Your driveway does more than just provide parking space for your vehicle—it often sets the tone for how visitors to your home perceive the overall aesthetic. A well-maintained driveway looks inviting, while a cracked or rough-looking driveway sets off a neglected appearance. Replacing a driveway can cost several thousand dollars and can create a budgetary dilemma for any thrifty homeowner. Fortunately, you don’t have to throw money away to maintain your driveway. A few simple, budget-friendly ideas can help minimize the effects of time and nature on your driveway, allowing it to last several years longer than you would have anticipated.
Affordable Maintenance Tips
You do not have to spend a small fortune every year for a professional to maintain your driveway when it can be cared for very affordably on your own. The secret is being consistent. Just like a car must undergo routine oil changes and maintenance to run well, your driveway must receive routine care to prevent small defects from being unnoticeably large repair projects.
Really easy maintenance ideas include:
- Sweep away dirt, leaves, and other debris to prevent staining and a buildup of water
- Rinse away any oil or gas spills promptly before they can stubbornly seep into the pores of the asphalt or concrete
- If possible, avoid parking heavy vehicles on the driveway since they will exert considerable weight onto the driveway and lead to additional cracking
These are small tasks, but they will add up. A clean surface allows for proper drainage, prevents the spread of weeds, and reduces the stress to the asphalt or concrete surface. By developing these habits, you may avoid having to call in paving contractor services for larger, costly repairs in the future.
When to Sealcoat
Sealcoating is one of the more effective and inexpensive methods of protecting your driveway. Think of it as sunscreen for asphalt—it protects against the harmful effects of sun, rain and chemicals that can attack the surface. In time, unsealed asphalt becomes brittle, begins to crack, and eventually will crumble. Sealcoating protects from this by locking out water and protecting the base of the pavement structure. Read more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealcoat.
Most professionals recommend sealcoating your asphalt driveway every two to three years. However, how often you sealcoat will be influenced by the amount of traffic you have on the driveway, as well as the climate where you live. For instance, residents of areas with extreme summers or icing will have to apply new sealant more often.
As a general rule of thumb, if there is gray, faded asphalt, or fine cracks appearing, it may be time to sealcoat. The price of sealcoating the driveway is considerably less than repaving a driveway or even a road construction project, and sealcoating can add many years to the life of your driveway.
DIY Crack Filling
Cracks are the first sign of wear and tear to a surface and should never be ignored. Sure, small crack may not be a threat or require repair. But even the smallest of hairline cracks can allow water to penetrate the surface.
When temperatures cool, that water freezes, expands, and enlarges tiny crack gaps or potholes. Once that happens, the repair costs expand quickly too.
The good news is that filling cracks is something homeowners can do ourselves. All you need is some basic materials and a few hours on a weekend.
Here’s how:
- Clean the crack with a stiff brush or pressure was to remove any dirt or weed debris.
- Purchase a crack filler bare or concrete – whichever driveway you have.
- Use a trowel or scraper to smooth it out to create a level surface. Click this link for more guidance.
By getting to cracks right away, you’re saving money, and saving a reason for people to fall. A smooth surface reduces tripping hazards, and makes your driveway look neat. This is particularly important if you ever add sealcoating because filled cracks create a stronger protective layer.
Cleaning and Prevention
Keeping your driveway clean may sound easy but it is one of the most effective things you can do. Dirt, oil and debris not only make your surface look ugly, it can weaken it over time. Better yet, keep your driveway clean, it contributes to the overall appearance of your property. Especially if you’re planning to sell your home at some point in the future.
Here are a couple of simple habits you can put into your weekly and yearly routines:
- Pressure wash once or twice a year to remove grime and build up.
- Treat oil stains with a degreaser or dish soap before they soak into the asphalt or concrete.
- Pull weeds out of joints or cracks before their roots expand and cause more damage.
If you live in a colder climate, be careful about what you use for ice control. Rock salt can eat away at concrete and worsen damage. Use sand or kitty litter for traction instead. That’s a simple change that can save you thousands of dollars in repairs over the years!
Long-Term Cost Savings
Investing a little time and money in driveway care now can mean saving thousands down the road. Keeping up on filling cracks, sealcoating, and cleaning your driveway will easily double the life of your driveway versus an ignored driveway. This means you won’t be paying for a complete replacement nearly as often; and a complete replacement is one of the largest costs you face as a homeowner.
In states like Tennessee, most homeowners seek inexpensive ways to protect their driveways. Local services for driveway paving Nashville are available to offer inexpensive maintenance options to help families stay ahead of costly repairs without breaking the bank.
By investing in, or adopting these easy on your wallet methods – sealcoating on time, filling your own cracks, keeping the surface clean, and being preventative with cleaning – you can prolong driveway life for many years. Small costs and habits now means less costs and repairs later, and extra money in your pocket for what you actually love to do!