How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway in Kansas City, MO
Once your concrete driveway is installed, you may wonder how to maintain it. Luckily, you can take a few simple steps to keep your driveway looking its best. After all, concrete driveways provide a sturdy parking surface that requires very little maintenance. Following a few simple steps, you can maintain your driveway and keep it looking new for years to come. One of the first things you can do is keep your driveway clean of leaves and debris. You can use a power washer to remove any dirt and moss buildup from your concrete driveway.
You should consider applying a sealer if your concrete driveway is exposed to water. This will protect the concrete from staining and will delay the effects of weathering. However, even the best sealer will eventually wear down and require reapplication. Sealing your concrete driveway should be done every three to five years, or more often if it is subjected to heavy traffic. Ask your concrete contractor to recommend a specific brand to protect your driveway.
While cleaning your concrete driveway is essential, resealing it every couple of years is even more critical. While the frequency of sealing depends on the amount of traffic and the climate in your area, a standard residential driveway should receive a coat of sealer every two years. Businesses that have higher traffic, however, may require it more frequently. You can purchase concrete sealer at any hardware store and do it yourself.
Avoid using de-icers on your concrete driveway. While this may help keep it driveable and walkable during the colder months, it can cause severe damage over time. Salt and chemical de-icers force the concrete to thaw and refreeze, and this can cause cracks and other damage. Use calcium chloride instead, which is less damaging to concrete than rock salt. It also prevents rusting of metal and damages vegetation.
You’ll need to cut joints every 10 to 12 feet if you have a four-inch-thick slab. To prevent complications, you must wait until the concrete is arid before making the cuts. Once you’ve finished the other finishing, the concrete is strong enough to cut joints. If you don’t cut joints correctly, you’ll end up with uneven joints that won’t expand or contract.
