When it comes to maintaining your curb appeal, your sidewalk and driveway can have a bigger impact than you might expect. While these features are generally pretty low-maintenance, there are still some important things you can (and should) do to extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best.
Removing Snow
Nobody enjoys snow removal, but the way you go about it can make a big difference for your driveway’s lifespan. Some salts and chemical removers can be hard on concrete — especially decorative concrete. They can even eat away at the sealant. Metal snow shovels can also chip or scratch the concrete surface. Use a snowblower or plastic snow shovel, and gently scoop the snow to avoid hard impacts with the concrete.
Apply a Sealcoat
Sealcoating is one of the best ways to protect a driveway from environmental hazards. The sealcoat provides much-needed protection against moisture penetration, which can prevent cracks that would form when water freezes and thaws. Concrete driveways should be sealed a few months after they are first paved, and resealed every two years after that.
Fix it Right Away
When you see small cracks in the driveway, don’t wait! Use an epoxy injection to repair these small cracks and keep them from growing larger. If you wait until they become major cracks, they will be harder and more expensive to repair.
At Capstone Custom Homes, our team is dedicated to doing the installation right so that your driveways and sidewalks will stand that test of time. Check them out for yourself by visiting one of our model homes or an open house.