House & Home Buzz

A clean and well-maintained driveway isn’t just somewhere to store your vehicle but can be a work or recreational space. However, if you want to keep it a safe place to do those things, there are some things you have to do to keep it in shape.

Prevent Issues

You should apply concrete or asphalt sealer Pittsburgh PA annually. This protects against wear and weather. However, just because it’s sealed doesn’t mean you should stop worrying about standing water. A three-inch-wide groove on either side of your driveway will give rain and snowmelt a place to go. 

Regardless of what surface you have on your driveway, tree roots can cause buckling and cracks. Don’t plant trees near your driveway. This has the added benefit of preventing falling limbs from damaging your vehicles.

Practice Care

Driving your vehicle along the edges can crack or break away chunks of the driveway. Make sure you stay as close to the middle as possible.

If you have to handle snow removal, don’t scrape the surface with the edge of the shovel, snowblower or plow. Give a clearance of an inch or more to remove the bulk of the snow. It’s best to finish with a plastic shovel that won’t as easily chip or scrape the driveway surface. If you have a concrete driveway instead of asphalt, salt can cause damage and it’s better to use sand or kitty litter to create traction on ice.

Be Proactive

Clean cracks and fill them to prevent further damage. If you notice pools of oil or coolant after you service your car, cover the spots with non-clumping kitty litter or sawdust to absorb the spill. As soon as you see a problem, address it. You won’t regret the effort, but you will regret waiting.

Maintaining your driveway keeps it functional for your use, but it can also boost resale value. No matter your situation, it’s worth the investment.