We’re heading into autumn now, which means there are a few jobs that you’ll need to prioritise around the house in order to make it through to spring in one piece… and your driveway is one area that certainly should not be neglected at this time of year.
Firstly, make sure that you clear any debris away regularly over the coming months to stop it from building up. Leaves and mud can quickly look unsightly and represent a health and safety risk, as they can be very slippery underfoot. They can also encourage mould growth, which can affect the lifespan of your drive.
If you have trees and shrubs that overhang the driveway, it would be advisable to cut them back now to help prevent leaves from falling onto the drive, making it far easier for you to keep it clean and tidy.
One particularly effective way of keeping your drive in good condition is to apply a sealant before the cold weather really hits.
Extreme weather conditions can cause splits and cracks in the surface of the driveway, depending on the material you’ve gone for, but a sealant affords you an extra level of protection. Apply this every three years or so and you’ll have far less to worry about.
And, while you may well be tempted to throw some salt onto the drive when it’s icy, consider not doing so, as it can have a corrosive effect and cause damage over time. Instead, use sand to prevent icy patches from forming, which won’t corrode the surface material.
Finally, make sure that your drains work effectively and are able to clear surface water as quickly as possible to stop water pools from forming. Water can be very damaging to your drive, leading to mould growth, causing cracks, holes and discolouration, and even affecting the foundations – which can be very expensive to repair.
If you’d like any further help or advice relating to driveway installations, get in touch with the LW Landscapes team today.