Taking Care of Your Driveways In Summer

It seems with every new summer in Southern California comes to a record-shattering heat wave,  and It’s hard to overlook the effects such extreme temperatures have on your asphalt or concrete driveways.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which you can protect your driveway from any damage which might result from the summer heat.

Avoid Scuffing and Indentations

Because of it’s black color, asphalt driveways absorb a lot of heat during summer, therefore they can get very hot. The heat tends to make the bitumen softer, therefore, making the driveways more susceptible to scuffing and indentations. scuffing and indentations can be avoided by not unnecessarily using the driveway when it’s very hot. Since an asphalt driveway is more prone to indentations and scuffing in it’s early life, it’s not advisable to overload it in its’ first few months after installation.

Related: The summer effect on your drainage system

Reapply Sealer when necessary

How often you reseal your driveway is often dependent on two things, the vehicle traffic and the weather conditions even though it’s generally advisable to to reseal your driveway every two to three years. Resealing your driveway makes it look new all the time, it also reduces the risk of having to do expensive driveway repairs because its regularly maintained.

Clean Stains

Stains from from oil, gasoline or other sources can be very unsightly on your driveway and can actually be damaging to your driveway because stains such as oils can soften your driveway. The best course of action you can take when you notice a stain on your driveway is to determine whether it’s dry or wet and if it’s wet you have to use an absorbent such as baking soda or cornmeal to absorb the extra moisture. After it dries, you can then scrub it off and then rinse your driveway. Tire marks can also be scrubbed off the driveway pretty easily. It’s generally advisable to get rid of any stains on your driveway as soon as possible.

Avoid Chemicals on driveways

Chemical damage to driveways is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the leading causes of driveways damage.  Chemical Fertilizers and  deicers have ingredients in them that can cause your driveway to degenerate quickly. Avoid handling any chemicals on the driveway or using chemical fertilizers near or on the driveway or you can replace chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers.

Related: Driveway Drainage Issues After Rain ?

Contact  a professional driveway Contractor

If you have a driveway and notice any holes,sinkholes,crack or chips, contact a professional driveways contractor so that they can asses the damage and advise you on what to do. Contact California Foundation Works for a free* inspection on 323-418-2239.