To achieve longevity, the driveways in Melbourne need to be weather-proofed. As driveways are regularly exposed to all kinds of extreme weather conditions, it is prone to more damage. Maintaining the classic concrete driveways in Melbourne appropriately depending on the season shall ensure their longer lifespan.
The driveway needs special care depending on the time of the year. However, it can be observed that some steps are generally applicable across all seasons. Therefore, caring for the driveway is not at all that difficult. Before calling the help of concrete experts, some simple driveway care methods can be done by just about anyone.
Here are ways to care for the driveway depending on the season:
Summer
Summers can be dry, arid, and hot. Because of climate change, summers prove to get more extreme by the year. People are asked to take cover to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If the summer heat is dangerous to people, the same is true for driveways. Imagine, driveways are exposed to the intense heat of the sun day in and out.
Without proper care, it may disintegrate or crumble right before everyone’s eyes. Therefore, here are important ways on how to care for the driveway during the hottest months of the year:
Seal noticeable cracks immediately
The extreme heat causes oils and other components that hold the driveway together. With constant exposure to heavy vehicle load and daily foot traffic combined with intense heat, cracks are expected to show. As such, it is best to have them sealed before it gets worse. Remember to apply the sealant in good weather conditions. If this proves to be a strenuous task, access the “Contact Us Melbourne Concrete Experts” to have a professional concreter come over.
Hose down the driveway regularly
As people need to get hydrated during summer, driveways do too. It effectively cools down the driveway. A consistently cool driveway even at the height of summer prevents cracks to form. Some homeowners even install sprinklers that cover their driveways specifically for this purpose. If sprinklers are not available, wet it with reasonably cool water once in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Rain
Keeping the driveway hydrated during summer is essential. However, too much exposure to rainwater can also damage it. It can’t be stressed enough that too much of anything is bad. Torrential rains happen regularly as well. As it provides relief from the heat, it can pose a significant threat to the driveway. As such, care for the driveway during the rainy season needs to be implemented.
Here are ways to care for the driveway during the wettest time of the year:
Installation of an efficient drainage system
Having an efficient drainage system prevents the driveway from collecting stagnant water. Prolonged exposure to stagnant water softens the overall components of the driveway. Without proper drainage, cracking and some chipping may happen sooner than expected. It is vital for the rainwater to be directed to the drainage mechanism in instances of a heavy downpour. The classic concrete driveways of Melbourne have such a system in place.
Seal noticeable cracks immediately
Too much rain may weaken the driveway. With the added pressure it gets from foot traffic, vehicles, and heavy power tools, breaking is (once again) expected. Same with summer, immediately commence with the sealing process when cracks start to appear. Make sure to apply it when the weather bureau forecasts good weather ahead.
Winter
From the extreme heat of summer to the rainy season’s heavy downpour, this time it’s the cold that threatens the driveway. In cities like Melbourne and Sydney where snow is rather rare, the temperature can still significantly drop at the height of winter. It may not be as bone-chilling as Liawenee’s, but it still gets cold. Therefore, the cold season does pose a threat to the driveway.
Here are easy and doable ways to protect the driveway from the harsh and bitter cold of the winter months:
Be extra careful in cleaning the driveway
The cold weather makes the driveway a little bit sensitive and brittle. Using heavy, hard, and sharp tools such as metal rakes and shovels shall damage it immediately. To clean, wet the driveway then continue getting rid of the dirt by using gentle cleaning tools made of either plastic or rubber. This prevents the driveway from breaking or cracking.
Seal noticeable cracks immediately
Across all seasons of the year, it proves that the driveway may show some cracks. Concrete and asphalt driveways are known for their strength and durability. However, extreme weather conditions may affect them in one way or the other. With its constant expansion and contraction through varying weather conditions, it may crack a bit. Even the driveways in Melbourne may crack so sealing is a must-do this time of the year.