How To Care For Your Concrete Driveway to Ensure It Lasts

Have you been considering a concrete driveway for your Tulsa, OK home? They are a great choice. They’re durable, they look great, and, if cared for properly, they seldom need repairs.

It’s with that in mind that we prepared a few easy tips on how to take care of your new concrete driveway.

Keep It Clean

Unfortunately, spills and leaks are common occurrences on driveways. And since gasoline, oil, and other chemicals can be harmful to the concrete, it’s always best to take care of the stain as quickly as possible.

The best way to clean up a fresh oil stain is with regular dish soap and a scrubbing brush. Do not use a wire brush as it can leave marks on the concrete and contribute to its corrosion. Apply the soap directly on the stain and scrub it with your brush. You can rinse off the area using your garden hose. However, we suggest using cat litter to absorb the soap and dirt to prevent the harmful chemicals from reaching nearby lawns or entering the sewer system.

Seal the Driveway Regularly

Upon completion of your new concrete driveway, a coat of sealant should be applied. This will help to protect the surface and prevent stains.

To keep the concrete driveway protected year after year, additional coats of sealant should be applied for on a regular basis. Depending on the type of sealant used, the driveway should be sealed once a year or perhaps less frequently.

Avoid Excessive Weight

Your concrete driveway is constructed to withstand the weight of an average vehicle such as a car, a minivan, or an SUV. Heavier vehicles, like moving vans or delivery trucks, should not park on the concrete drive as this can result in cracks forming.

Don’t Let Ice Accumulate On the Driveway

We are fortunate in Tulsa that snow and freezing weather are seldom a concern. Nevertheless, when chilly winter weather strikes, any snow or ice on the driveway should be removed as soon as possible. This is because the thawing and freezing process can result in cracks. You should also avoid the use of ice-melting chemicals on your driveway, as these can penetrate the surface and damage the driveway.

If you follow these simple and easy tips, your new concrete driveway should give you years and years of worry free use. If you’d like to find out more about how a concrete driveway could enhance your Tulsa, OK area home, contact of the local experts at R & M Concrete for a free concrete driveway quote.