DRIVEWAYS EDINBURGH - TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOURS
All across Edinburgh there are driveways desperately in need of attention. Cracks, stains and erosion can ruin your driveway and lead to a pricey bill when you eventually have to call in the repair company. With regular checks and maintenance that type of expensive and intrusive driveway repair can be prevented. Here we’ll give you a few hints and tips on how to keep your driveway in top condition.
TREAT DRIVEWAYS LIKE CARPETS
Treat your driveways like your carpets and they will stay in top condition for longer. That doesn’t mean you should get your vacuum cleaner out onto the drive, just that you should give your driveway a regular clean, and react quickly to any accumulations of dirt and debris.
SWEEP
Don’t let yours become one of the messiest driveways in Edinburgh. Get a broom out every couple of weeks and sweep up dirt, sand and leaves etc.
Clearing away this surface contamination will not only keep your driveway pristine but it will prevent dirt from building up and filling in the spaces between the bricks and blocks. It will also make it easier for you to spot any structural surface problems that may arise.
SPRAY
If you were to spill something on your carpet you wouldn’t leave it to soak in, you’d get a sponge and some soapy water and clean it up right away. Follow similar principles with your driveway and it will stay in top shape for years to come. A simple garden hose, or ideally a pressure washer (set on low pressure), will help to clear away stuck wet leaves, ground-in dirt and even oil that has leaked from your car. Remember that prolonged contact with contaminants could easily leave a permanent stain on the surface of your driveway, so don’t put off your cleaning to another day.
WEED
If weeds begin to show through the spaces between blocks on your driveway, or around the edges, then pay them immediate attention. Don’t let it get to the point where you see more weed than driveway when you look out the front door. The longer you ignore weeds the more of a hold their roots will gain upon the soil beneath the driveway. Remove by hand any you notice and use a suitable weed killing spray to keep them from returning.
RESEAL
Resealing is particularly recommended for the patterned concrete driveways that you’ll see all across Edinburgh. Regular resealing will help to keep it in good condition and prevent wear and tear. Of course, there’ll be the minor inconvenience of not being able to use the drive whilst the sealant is drying, but the long-term goal is worth the short-term hassle. Aim to use liquid sealant about once a year and you’ll have a great driveway for many years to come.
If you don’t have the time to maintain your own driveway, you can call us to provide a pressure washing and sealing service.