If your driveway was completed by a reputable, experienced professional, then you can reasonably expect it to last for as long as three decades, but it will last for far less if you don’t take steps to care for it regularly.
Below are some tips for keeping your driveway looking as good as new, for as long as possible:
Don’t let weeds get too comfortable
Weeds are an unwelcome guest on any driveway, and just like unwelcome guests in the home, you’ll need to see them off as quickly as possible! You can spray weeds with an environmentally friendly weed killer, or even use good old white vinegar to stop them from taking over your driveway. If weeds are a persistent problem and you’re struggling to eliminate them, talk to your paving contractor about a long-term solution.
Tread carefully on a new driveway
Hopefully this advice isn’t too late! Traffic and heavy footfall shouldn’t pass over your new driveway until at least 3 days after its installation, and if temperatures are high, then you should keep them off for even longer. As the edges of a driveway are its weakest areas, try not to drive there wherever possible, and if possible, back up the edges with gravel after paving. If you’d like more information about staying off of your driveway after installation, your driveway contractor should be able to advise you better, if they haven’t already.
Wherever possible, use sealants
Highly recommended for those living in areas that experience particularly harsh winters or scorching summers, resealing your driveway annually can help prevent damage from occurring.
Clean it up
Any spillages that occur on your driveway, should be cleaned up using appropriate tools and substances as quickly as possible, as they can easily stain and then be even harder to eliminate. Fill in any cracks or holes as soon as they appear, and if your driveway consists of interlocking bricks, clean it regularly and rebuff the polymeric sand content.
A newly paved driveway is like a gift for a home; it can enhance its curb appeal and make access far easier for everyone. That said, it’s also a significant outgoing, so you’re going to want to protect it as best you can and help ensure that it lasts for many years to come. If you’ve recently had a new driveway installed, or are just about to, then your contractor should be talking you through all the necessary maintenance tips required to keep your driveway in tip top condition.