%20(1).png?width=600&height=200&name=Blog%20Header%20(UPDATED)%20(1).png "Happy Home with Bridget Thomas The Coulee Region’s ONLY RSPS, C2EX, PSA, AHWD, HFR Luxury Home Certified Realtor®")
Now is the perfect time to do a few projects around the house and get your space looking great...
Your driveway is one of the areas of your property that you use everyday, but when was the last time you thought about giving your driveway some TLC? Driveways can quickly go from having just a few surface-level cracks or stains to needing to be resurfaced, so taking care of driveway maintenance is important to add to your home maintenance routine.
Here are 4 tips to help make sure your driveway stays in great shape and adds to your home’s value.
1. Prevent cracks and take care of them when they happen. Cracks in your driveway open the surface up to erosion and decrease the structural integrity. You can prevent cracks by sealing your concrete or asphalt against water and ice damage. But cracks can also come from the ground up thanks to roots from nearby trees and shrubs, so remove any strong-rooted plants from around your driveway.
2. Keep it clean. Spills and drips happen–it’s just a part of life! But automotive liquids like oil and radiator fluid can affect the structure of your driveway’s material and can cause premature erosion. Clean up spills quickly before the liquids can soak into the deeper layers of your driveway. Kitty litter and dishwasher detergent and a non-wire scrub brush are great to get out fresh stains.
3. Don’t salt the cement. Much like fluids from your car, harsh cement salts and chemical deicers can soak into your driveway and cause cracks, which will need immediate repair. Avoid this by using a shovel or snowblower to remove snow before it ices. If the surface still gets icy, use a gritty substance like sand, kitty litter, or coffee grounds to add traction.
4. Fill cracks ASAP! When you spot a hole or a crack in your driveway, take care of it as soon as you can. This luckily isn’t a complicated process. All you have to do is remove any loose bits of driveway material (a masonry chisel comes in handy here!) and fill the affected areas with a crack filler or patching compound. After the crack is filled, make sure to seal your driveway to avoid repeat incidents.
Using these 4 tips will help you keep your driveway looking good and structurally sound, which will protect your home’s value! Want more tips on what to include in your home maintenance plan to increase your home’s value? I'm ready when you are.
