Regardless of whether it’s asphalt-made or a concrete-built one, your newly paved driveway requires solid attention and optimum maintenance to solidify into a durable, long lasting one. In this article, you grab 7 awesome ways on how to maintain your newly paved driveway and increase life longevity. Let’s dive in.
- Move Trees Far Away
This is especially for your concrete driveway. Concrete is porous and will readily absorb pieces of elements blown from nearby trees. While you may be able to get rid of the obvious debris, fine grains from flowers are hard to spot and will sink in to create cracks that expand over time. Another reason to keep trees far away from your newly paved driveway is the possibility of expanding, buried roots creating tension underneath it without you noticing.
- Kick Out Rodents
While your doggie or your other pet animal may be under your control, rodents aren’t. You don’t want to wake up to a hundred ugly prints from pigeons sprinkled over your solidifying concrete. Right? If you’ve been noticing any unwelcome guest animal taking a walk around the entrance porch, you want to call in the pest control guys. You may also plant scarecrows to keep off birds droppings and raise temporary fencing around the driveway until it gets hardened.
- Get Rid Of Vegetations
Though concrete is more forgiving to the growth of weed, grass clippings may pop-up around asphalt-built roads as well. When allowed, the roots of these weeds sink deep into the base to create stress, cracks, and tears. Depending on the kinds of vegetation, some plants attract hole-digging ants that can easily bore multiple holes into the foundation of your driveway at such an early stage. Apply weed control chemicals around the points where the asphalt or concrete touches the soil on a weekly or monthly basis as a measure.
- Make Quick Fixes
In the case of an uncontrolled crack caused by grass clippings or ants, you want to make quick fixes to avoid further cracking. By paying close attention to your newly paved driveway you can spot the little defects before they escalate. Once noticed, apply a best-in-class concrete crack filler for concrete and seal the openings on asphalt driveway with an asphalt sealant.
- Use Road Kerbs
Interlocking bricks may be an addition to your budget. But it goes a long way to adding beauty and protection to your concrete construction. For asphalt design, however, demarcating the sides with road kerbs keeps off erosion caused by water or wind.
- Allow Solidification Before Use
The first 2 weeks are the most delicate period of your newly paved driveway. While it may be apparently ready for use on the second day, especially in summer, allowing more time for proper solidification extends your investment’s life span.
- Protect From Petrol Spills
Avoid allowing the spilling of petrochemicals. For the unavoided ones, clean on the spot gently with water. Also, avoid the use of city water with highly-concentrated hydrochloric acid.
