We’re in the thick of summer now. So, chances are your driveway is copping a fair dose of those intense UV rays. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure your concrete driveway isn’t left to suffer the consequences of a scorching Australian summer.
Leave it to the Everlast experts to produce this ultimate guide packed full of simple tips and tricks to maintaining a concrete driveway in Summer.
Seal Your Concrete Driveway
Concrete sealant is going to be the saving grace of maintaining a concrete driveway in summer. Coating your driveway in a high quality sealer can significantly enhance the structural integrity driveway through those hot days, preventing your concrete from cracking or splitting.
The sun’s UV rays can lead to colour fading. They can even weaken your concrete and gradually break the surface down to dust. Sealers are also a great option for ensuring your driveway looks brand-spanking-new all year around. Opt for a solvent based acrylic sealer to protect your concrete while injecting your driveway with a rich colour, enhancing its visual appeal.
Clean Your Concrete Driveway
Deep cleaning your concrete driveway before those hot months roll around is essential. Get your hands on a pressure washer and blast those blemishes off your driveway before they become baked on by the sun. Maintaining a concrete driveway with a good clean will equip your concrete to handle those scorchers far better than a dirty driveway. Plus, if you’re looking to seal your driveway, an intensive clean will get the first step out of the way for you.
Provide Shade for your Driveway
Rather than fighting the sun’s damage to your concrete, why not reduce the amount of sunlight your driveway is exposed to? Minimising sun exposure is one of the most effective methods of maintaining a concrete driveway in summer.
There are various ways you can provide shade cover for your driveway. And, best of all, they don’t have to ruin the aesthetics of a beautiful entry to your home. If you’re willing to plan for the long run, it’s well worth planting tall, leafy trees along your driveway. The greenery is a simple way to provide shade cover while encompassing some landscaping. If you’re after a more immediate solution, you can even hire one of our expert landscapers to plant some mature trees along your concrete driveway.
If you have a smaller space to work with, or aren’t keen on utilising trees for shade, then consider installing a shade sail. Maintaining a concrete driveway with a shade sail provides constant protection of your driveway from the sun. It comes with the added perk of keeping your car cooler too – so you can dodge that dreaded seatbelt-buckle-burn.
Consider Your Driveway Colour Choice
As striking as a slick black driveway looks, it can be a nightmare come summertime. The pain of hopping barefoot across the scorching concrete is all too familiar. Unfortunately, black, navy and charcoal concrete driveways lock in the heat far more than lighter tones. This can increase the rate at which you may need to seal your driveway to maintain it.
While we aren’t suggesting you tear up the dark driveway for the sake of the soles of your feet, it’s just something to keep in mind when selecting a concrete colour. Lighter colours such as sand or neutral can look great while absorbing less heat.
Avoid Pouring Fresh Concrete
The sunshine provides the perfect motivation to get onto those home improvement projects, but there are some precautions to take with your concrete driveway. If you’re considering extending your driveway, or starting from scratch entirely, the sun could wreak havoc with your concrete pour. While your concrete is curing, the summer heat can cause excessive evaporation. This can leave concrete without enough water to strengthen its structure, leading to cracking and shrinking.
If you’re desperate to get that concrete laid, there are options though. It’s worth laying a curing blanket to provide shade and insulation, keeping your concrete cool. On the other hand, enlisting the help of our experienced driveway concreters will ensure your driveway comes out immaculate, no matter the weather.
At Everlast Services we have the friendly, experienced experts to get the job done on time and in impeccable quality. Whether you’re looking to seal your existing driveway, or invest in some shading, we have you covered. Get in touch today to find out how we can maintain your concrete driveway this summer.
