5 Quick Tips About Brushed Concrete Driveways
Driveways are one of the most frequently used areas of your home, but they are frequently overlooked until they stain or crack. Give them the attention they deserve by completing repairs as soon as possible. Not only can you extend the life and appearance of your driveway, but you can also save money in the long run. Consider the following guidelines for proper asphalt and concrete driveway maintenance:
1. Prevent cracks
Prevention for driveways entails sealing concrete annually and asphalt every few years to prevent water from penetrating, freezing, and cracking. By pushing up from beneath, tree and shrub roots can cause cracks. The solution is to have trees near drives removed or their roots trimmed.
2. Fill cracks
If cracks or holes do appear, they should be repaired as soon as possible. Before applying a crack filler and patching compound, remove loose materials with a masonry chisel and brush out the debris. Seal the entire driveway after the compound has dried. Maintaining a smooth and level driveway may also help to reduce tripping hazards when guests visit your home.
3. Minimize water on the driveway
Clear a two to three-inch strip around the driveway’s edges to provide a runoff area for snow and water, reducing the likelihood of it penetrating the surface. Also, make certain that downspouts empty into the yard rather than the driveway.
4. Don’t salt cement
Cement salt and chemical deicers have the ability to penetrate surfaces, causing cracks. Both must be fixed. Instead of salting, use a snowblower or shovel to remove snow, and make surfaces less slippery with sand, coffee grounds, alfalfa meal, or kitty litter. Consider spraying the surface with sugar beet juice to melt ice, which lowers the melting point of ice and is effective in temperatures as low as -20°F.
5. Clean your driveway
Removing stains caused by motor oil, radiator fluid, and other similar substances has an impact on more than just the appearance of your vehicle. Motor fluids can penetrate concrete up to a quarter-inch and soften asphalt. To absorb fresh oil, use non-clumping kitty litter, followed by grease-cutting dishwashing detergent and warm water. Scrubbing the stain repeatedly with grease-cutting, biodegradable cleaners may help with older stains. Make use of a standard scrub brush. The surface of the driveway can be damaged by using a wire brush.
Make the most of your home by keeping your driveway clean and well-maintained. It not only improves curb appeal but also lasts longer than neglected drives. A little upkeep now can result in big savings later. Learn how to calculate the value of your home.
How to Clean and Seal a Concrete Driveway
With DIY concrete driveway sealer, you can rid your concrete driveway of oily residue, leaves, and dirt while also improving the curb appeal of your home. We’ll demonstrate how to use a driveway pressure washer and assist you in selecting the best concrete sealer for the job.
Remove Concrete Stains
When there are stains on your concrete driveway, it is usually best to treat them with the appropriate products before applying the sealer. Work on stains while they are still wet for the best results. Always follow the cleaner’s instructions and wear the required safety equipment, especially eye protection. To find the best concrete cleaner for the job, first determine the type of stains you have.
Remove Oil and Grease Stains on Concrete
- Use powdered spill absorber on fresh oil stains. This will soak up most of the oil.
- Spray a degreaser on deep stains and allow it to soak for three to five minutes.
- Scrub these stains with a brush.
Clean Spilled Paint on Concrete
- Apply a paint stripper or solvent. Let it soak, following the directions.
- Scrub the stain with a brush or a rag.
Clean Rust and Dirt Stains on Concrete
- Apply a rust or concrete cleaner. Some cleaners recommend diluting with water before application.
- Scrub the stain with a brush.
After treating stains, you’re ready to clean the concrete with a driveway pressure washer.
Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Brushed Concrete Driveway for Your Home?
Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top concrete builder for over 30 years. We’re here to build your new driveway, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services, and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.
To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas.
