Driveway Maintenance

Proper driveway maintenance can help you avoid the side effects of the sun. Let’s look at the most effective ways to take care of your car driveway in the summer.

Applying Sealant
Sealing your driveway is the first step towards driveway maintenance in the summer. Intense heat will dry out a driveway, leading to brittling and thermal expansion. As heated driveway in the UK expands, cracks may begin to form. When a dry spell is followed by rain, water seeps into the fissures, which can expand when the temperature drops, further worsening the problem. Sealing your driveway will prevent thermal expansion, prevent damage by UV rays and increase the driveway’s durability.

Clean the Driveway
Cleaning your driveway prevents stubborn oil stains from lingering, maintaining curb-side appeal. During the dry summer months, you’ll see more debris, dust and pollen accumulating on the car driveway, which should be cleared away before it can settle. It’s also a good idea to move any material that can melt and lead to stains and marks. Regular sweeping and cleaning with detergent and cold water should be a part of your regular driveway maintenance routine. Cold water will also help lower the surface temperature of the driveway and prevent sun damage. During heatwaves, pour a few buckets of cold water onto your driveway in the afternoon.

Shelter the Driveway
An effective way to keep your driveway sheltered from direct sunlight is by planting shady trees, which will reduce damage from UV rays. This also prevents outdoor concrete driveway paint from fading. Just make sure to control plant growth around your driveway and prevent weeds and roots from growing where they shouldn’t. You’ll also need to make sure there’s proper drainage for your plants to prevent long-term water damage to the drive.

Be Mindful About Your Parking
Damage from vehicles parked on your car driveway is also common in the summer months. If you own multiple cars, you might want to look for alternate parking options or keep them in a covered garage. If that’s not convenient, simply moving the car frequently will minimise the damage to your driveway. When a car is parked for a long period on a sunny driveway, you may notice dents and cracks forming on the surface when the vehicle is removed.

Check for Cracks
Speaking of cracks and dents, you’ll want to assess your drive for these on a regular basis. Addressing any issue as soon as possible will help prevent significant damage and repair costs. Ideally, conduct quick weekly checks, looking for signs of cracks, weeds, outdoor concrete driveway paint discolouration, and any other visible damage.