Concrete driveways are fundamentally built to last. They’re often sturdier than the homes they’re built for, and with the right care, they can last for many years. But without that consistent care, cracks, stains, and wear can creep in much sooner than you’d like.
There’s good news, though. Proper concrete driveway maintenance isn’t nearly as difficult as it might seem. We want to keep this simple because as a property owner, you likely already have a home maintenance list as long as your arm. So, read on as we get into the fundamentals of concrete driveway maintenance, from why it matters to how you can stay on top of it.
Why Caring for Your Concrete Driveway Matters
Concrete might be tough, but it’s also porous. That means it easily absorbs water, oil, and plenty of other nasties over time, leading to stains or even structural damage. Keeping up with maintenance does more than keep your driveway looking shiny. It’s actually about preventing long-term damage that could cost you quite a lot to fix.
When we talk about concrete driveway maintenance, we’re talking about three things:
- Regular resealing.
- Repairs (when needed).
- Small cleaning tasks.
We’ll unpack those one by one, but let’s start with arguably the most important of them all: resealing.
Resealing Your Driveway
When your concrete driveway was first installed, your contractors likely sealed it to help it go the distance. The seal shields the concrete from all manner of things, stopping water, oil, and dirt from seeping down into the porous concrete.
In a perfect world, that seal would last forever, but in realit,y it tends to wear away with weather, car traffic, and general use. This makes it much more vulnerable to damage. This wear pattern is why we recommend having your driveway resealed every two to five years, depending on how much use your driveway gets and what kind of weather you’re dealing with.
A general rule of thumb is as follows: if water stops beading on the surface or stains start to hang on for longer than they should, then it’s likely time for a reseal.
Dealing with Driveway Damage (When to Repair)
Great concrete driveway maintenance includes keeping a wary eye out for any small repairs. Most driveways will develop small issues over time. The key is to deal with them while they are small otherwise they can start to grow or get worse. Here’s what to watch for (and when to call in the cavalry).
Cracks and fractures
Cracks are super common in concrete driveways. They can pop up due to weather changes, ground movement, or just plain ageing. Small cracks might not seem like a big deal, but if you ignore them, they can widen and let water in, making things worse.
Spalling and surface flaking
Spalling (aka surface flaking) happens when the top layer of concrete starts breaking apart. This can be caused by moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, or harsh de-icing chemicals (if you’re in an icy part of Aotearoa). Minor spalling can sometimes be fixed with resurfacing, but if it’s really bad, you might need to replace sections of your driveway.
The best way to head it off altogether is to stick with regular resealing and avoid any harsh chemicals.
Uneven or sunken areas
If parts of your driveway are sinking or becoming uneven, the problem is usually poor soil compaction or water erosion under the concrete. These are likely to cause more damage over time, so it’s important to jump on these repairs quickly.
Rather than trying to patch up an uneven section yourself, professional slab lifting or concrete levelling from your local driveway repair experts is the way to go. It restores the surface without the need for a full replacement
The Quick Maintenance Checklist
Concrete driveway maintenance doesn’t just mean repairs and resealing; there are plenty of small things you can do every day to make sure your driveway goes the distance. Here’s a quick checklist to keep you going steady:
- Sweep any debris off your driveway and hose down the surface to prevent dirt buildup once every couple of weeks.
- Keep an eye out for small cracks or other signs of wear, and if you spot them, get them sorted quickly.
- Clean oil spills, leaks, and any other harsh chemicals off your concrete rather than letting them soak in.
- Weed regularly around the edges to prevent those stubborn varieties from making their way into any small cracks and forcing them wider.
Like anything else on your property, your concrete driveway is an investment that deserves proper care. Regularly resealing your driveway and taking care of repairs quickly are both vital, but so are the small maintenance tasks that you can take care of at home. Combined, these small maintenance tasks can save you a major headache (and expense) down the road.
Keep your concrete driveway healthy for years to come.
Staying on top of your concrete driveway maintenance requires the right team. With Asphalt & Civil, you’ve found it! Our experienced driveway repair and maintenance team is on hand to help you care for your investment.
Get in touch with us today to book your reseal, crack repair, or driveway replacement.