Concrete is considered a low-maintenance or no-maintenance material used to make driveways, pathways, or patios. It is used by homeowners due to its durability and stability. No matter whether your home has a concrete driveway, pathway, or a small patio, its upkeep is vital to add life and to keep it looking good. Proper maintenance of concrete will keep it away from stains, cracks, and discoloration, saving the repair cost. In the article, we discuss residential concrete maintenance ideas. If you are searching for more ideas, read the article to know the simple ways of maintenance.
Clean the Concrete Surface Thoroughly
Thoroughly clean the concrete surface once or twice a year by merely sweeping or using a blower to get rid of dirt, dust, debris, and leaves. Remove weed growth in the cracks and joints. Then, clean the concrete gently without damaging it using a hose and a brush or pressure wash the surface on low pressure. If you notice that the surface has merely accumulated dust and debris, merely rinsing the surface will be enough.
Seal the Concrete Using Sealant
The next step of maintenance is to reseal the concrete surface after every one to two years. Sealing is required after thoroughly cleaning the surface, but let the floor dry completely before applying sealant, which helps reduce stains and water intrusion and gives a fresh look. The average cost of sealing concrete is $1500; however, it varies depending on the square footage and the quality of the sealant used.
Examine Concrete for Cracks

Examining cracks at regular intervals is important for two reasons: a cracked surface looks visually dull, and the other reason is that it can damage the structure. If the crack is less than ¼ of an inch wide, it can be repaired with concrete caulk, and for bigger cracks, dry concrete will work. Hire an expert to do the job if the task is big, though it will cost around $ 1700 for a driveway.
Some Tips | Newly poured concrete may also crack if it is not properly poured. |
Remove Stain and Spill
The outdoor surface has heavy foot traffic, which results in spills and stains. If they are left unattended for longer, these stains become stubborn, making it difficult to clean them. Spills of oil, mud, rust, mildew, and leaves lead to discoloration of the concrete surface, so it's essential to clean the surface using a mild concrete cleaner.
Keep a Check on the Weight
Residential concrete is a durable material that can bear the weight of everyday foot and vehicle traffic but may fail to bear the weight of heavy materials like the weight of delivery trucks and heavy machinery. To add life to the concrete driveway, keep these heavy vehicles away from the driveway.
Concrete Leveling
Over a period of time, concrete settles down, resulting in cracks and moisture damage to the surrounding area, which can be addressed by playjacking and mudjacking. In both these methods, concrete is lifted and leveled back to its position. This method is less expensive and easier than replacing the surface.
Clear Snow if Living in the Colder Region

If you are staying in the colder region, remove ice from the concrete surface to make the walk-in and driveway safer. Don't use deicers or salt to clean ice, as it may damage the surface. The best option is to use sand to provide traction but remove it properly when the weather warms up. Use a shovel to clear the ice, and avoid using snow plows as it may cause scratches on the surface.
Use the Right Chemical
There are certain chemicals like deicers that may harm the concrete, so avoid using them. Use chemicals made to clean concrete only and not any household cleaners that you think can work on them.
Clean Fertilizer From the Surface
If fertilizers spill on the surface while adding them to the plants kept in the nearby areas along the driveway edges, remove them immediately to avoid degradation of the concrete surface. Also, avoid planting plants along the edges; rather, keep some distance between the edges and the driveway.
Avoid Excess Stress on the Edges of the Driveway
The driveway is constructed to bear the vehicle traffic, but concrete is weakest near the edges of the driveway, so don't park your vehicle near the edges. This will reduce the chances of cracks in those areas.
Proper Placement of Landscaping

Be mindful of the landscaping placement because certain tree roots have a huge impact on the concrete driveway. The roots of the trees start expanding when they mature, causing fissures in the concrete. Always plant trees away from the driveway.
Replace the Concrete Drive
Despite all the maintenance work, if you notice that the driveway is not in usable condition, it's time to replace it. You can either replace the entire driveway or the damaged part, depending on the budget.