If you have a paved driveway, there are many things you can do to keep it in new condition so it will last much longer for you. Below are two tips to help you get started. Fortunately, you can do many of these things on your own.
Clean and Repair
Periodically clean your paved driveway. First sweep it with a wide broom to remove all debris, dirt, etc. Next, inspect the driveway closely. If you see small cracks or holes, it is important that you repair these now or the problem will become much worse. If this happens, the problem could become bad enough that would require a new driveway.
To clean the driveway first pre-wet it with a garden hose. If there are oil spots or areas with a lot of built-up dirt, purchase a pretreatment to clean these areas. You can find this at home improvement stores and will have complete instructions on how to use the product.
Purchase a cleaner that is made to clean pavement. You can use a pump sprayer and a wide scrub brush. If you are experienced, you can use a power washer to get the driveway clean. Use a hand scrubber brush for small areas of stuck-on dirt and debris. When finished, use clear water from a garden hose or power washer to remove all cleaner.
Purchase crack filler at a home improvement store if you found any small cracks or holes. The product will come with everything you need in most cases and have instructions to help you.
Seal the Driveway
Once your paved driveway is cleaned and cracks and small holes are repaired, you should seal it. This will protect the driveway from spills from cars, such as oil and other fluids, as well as prevent dirt and debris from damaging the driveway.
You can purchase sealant at a home improvement store and do this on your own. Measure your driveway first to ensure you purchase enough sealant. Consider putting at least two thin layers letting the first layer completely dry before you put on the second. After the second layer, stay off the driveway for a day or two to allow the sealant to cure and dry completely. This includes keeping off cars and other vehicles and not walking on the driveway.
If you have a large driveway or are not comfortable doing this on your own, hire a professional pavement sealing company to do the job for you. They have the tools and equipment that allow them to do the job much faster. They will also make sure the seal is placed evenly on your driveway.
Talk with the contractor that you hire to learn much more about taking care of your paved driveway.
For more information on paver sealing, contact a company like Jax Exterior Cleaning LLC.