Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Patterned Concrete Driveway Looking Beautiful

As far as driveway surfacing materials go, concrete makes a lot of sense. It's durable, fairly easy to use, and you can achieve a neat, smooth finish. But that's not the only reason it's such a popular choice.

The versatility of concrete means your driveway can be designed with a patterned, imprinted finish that looks as attractive as it is practical. This allows you to mimic the look of brick or stone without the length, complicated construction work or difficult maintenance.

However, you shouldn't be fooled into thinking patterned concrete driveways don't need any maintenance at all. By following a simple routine, you can keep your drive looking as good as new and limit the wear and tear that occurs over time.

Regular cleaning

With a patterned concrete surface, dirt and debris can build up in all the nooks and crannies. To make sure your driveway looks good, you should clean it regularly. This will stop weeds and moss from growing in the cracks and also helps limit the damage caused by some materials.

Cleaning the surface with ordinary soap and water every now and again is also important when it comes to maintaining a concrete driveway. Don't leave it soaking wet, and don't use bleach or potentially damaging chemicals to clean.

Deal with stains quickly

Oil is a particular problem with driveways, as it has a tendency to drip from vehicles. If you notice any patches of oil on your concrete surface, clean them up as best you can without delay. Although the sealant should protect the lower layers from permanent damage from oil, it can damage the sealant if left. It also looks unsightly and becomes more difficult to clean off the longer you leave it.

Seal the surface regularly

Concrete should be sealed as soon as it's set, and you should reapply sealant roughly every four years to protect it and keep the colour looking vibrant. With that said, if you start to notice your driveway looking dull, it could be time for resealing even if it hasn't been four years since your last application.

Don't use harsh products

Certain substances can be damaging to concrete driveway surfaces, so avoid using anything that you're not sure is suitable. De-icing chemicals and salts are particularly well known for causing problems, so it's best not to apply them if your driveway freezes over. When you apply sealant, you can add a product to it that increases grip, which will help avoid it becoming slippery.