sealcoating during the spring or summer months. The warm air will assist with quicker curing, and the surface will be ready by the time the cold and rainy seasons arrive. 

Don’t: 

Power wash too frequently. 

Though power washing effectively removes oil, grime, and stains, doing it too often may put too much strain on the concrete, resulting in holes and cracks. Limit power washing to about once or twice per year so you can keep the surface clean without the risk of damaging it. In the meantime, keep your driveway clean by rinsing it with a regular garden hose once per week. 

Use harsh de-icers. 

Chemical de-icers are harsh on concrete because they corrode the surface and leave scaling. Rather than using de-icer salts, driveway contractors recommend applying a coat of sand to your driveway to increase traction. Avoid using metal shovels, too, as they may dent or ding the concrete. 

When you need freshly paved surfaces for your home or business, contact the team at C. L. Richardson Construction. They offer concrete paving and road construction services to Ashland, MO, customers. Call these driveway contractors at (573) 657-9557 to request an estimate and book an appointment. Visit the website to learn more about their excavating and grading work.