If your driveway is getting older it can start to have problems, which may result in you having to replace it. If the problems are not taken care of promptly, this may result in driveway replacement. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your driveway last much longer so you can save a lot of money.
Make Repairs
First, sweep and clean your driveway to remove all debris and dirt. This will allow you to see if there are any repairs that need to be made. You can use a pressure washer to clean the driveway or use a garden hose and a large brush.
Inspect the driveway for cracks. If you see small cracks, you can repair these yourself. Go to a home improvement store and purchase a crack filler made specifically for the type of driveway you have. The filler is put into the crack and then wiped over to make it even with the driveway. Once the filler dries, it hardens and fills in the crack. You can find filler in a variety of colors. This allows it to match your driveway so the filler will not stand out. If you see large cracks, contact a contractor to repair these for you. Larger cracks can become much worse quickly, so do this as soon as you can.
Seal Coat
Once your driveway is clean and all repairs are made, put a sealcoat on the driveway. This puts a layer of protection that will protect your driveway from sun damage, spills, and much more. You can seal coat the driveway on your own. If your driveway is large or you have never done this before, you should consider hiring a seal coat service to do this for you. They have equipment that allows them to do the job much faster than you could on your own.
The seal coat service may suggest they put more than one coat on your driveway for added protection. If they do this, the first layer must completely dry so the service may come back the next day. Do not let anyone walk or drive on the driveway until this process is finished. If you have pets, keep them off your driveway until it is completely dry.
The seal coat service can give you more information about seal coating. They can also give you other tips on keeping your driveway in good condition to help it last longer. Reach out to a driveway sealcoating service near you to learn more.