4 Tips To Maintain Your Driveway
You may invest a lot of time and money in upkeep and maintenance of your home and lawn, but when it comes to your driveway, you may be inclined to take it for granted. However, this is not a good idea. Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they come to your home, so if your driveway doesn’t look its best, it can have a negative impact on your curb appeal, potentially having a affecting your home’s resale value. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain your driveway, and they may require a time investment of no more than one hour per month.
1. Keep It Clean
It may seem obvious, but this is one of the most important driveway maintenance steps. Not only do spilled automotive fluids make unsightly spots on your driveway, but they also have the potential to soften asphalt and to penetrate deeply into concrete. For fresh spills, you can use kitty litter to absorb the excess, followed by spot treatment with warm water and dishwashing detergent with grease-cutting capabilities.
2. Prevent Cracks
The roots of trees and shrubs can extend under your driveway and push up from underneath, causing cracks to appear. You can prevent this from happening by having these roots trimmed or removing the plants altogether. Sealing asphalt every few years, and concrete on an annual basis helps to prevent cracks as well.
3. Fill Holes
Cracks and holes in your driveway may appear despite your best efforts. Filling small holes as soon as possible can prevent them from becoming bigger. You can try to repair these holes yourself, or you can hire an experienced company to help. The asphalt patching Pittsburgh PA and similar areas offer can add value to your property.
4. Redirect Water
Water on the driveway can cause holes to form and cracks to become bigger. Prevent excess water on your driveway by redirecting downspouts to empty onto the yard.
These steps can help protect your investment and keep your driveway looking beautiful for years to come.