As a Vancouver-based paving company, we understand the pride of ownership that comes with a well-maintained property. But while interiors often get all the attention, your driveway is one of the first things visitors see, and its appearance sets the tone for what visitors can expect from the rest of the property. If you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or part of a strata, it is crucial to keep your driveway in pristine condition to reduce repair costs and maintain your space throughout the year.
With the wet fall days now looming, it’s the perfect time to take care of maintenance issues you’ve been avoiding and keep your property looking its best. Let us provide some tips that will help make it last longer and stay in prime condition.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to help prolong the life of your driveway is to keep it clean. Leaves, dirt, and oil spots trap water and accelerate wear, especially during Vancouver’s rainy months. We suggest sweeping your driveway periodically and hosing it down with a garden hose or power washer every couple of months. In the event of oil spills, move quickly. Soak up the oil with cat litter or sand, then wash the area with a degreasing agent. Keeping your driveway free from stains and debris not only makes it look better, but it will also make it last longer.
Sealcoating is the sunscreen for your driveway. It places a protective coating that bars harmful UV light, water, and chemicals from entering the asphalt. As an active contractor-licensed Vancouver paving contractor, we suggest sealcoating every two or three years. Sealcoating stops cracks, potholes, and oxidation, and it restores the gorgeous black sheen that makes your driveway look new again. If sealcoating in the summer, the surface should be warm enough and clean in order for the sealant to cure well.
Micro-cracks appear harmless, but they become huge problems if left unsealed over time. Water seeps into even the smallest crevices and freezes under cold weather conditions. It causes a widening crack that eventually results in potholes and buildings in ruins. If you notice cracking on your driveway, don’t wait. Crack fillers and patch material can be used to prevent further damage from spreading. And if the damage is more than a do-it-yourself patch, we can assist with professional repair solutions to suit your surface and environment.
Driveways are designed to handle an extreme amount of weight, but constant stress from large trucks can lead to early wear. Don’t leave RVs, boats, or large trucks parked on your driveway for too long without moving them. Rotating your parking area also prevents the same area from taking all the weight, resulting in depressions or wear on the surface. After years of being a Vancouver paving company, we’ve seen how these small habits can get you a long way towards keeping your driveway.
Standing water is one of the driveway’s worst enemies. It gets into cracks, erodes the bottom layer, and causes erosion or heaving. Good drainage directs water away from your concrete or asphalt. Ensure that the side edges of your driveway slope very slightly away from the surface and also feature gutters and downspouts in a different direction. Sometimes we work together with clients to analyze and improve drainage systems, especially before the rainiest seasons. If water is pooling on or around your driveway, then grading or installing a drainage system may be necessary.
Schedule your professional driveway paving or repair job today with Dhillon Bros Paving Ltd, your paving professionals in Vancouver. Let us get your driveway safe, long-lasting, and lovely for next year.