Keeping your driveway well-maintained makes your home look nicer. It also increases its value and helps avoid costly repairs and accidents down the road.

Sure, major activities like deep cleaning, sealing, and repairs require expert help. But simple seasonal maintenance tasks can keep your driveway looking great without breaking the bank.

Read on as this guide walks you through the key activities each season to keep your pavement clean and safe for everyone.

 

Why proper cleaning matters

Driveways are essential to your outdoor space. They serve a functional purpose by keeping cars and pedestrians safe. But beyond connecting the road and your property, a great-looking driveway impacts your curb appeal, especially with an attractive landscape.

Generally, the materials used, usage patterns, and climate primarily impact your driveway care routine. Without protection and appropriate sealing, dirt, grime, stains, and debris settle in quickly and can be difficult to remove. In such cases, you need highly skilled and properly equipped professionals to step in. Find expert driveway cleaning services in your area to get your seasonal tidying jobs right.

Additionally, you can perform the following maintenance activities to keep your outdoors clear regardless of the weather:

 

1. Spring: inspect, clean, and caulk

As winter thaws, take another look at your driveway. Check for cracks and damage due to snowplows and freezing temperatures. Make your driveways look attractive again by doing the following:

• Sweep leftover winter debris like salt, gravel, or sand.
• Spring rain may wash away some of the grime, but using a pressure washer or hose is often necessary to restore the beauty of your driveways.
• Pay attention to oil drips and other stains. Give your driveway some good but gentle scrubbing using homemade or organic de-greasing and cleaning solutions to lift them away.
• Check your driveway for encroaching grass and weed growth or mold and algae formation, and remove them.
• Fill minor cracks to prevent water from getting in. Tiny fractures expand as the temperature rises, leading to bigger and costlier problems.

When looking at the financial implications of driveway maintenance, it's worth noting that even seemingly minor repairs can accumulate significant costs. For instance, the average repair cost for a 400-square-foot asphalt driveway is around USD$1,150. That's a steep price to pay for neglecting your exterior flooring.

 

2. Summer: seal and repair

A driveway sealer protects surfaces from car fluids, salt, and deterioration over time. However, the water seepage can cause materials to crack, crumble, or shift over time.

The warm summer months allow adhesives and sealants to work their magic without interruption–making it the best time for repairing and sealing your driveways.

Here's what you can do while waiting for your driveway sealing and restoration schedule:

• Check for pits or uneven surfaces to determine whether your pavement requires immediate repair.
• Mark the affected areas so your driveway specialists can check and restore them.
• Prep the area properly before getting things done.

If you're doing the project yourself, follow the manufacturer's instructions diligently, whether fixing or adding a fresh coat.

 

3. Fall: preparation is key

Fall is also a good season for thoroughly cleaning your driveway and preparing for the snow season. As a good start, review the spring cleaning tasks above. If you missed anything, now's the time to do it.

Some additional tips include:

Part of preparing for winter also includes hiring snow removal services in advance. Note that late bookings may decrease your chances of securing a spot during peak seasons.

 

4. Winter: stay on top of snow and ice

Winter can be the worst season for your driveway because of snow and freezing temperatures. Unsightly damages like cracking and fractures can happen as soon as the season closes. Strong chemicals like de-icing salts can also wreak havoc on your driveway surfaces, especially concrete.

But don't let the winter weather get your driveway down. Keep your shovel and snow blower prepared for the battle, and take heed of these maintenance tasks:

• Clear snow from your driveway promptly so it doesn't pile and get heavy.
• Break apart thick ice layers carefully with a sharp tool, if needed. But be gentle to avoid damaging your driveway surface.
• Avoid using commercial de-icers as strong chemicals can damage surfaces. Coffee grounds, kitty litter, gravel, and sand are great alternatives.

The primary goal for winter driveway cleaning is to reduce ice buildup, promoting safety. A 2022 Nordic study discovered that snow cover on sidewalks increases the risk of slip injuries by more than three times. So, by ensuring the driveway remains free of snow and ice, you not only create a safer environment but also maintain optimal tire traction.

 

Wrapping up

Your humble driveway deserves attention as much as your indoor flooring. And as a responsible homeowner, it pays to ensure your entryways are clean, sealed, and in tip-top shape.

Don't wait too late to realize that safety and curb appeal are worth their weight in gold. Follow these key maintenance tips by sweeping, scrubbing, washing, and shielding your outdoor surfaces from the elements. Doing so prevents damage and keeps your pavement clear and safe for walking or driving.

Ultimately, maintaining your driveway may require effort and upfront costs, but the time, money, and lives you save are all worth it.