Be aware that your driveway is exposed to various weather conditions, traffic, and other elements that can cause damage over time. Proper maintenance is crucial to maintain your driveway and prolong its lifespan. After all, you made a huge investment in it. You don’t want to build a new driveway in just a few years.

Don’t worry! We will share a few useful tips and tricks suggested by top driveway contractors on how to maintain different types of driveways. If you follow their suggestions, you will be sure that your driveway will serve you well for a long time. 

Asphalt Driveway Maintenance

Since it is durable and requires low maintenance, asphalt is one of the most popular materials for driveways. However, it is still prone to damage and requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition.

Here are some tips from top asphalt driveway contractors on how to maintain your driveway:

1. Clean your driveway regularly to remove debris, dirt, and oil stains. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove leaves and debris, and a power washer or garden hose to remove stains.
2. Seal your driveway every 2-3 years to protect it from water damage and UV rays. The sealant will also prevent cracks and potholes from forming. Hire the right professional contractor to apply the sealant for the best results.
3. When cracks and potholes appear, repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Use a crack filler or patching compound to fill the gaps, and then smooth it out with a trowel. For larger repairs, hire a professional contractor to ensure proper installation.
4. Keep heavy vehicles and equipment off your driveway to prevent damage. Asphalt is strong, but it can still crack under the weight of heavy objects.

Concrete Driveway Maintenance

Concrete is another popular material for driveways, not just for its durability but also because of aesthetic appeal. It is also prone to cracking and staining. But don’t worry, it may not be the grandest driveway design but with regular maintenance, it can stay in good condition for decades.

Concrete driveway contractors advise you to do these four important steps to save your concentrated driveway:

1. Avoid using de-icing salts on your driveway in the winter. These salts can damage the surface of the concrete and cause cracks. Use sand or kitty litter instead to provide traction.
2. From time to time, you must clean the driveway. First, clean debris and leaves with a broom or a leaf blower, and then wash it with water, by using a garden hose. It will remove stains from your driveway.
3. Just like with asphalt, you must seal your driveway every 2-3 years, to prevent stains and cracks. It would be best to hire a professional contractor to finish this task. If you seal your driveway in the right way, it would be protected from further damage and UV rays.
4. As soon as you notice some potholes or cracks, reappear them. You can use a patching compound or crack filler and smooth it out with a trowel. Of course, you can always hire a contractor to fix these flaws on your driveway, especially if the driveway requires larger repairs.

Paver Driveway Maintenance

Pavers are a beautiful and durable option for driveways, but they require more maintenance than asphalt or concrete hence the cost of this driveway will be on the upper end.

Here are some tips from top paver contractors on how to maintain your driveway:

1. Address any drainage issues promptly to prevent water damage to your driveway. Make sure your driveway has proper drainage and fix any issues immediately.
2. Repair any damaged or loose pavers as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Remove the damaged paver and replace it with a new one.
3. Just like any other, the Paver driveway also needs regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the dirt from the driveway with a broom, and then wash it with water using a garden hose or power washer. 
4. Protect the driveway from UV rays and water damage, by applying a sealant once every 2-3 years.