It’s common for homeowners to give their driveways full attention after a strong storm has swept the entire city or town. Unfortunately, driveways like yours need to undergo maintenance regularly even though such events don’t transpire. If you want your home’s exteriors to remain aesthetically beautiful, you’d want to perform some thorough driveway clean-up at least twice a year.
Over time, your driveway may succumb to all the accumulated dirt, soil, grease, and external elements. Hence, it makes sense to refresh and spruce these surfaces by cleaning them. Fortunately, there are many ways to do so. You don’t have to break the bank, invest in expensive equipment, or hire costly talents for advanced services.
If you reside in the United States, especially in Florida, you can perform some easy do-it-yourself (DIY) tasks or employ professional pressure washing Miami, FL companies and surrounding cities.
Take a look at the following doable tips to keep your driveway clean:
1. Apply Sealant
One way to keep your driveway clean and less susceptible to stains and grease are to apply sealant.
Your driveway will benefit significantly from sealant application. Driveways can be protected against staining and other forms of degradation by sealants. But you need to follow the proper steps in applying sealant, as over-application can cause more harm. Ask your contractor for advice before applying a sealant yourself; always check the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations before applying a sealant.
While you can perform this task yourself, it’s best to hire trained professionals to complete the job and choose the best quality sealant for your driveway.
With professionally applied sealants, your driveway can retain its value for a long time. Dependent on the weather conditions and amount of vehicle traffic, you’ll need to clean and reseal your driveway regularly. However, as a guide, your concrete surfaces should be sealed at least once in two years.
2. Conduct A Pressure Wash Job On Your Driveway
Dirt and debris that accumulates on your driveway and walkways can cause problems down the road. Depending on the amount of dirt and type of debris, this can cause your driveway materials to break down.
To keep your driveway clean and prevent damage, use a pressure washer to clean it thoroughly. Many experts advise performing this task at least once to twice a year. Aside from pressure washing to clean your driveway, it’s also essential to do before sealing or painting your pavements. This ensures that the ground is clean and the solvents can penetrate the surfaces better so contact Naturally Green’s pressure washing services for this service.
If you intend to engage in the pressure washing task yourself, it’s vital to know how to use a power washer safely. High-pressure water streams are used to clean large surfaces with power washers. Yet these high-pressure streams are extremely dangerous. Be careful where you spray so as not to injure yourself or those around you. Try to prepare early before the pressure washing day. Generally, tidying your driveway is effective in improving your driveway’s appearance.
3. Remove Stubborn Stains
Driveways can be stained by brake fluid, grease, engine oils, soil, and dirt through the years. The best way to obtain optimal results is to cleanse these stains effectively. The use of a degreaser and powdered laundry detergent are also good options to remove oil stains.
Some oil spills or spots can be removed with just a scrub brush and some detergent. Alternatively, you can use a concrete degreaser or even an alkaline soap that’ll loosen up oil so that it can be easily removed. Another magic trick is to utilize baking soda or cat litter as an absorbent of the stain before finally cleaning the spot.
Mold and mildew can grow on heavily shaded driveways, especially in humid and damp conditions. You can use a bleach-and-water solution and even add detergent to scrub off the surfaces with molds in such circumstances. If you don’t want to use bleach, vinegar can be a safer option.
4. Prevent Cracks From Forming On Your Driveway
Another effective way to keep your driveway clean is to prevent cracks. When cracks are ignored, they tend to get worse and spread. The next thing you know, you need to repair your entire driveway’s surfaces. Masonry and concrete are prone to cracks. In any case, your driveway will last longer if you fix the crack as soon as possible.
Luckily, it’s possible to prevent driveway cracks by taking certain steps.
For one, you can avoid stagnant water on your driveway. Try to keep it dry at all times. It’s also good to leave a two- to three-inch berm around the driveway’s edges. Water will be able to run off this way, reducing the likelihood of water penetrating your driveway. Ensure that your gutter downspouts empty into your yard rather than your driveway.
In addition, removing trees and shrubs near driveways will help prevent cracks, as roots from these plants can push up and cause damage. Eliminate weeds on your sidewalks and driveways to avoid cracks.
Conclusion
Driveways are used daily and it’s natural for them to experience wear and tear over time. It’s crucial to take care of their condition, much like the rest of the other areas in your home. Hiring professional pressure washers will be your best bet to save yourself from the hassle of doing it yourself. Hopefully, the advice mentioned above will help you keep your driveway looking new and clean.
