Whether commercial or residential, a driveway is essential. It’s not just a place to park your cars, but it is an important part of getting from Point A to Point B, and when a driveway isn’t well maintained it can quickly fall into disrepair. To save yourself and your guests a huge headache, remember some key information on good driveway maintenance.
A driveway that is in near-perfect condition doesn’t just look great, but it marks a safe area for transportation. Vehicles are not the only things that move across driveways, but foot traffic comes and goes between cars and buildings. Safety is vital, no matter if it’s the rubber on your tires or the rubber on the soles of your shoes.
The first step for driveway maintenance is exactly that, to maintain your driveway. Preventing cracks takes some effort, but not as much effort as it would take to fix or fill those cracks. Both concrete and asphalt driveways should be sealed every couple years to stop water from penetrating, freezing, and cracking.
Landscaping around your driveway should not be overlooked, either. Tree roots can be just as gnarly, causing cracks as well as pushing the concrete up from underneath. Removing trees and plants that are near driveways can prevent this, but if landscaping is important, then have those roots trimmed away from the driveway.
It is nearly impossible to stop all water from getting in your driveway. It rains plenty during the spring, and you can bet on getting a couple inches of snow on a handful of days this winter. You can, however, minimize the amount of water on your driveway by providing a runoff area. As water and snow is redirected away from your driveway, the chances of penetration and freezing are decimated.
But with that snow coming every year, you need to plow it away to make it easier for cars to get in and out. By raising the plow just a little, you can ensure it won’t scrape or damage the surface. Plastic shovels will also reduce damage if they get caught on the driveway.
You can be as diligent as possible to keep dirt and debris off your driveway, but you cannot always control the cars that park there. Stains from motor oil or radiator fluid affect more than just the driveway’s appearance. Some fluids can penetrate a quarter inch into concrete and can soften asphalt. If you need to scrub away older stains, stay away from wire brushes that could only add to the damage.
Cracks are almost inevitable with concrete, but D.C. Byers Company/Grand Rapids can help prevent damage or fix your driveway through any means necessary. Both commercial and residential drives need to be safe for both car traffic and foot traffic.
To get a quote on your concrete restoration needs, call DC Byers Company/Grand Rapids today at (616) 538-7300. Our experience and expertise allow us to assess the damage correctly and plan how to perform the repairs to allow you to use your space properly.
For concrete restoration and repair, DC Byers Company/Grand Rapids looks at all the factors contributing to the deterioration of the concrete. By understanding the underlying problems, we can start working on the most satisfying and cost-effective solutions.