When talking about the driveway, people often only look at the functional side, but the driveway also has an aesthetic side because it’s actually the first thing you see and the first thing you come across when you approach a house. It also often happens that the driveway is simply made and practically forgotten. That’s not quite enough.
A driveway (whatever it is made of) still requires at least some maintenance due to the influence of weather (dis)conditions. Extreme weather conditions can cause cracks, erosion, or discoloration, and neither option is really good. Proper preparation, placement, and choice of quality materials will extend the lifespan of the driveway, and make maintenance much easier for you.
And how to achieve that so that your driveway is the epitome of elegance also, how do you deal with all the maintenance challenges – stay with us a little longer and find out the tricks.
The Impact of Weather on Your Driveway
We can say that perhaps the biggest enemy of your driveways is actually time – be it weather conditions or wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to consider durability as the most important factor when building a driveway.
High temperatures and long exposure to them can cause asphalt driveways to soften, which can lead to bending and cracking. And not to mention how harmful UV rays are and how much they shorten the lifespan. UV radiation increases the stiffness of newer asphalt by 12-17% (35-40% for older ones), which increases the possibility of cracking.
And then after high temperatures, we get heavy rain which also takes its toll by causing erosion and structural instability. This problem is actually easily solved by installing a drain. And of course – freezing and thawing also encourage cracking. When it comes to the choice of material, the decision is completely up to you, just keep in mind the look you want to achieve and how much maintenance the particular material requires.
Asphalt is popular for its affordability and durability, but requires regular sealing to protect against moisture and UV rays. Concrete has a more modern look, but is more prone to cracking, while permeable pavers are an environmentally friendly alternative that has effective water drainage, which reduces erosion.
Whatever you choose, as soon as you notice even the slightest change, react to keep maintenance as simple as possible and the driveway as attractive as possible.
Designing a Waterproof Driveway Without Sacrificing Style
The time when you had to choose between functionality and aesthetics is long gone. You can have both by choosing the right material as the foundation. Our main favorite is asphalt because, on the one hand, it’s cost-effective, and on the other hand, it can withstand large fluctuations in temperatures and weather conditions.
It’s important to choose an experienced asphalt paving contractor so that the materials are installed correctly and well-sealed. That’s the only way to achieve maximum resistance.
Certain protective measures should be taken to maximize resistance:
- Sealing coating: a layer that protects against UV rays, water, and other influences
- Drainage systems: drain system or slope to prevent water from accumulating
- Reinforced edges: strong edges prevent wear and tear, but also frame the driveway for a nicer look.
Adding decorative elements (e.g. curbs) not only further beautifies the driveway, but also increases its durability. In the case of concrete, this can also be achieved by painting, because another protective layer is created. Choose colors and accessories that will enhance the overall impression and match the house and the rest of the yard.
Maintenance Schedule for a Long-Lasting Driveway
Now let’s go to the second most important thing – maintenance. Even the best work needs regular maintenance to stay in top condition, which includes cleaning and timely repairs. Different seasons require taking different measures:
- Summer: Don’t park heavy vehicles as this will create sink-ins, bends, or cracks which will have to be dealt with.
- Winter: Don’t use salt in sub-freezing conditions (while salt isn’t acidic or alkaline, there still might be chemical damage); instead use alternatives like sand or calcium chloride.
Ensuring cleanliness by using pressure washers is still THE way to go. Pressure washers aren’t that expensive and they’ll help you maintain the driveway’s appearance and prevent wear. There are also weeds that’ll grow from under the asphalt (if not removed in time).
Every time you clean your driveway ensure to give it a swift inspection. Check for cracks, or spots where water might accumulate since that might indicate a more serious problem. It’s better to invest in minor repairs, than major ones; it’s less expensive and less of a headache!
Conclusion
Driveways are primarily built due to their practical utility, aside from the aesthetic aspect – for parking, car access, and home appearance altogether. The use of good material for driveway construction is important, and maintenance is not to be disregarded and should be done on a regular basis.
Now’s the perfect time to invest in a great-quality driveway and get rid of any already existing issues. And by getting a professional to do it for you, you’re ensuring that all bases are covered, leaving no room for (unwanted) surprises later on.
Don’t forget: small problems, small investments; big problems, big investments.
