While nearly all driveways are made with either concrete, asphalt or gravel you will find the aftereffects of winter have taken their toll, so it’s vital to spot these problems early and tackle them head on before they become a bigger issue.
After a long winter and spring, the summer sun is here. Though with the increase in temperature, you will start to notice cracks and damages in your driveway. These result from the harsh conditions from the previous winter. While nearly all driveways are made with either concrete, asphalt or gravel you will find the aftereffects of winter have taken their toll, so it’s vital to spot these problems early and tackle them head on before they become a bigger issue.
What to Look Out For
With different surfaced driveways, different issues are presented and therefore, different warning signs and symptoms. When it comes to concrete driveways there may visible cracks appearing on the surface. This is a result of rain water seeping beneath your driveway and resulting in the ground shifting, leading to cracking and crumbling. In colder climates the damage will be even more visible as the rain water will freeze, leading to more severe and noticeable cracks. With gravel and asphalt, damages can be slightly more noticeable as there will be clear pools of water gathered, more apparent with summer showers, in various areas of your driveway.
Spot Damages Early
The best solution, if there are visible damages, is to nip it in the bud as soon as possible. One prevention tactic that can be put in place is to remove any weeds or plants appearing at the edges of your driveways. Plants soak up water which will then seep underneath your driveway adding to the potential risk of cracks. Another prevention tactic is to seal-coat your driveway every 1-3 years. Be sure keep the driveway clean and free of damaging growths such as moss and lichen in between seal-coating treatments. A third solution, which can help long-term, is installing rubber mulch along the sides of the driveway, which, with a weed-proof mat placed underneath, can prevent the future emergence of any more plants or weeds.
Edward’s Lawn and Home Has All the Ideas
For the past ten years, Edwards Lawn and Home has been offering premier residential and services to improve your property all year long. The options are endless from a new patio to a backyard fire pit, let the winners of Angie’s List Super Service Award serve you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our services or getting a quote, you can contact us online and check out our portfolio or give us a call at 443-341-6539. For more information about our services or DIY tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube and Houzz.