While a concrete driveway can be an extremely durable addition to your property, that doesn’t mean that it won’t require any maintenance over its lifespan. By following a few basic care guidelines for your driveway, you can help it continue to look and perform great for many more years.

What are the Best Practices for Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway?

1. Apply an Annual Sealant

Concrete is an absorbent material, which can make it vulnerable to damage during the winter. As snow melts, it penetrates the surface. When it refreezes and expands, it can crack the concrete. To prevent this, you should apply a concrete sealant to your driveway each year before the arrival of freezing temperatures.

2. Avoid Using De-Icing Chemicals & Salts

While de-icing chemicals and salts could make it easier to remove snow from your driveway, they can cause serious problems for concrete in the process. Because these products force snow to thaw and refreeze, they can accelerate spalling, scaling, and other damage. Certain products will attack the concrete. The chloride in rock salt, as well as the ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate found in other products, will cause significant damage and even disintegrate the driveway’s surface. Instead of chemicals, you should use a plastic shovel to remove snow. 

3. Clean Up Stains Quickly

Motor oil spills are quite common, especially if you enjoy DIY car maintenance. However, such spills can quickly penetrate your driveway and cause lasting discoloration. Remove stains quickly by lifting the fluid with kitty litter, then cleaning with warm water and dish soap. Harder stains may require using a grease-cutting cleaner, a scrub brush, and a pressure washer.

Whether you need a concrete driveway or a quality epoxy garage coating, you can count on Roider Contracting in Columbia, IL. This family-owned and operated home contractor provides beautiful custom work under the direction of the owner, Paul Roider. To learn more about their services or to request an estimate, visit them online or call (314) 807-0492.