How to Keep Your Driveway Looking Great

A clean driveway is essential. Stains from oil, gasoline, and grease can seep into the concrete and cause long-term damage. It is best to deal with these stains as soon as they occur before they become permanent.

It is also important to regularly examine your driveway for cracks and other signs of wear and tear. Catching these problems early will save you the expense of a full replacement later on. Click here for more info.

Prevent Weeds

Weeds can quickly colonize any bare soil area, and gravel driveways are no exception. To keep weeds at bay, keep your driveway clear of any dirt and debris that may be settling in – and if you use your drive to store garden tools or other equipment, wipe them down thoroughly after every use so weed seeds don’t get carried away and planted elsewhere.

Some people swear by a weed burner – these devices heat the ground to kill weeds down to the roots. However, this solution can be harsh on the surrounding plants and it’s not suitable for light-coloured gravel drives (it can burn the stones).

Other weed killers can also be used in and around your driveway, such as boiling water. Simply pour the boiling water over the weeds (wear gloves!), it’ll dry out the weeds and leave them unable to absorb water and dehydrate their seeds, leaving them unable to sprout in the future.

Seal Coat

Seal coating is a great way to protect your driveway from the sun’s harsh UV rays, water damage, and the impact of freeze-thaw cycles. It also helps prevent weed growth.

Before sealing your driveway, you will need to prepare the surface by removing oil and grease spots and cleaning all cracks with asphalt crack filler. Choose a sealant style (penetrating, solvent-based, or water-based) and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Place a sheet of plywood on the driveway and position your broom and squeegee on top to create a workstation for applying the sealant. Before pouring the sealant, make sure to stir it thoroughly. Start at the high end of your driveway and slowly pour the sealant, working in a U-shaped pattern as you go. Using your squeegee, spread the sealant evenly and smooth out any imperfections. Allow the first coat to dry based on the product’s instructions. Usually, 24-48 hours are required for the driveway to be ready for traffic.

Repair Ruts & Potholes

Whether your driveway is made from asphalt or gravel, a few easy maintenance tasks can keep it looking great. For starters, make it a point to sweep the surface regularly to remove dirt and other debris. Using a pressure washer can also be a good way to clean the surface without damaging it.

Potholes and divots on your driveway are not only unsightly but can damage tires, too. They also erode the surface over time, creating more holes and sinkholes that can become unsafe for vehicles to drive on. It’s important to repair them sooner rather than later.

If you have a gravel driveway, fill the hole with coarse gravel up to three inches from the surface level, and then rake it, blending the new gravel into the surrounding area. For an asphalt driveway, use a blacktop repair compound until the hole is completely filled. After you’ve completed the repair, run a car over the surface to compact it further and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue in the future.

Keep Debris Away from the Edges

Curbs and edging not only add visual appeal but also help to keep dirt and debris from splashing onto your driveway and creating weeds. This is one of the most affordable and effective ways to spruce up your driveway. Choose from a variety of materials, such as concrete curbing or landscape rock. They can be installed by a professional or DIY, depending on your preference.

Another tip for keeping your driveway looking great is to ensure that any drainage channels in the lawn are properly sloped so they direct rainfall away from the driveway rather than pooling near it. This will protect the driveway from water damage and prevent cracks.

Finally, if your driveway is ragged or uneven, neaten it up by edging the edges with an electric edger or using a flat shovel, square garden spade, or half-moon lawn edger (also known as a turf edger). This will create a clean line between the driveway and grass and make mowing easier. Continue reading the next article.