A concrete driveway Mayfield Heights OH requires some maintenance. It can be damaged by deicing salts and chemical deicers. Salts eat into the surface, so it’s best to avoid them. You can clean up snow and ice in spring by sweeping it away. Avoid using metal-edged shovels or snow blowers, as they’ll scrape the surface. And be sure to raise the snow blower’s blades to prevent them from scraping the surface.
Maintenance of a concrete driveway
Proper maintenance of a concrete driveway is a must for your driveway. Despite its durability, a concrete driveway may start showing signs of wear and tear. If it starts to crack or is uneven, you should contact a concrete driveway repair company to repair it. Alternatively, you can opt for a resurfacing process. The resurfacing process is quick and easy, but it requires additional actions like priming the entire surface, smoothing out the concrete look, and adding color to it.
After repairs, you should prime the concrete driveway so that it stays clean and sturdy for the rest of its life. Do not allow large trucks or construction equipment on your driveway for 30 days after installation, as this can cause scratches and tire tracks. If you are unable to avoid this for a long period of time, you may want to consider repairing the driveway before the winter season sets in, as ice and snow can cause dangerous tire tracks on the driveway.
Sealing it
Before applying a sealer to a concrete driveway, it is important to clean it thoroughly. You can use a broom to remove loose debris and oil stains. Allow the concrete to dry before sealing. Be sure to avoid leaving water on the driveway as it will dilute the siloxane sealer and limit its penetration. For this reason, it is important to wait at least a month after cleaning before applying the sealer.
The primary benefit of applying a sealant is protected against fading and staining. It also makes the concrete easier to clean because dirt is less likely to stick to it. In addition, a sealant can increase the lifespan of the driveway by protecting it from the harmful effects of UV radiation. It is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of applying a sealer to a concrete driveway before choosing the right one for your home.
Avoiding deicing salts
In winter, it is common to pour deicing salts on concrete driveways, but these substances can damage the surface of the concrete, leaving it vulnerable to cracks. If you want to prevent expensive repairs, spread a layer of sand instead. Concrete contractors often recommend that you avoid using deicing salts on your driveway for the first few winters after it is installed. Sand is a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to rock salt. Sand also has a better grip, but it can clog drains.
Calcium chloride is an effective deicing salt for colder climates. It can dissolve ice and snow as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Calcium chloride is more toxic to plants and metal than magnesium chloride and can also damage concrete. Magnesium chloride is a safe alternative for concrete and is increasingly available. This chemical is a better option for winter use than calcium chloride because it is less corrosive.
Preparing for freezing weather
If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, it is important to prepare your home for these conditions. Your concrete driveway is especially vulnerable to the elements of freezing precipitation. Taking the appropriate steps now can prevent any damage during the upcoming winter. For example, avoid applying salts or chemical deicers on your driveway. These chemicals can cause damage to the concrete slab and can also kill grass and trigger corrosion of metal. Instead, you should use sand or another safe alternative to melt the ice. Sand is cheaper and safer and will help to maintain the quality of the concrete slab.
Before preparing your driveway for the cold season, it is important to check for cracks and damaged areas. These areas are more prone to water damage and should be repaired or sealed. During the freezing weather, water in the cracks will expand and cause the cracks to become wider and longer. It is also important to apply a concrete sealant to prevent water from seeping through these cracks.
Tree roots growing in it
When a tree roots in a concrete driveway Novelty OH, it can become unusable or even dangerous. It is important to understand that the roots are sensitive to any disturbance and prefer uncompacted soil rich in oxygen. Construction sites and heavy machinery can compact the soil underneath a tree, choking the roots and making them unstable. Attempting to remove the roots may result in the death of the tree and serious damage to the surrounding area. In addition, removing tree roots can lead to the collapse of the entire tree during a severe weather event.
If the root is small and only in the driveway, cutting it off will be most effective. Cutting a root that is less than two inches is inadvisable, as it is prone to regrowth. If the root is large or is causing damage to the driveway, cutting it off may only prevent future encroachment. In the long term, however, it is best to cut off all of the roots that are causing the problem.
