Driveways walk, and patios make every house appealing and add beauty to their look. As they are used a lot of time they can expand and contract especially in extreme weather conditions that is the main reason for cracks over them. This precise piece of information is regarding maintenance and care of asphalt driveways, walks, and patios so that they will keep on looking good every time.
Guidelines for Care and Maintenance of Driveways, Walks, and Patios:
The following are the steps that are suggested to take proper care of your house driveways, walks, and patios.
For Asphalt Driveways
- Sealcoat mixture is suggested to be applied to them after every one or two years for the protection of the surface, filling in the crevices, maintaining the appearance of driveways. They also help to keep water from penetrating and deteriorating from the asphalt.
- Keep driveways free from gasoline and motor oil to prevent deterioration of the driveway.
- Asphalt fillers should be used to fill any cracks as soon as they are found.
- Avoid Parking bicycles or setting outdoor furniture on asphalt as the sharp ends of chair legs can put holes in it.
For Concrete Walls and Patios
Walls and patios are constructed from concrete and all concrete structures cracks as they expand and contract. Therefore, control joints have been provided in your walks and patios to minimize cracking. Patio surface treatment is a blend of Portland cement, silica sand, and formulated resins and can have a 100 percent acrylic topcoat stain. The following are suggested for cleaning and maintaining the surfaces.
To Clean Surface
- Washing of the surface every week is essential to remove contaminants like dirt, salt, and other airborne particles. Avoid using more than a garden hose and water. Check the local water authority to get an idea of how much water is allowed to wash these surfaces.
- Use a household detergent once a month to clear the entire surface if necessary Rinse them thoroughly.
To Maintain Surface
- Plastic, fiberglass, or rubber-coated patio furniture should be used to reduce damage to the surface treatment. Steel furniture can damage the entire coating.
- Damages should be touched up with a 100 percent acrylic topcoat stain immediately. Rinse away any acidic materials right away when they are spilled on the surface using plain water.
- Use a good quality sealer to protect the concrete surfaces and the finish from water, road salt, and oil stains.
- A power washer can damage concrete coatings and finishes.
- Avoid contact with acidic materials.
- Avoid applying salt to concrete or asphalt as it deteriorates the surface of these materials. Instead, use sand to provide traction in slippery conditions.
- Use floor mats near exterior doors to keep sand from coming inside the house.
For Filling Small Cracks in Concrete Flatwork
Small cracks for around 1/8 to ½ inches can be developed in a concrete framework in case of severe changes in the grade around a house. They have no serious effects as they just detract from the appearance of the flatwork. However, there exists a possibility of real problems down the road if they are left unsealed and can cause a costly repair. Concrete crack sealer is very easy to apply and is available easily in-home care centers. Follow these steps to repair small cracks:
- Use a tool such as wire, brush, or cold chisel to rough any edges of the crack.
- Use a tool like a masonry brush, heavy paintbrush, or shop vacuum to clean out any dirt, organic matter, or concrete chips from the cracks.
- If the crack is deeper than ½ inch then fill it up with sand r backer rod within ¼ inch of the surface. If it is not that deeper follow the next step.
- Use a concrete sealer to fill the crack which is available at any home care center following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you overfill the cracks, there are high chances of shrinkage.
- Apply sealer when the temperature is between 45F and 100F make sure that the rain is not expected within 24 hours.
