Concrete Driveway Maintenance: A Seasonal Guide for Redmond

Spring: The Time to Clean and Inspect Your Driveway

Spring is a wonderful time of year in Redmond. In addition to everything else that happens around us, it’s a good time to look at your driveway and determine what happened last winter. Winter freezes your driveway, and the moisture gets into the cracks. So, after all the leaves and debris from the winter are gone, go ahead and power wash your driveway. Make sure you get rid of any oil spots or other stains from the winter. As soon as you’ve finished washing the driveway, check for any cracks, etc. That way, you’ll know exactly how much work needs to be done. And don’t forget to check the slopes and make sure they’re still graded correctly to allow the water to flow off your driveway.

You should also check your driveway to see if it’s starting to crack. Cracking is usually due to freeze/thaw cycles. If the cracks are relatively small (less than 1/4 inch), you can usually just fix them yourself with a concrete patching compound. Larger cracks or areas of crumbling usually require the services of a professional concrete contractor to figure out what needs to be done. Catching these kinds of problems early helps to avoid having to do expensive repairs later.

Spring is a great time to clean your driveway thoroughly. Once you’ve washed it, let it sit until it dries completely, then go back and rinse it again. Check to see if the driveway drains properly; if not, you might want to install a French drain to direct the water away from the driveway. Finally, this is a good time to put a new coat of sealer on your driveway. Sealer will help protect your driveway from stains and damage from the rain, and will give it a nice shine.

There are many different types of sealers available today, and some are better suited for certain climates than others. Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the manufacturer’s application instructions. Most sealers require a clean, dry surface to adhere to, so try to schedule this for a day with no rain.

Summer: Protect Your Driveway During the Summer Months

Summer in Redmond is usually hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine. While the heat is bad enough, the sun is probably worse. Sunlight causes the surface of the concrete to dry out and become brittle. One of the best things you can do for your driveway is to seal it. Sealing protects the concrete from moisture, sunlight, and normal wear and tear.

Before sealing, make sure your driveway is thoroughly clean and dry. Moisture between the sealer and the concrete will cause it to bubble and peel. There are two main types of sealers: penetrating sealers and topical sealers. Penetrating sealers soak into the concrete and provide long-lasting protection. They are more durable and require less frequent resealing. Topical sealers form a protective layer on the surface of the concrete. They add color and gloss to the driveway.

While you’re protecting your driveway from the sun and heat, you should also be taking care of the weeds and grass growing up and down the sides of your driveway. Weeds and grass grow through the cracks in the concrete, creating more cracks and weakening the driveway. Remove the weeds and grass and install edging to keep them from coming back.

Also, take care to park heavy vehicles and equipment on your driveway for short periods of time. Heavy vehicles and equipment can weigh too heavily on the driveway, causing it to sink or crack. Lay down plywood or rubber mats under jacks or stands to distribute their weight evenly.

Fall: Prepare Your Driveway for Rain and Cold

Fall in Redmond means it starts raining more frequently. Excessive water can weaken your driveway, so make sure the gutters and downspouts on your home are working correctly. Clogged gutters can send water flowing onto your driveway, eroding the surface and creating cracks. Also, clean your gutters to prevent clogs during heavy rains.

Remove fallen leaves from your driveway regularly. Leaves can trap moisture against the concrete and cause mold and mildew to develop. Moisture trapped under the leaves will eventually seep into the concrete and cause it to break down. Use a leaf blower or rake to remove the leaves, and apply a second coat of sealer in the fall to provide extra protection from the upcoming rainy season.

Use a concrete patching compound to fill small cracks in your driveway, and use a flexible sealant for larger cracks to allow for movement during freeze/thaw cycles. If water pools in certain areas of your driveway, address those areas before winter sets in. Pooling water can create ice that can weaken the driveway.

Be aware of falling branches and debris from nearby trees, particularly if you live in a wooded area like Marymoor Park. Falling branches and debris can scratch the surface of your driveway and create hazards for vehicles and pedestrians. Regular maintenance in the fall will help prepare your driveway for winter’s harsh conditions and keep it in good shape year-round.

Winter: Protect Your Driveway from Ice and Snow

Winter is likely the most difficult season for concrete driveways in Redmond. The cold and wet weather can cause serious damage to your driveway if it’s not taken care of properly. To remove snow from your driveway, use a plastic shovel or a snow blower with rubber blades to avoid scratching the concrete.

If you have to use a de-icer, choose one that contains either calcium chloride or magnesium chloride rather than rock salt. Rock salt can cause corrosion and speed up the deterioration of your driveway. Sand or kitty litter can be used to increase traction on slippery surfaces without causing damage.

To protect your driveway from ice, place a tarp or plastic sheeting over it before a big snowstorm hits. This will help to limit the amount of moisture that comes into contact with the driveway.

After the snow melts, inspect your driveway to see if it sustained any new cracks or damage. Repairing minor problems now will help to prevent them from becoming bigger and more costly problems when spring arrives.

Avoid chipping away at ice on your driveway with a metal tool, as this can cause the concrete to crack or spall. Instead, use a plastic ice scraper to remove the ice or apply a de-icer to melt the ice slowly. If you find areas of the driveway where the concrete has sunk or become uneven, contact a professional contractor to evaluate the problem and recommend a solution.

Freeze/thaw cycles can occur repeatedly in Redmond, so it is very important to check your driveway throughout the winter months. Water that seeps into cracks in the driveway can freeze and expand, widening the cracks and increasing the likelihood of further damage.

Year-Round Maintenance

There are several things you can do to maintain the quality of your concrete driveway regardless of the time of year. Do not park heavy vehicles (such as RVs or trailers) in the same location for an extended period of time, as this can cause the concrete to settle or crack.

Do not park heavy vehicles or equipment on your driveway. Place plywood or rubber mats under jacks or stands to spread the weight of the vehicle and protect your driveway from damage.

Sweep your driveway regularly to remove dirt and debris that can grind down the surface over time. If you spill gasoline, oil, etc. on your driveway, clean it right away. These substances can penetrate the concrete and cause discoloration if they are allowed to remain for too long.

At Redmond Concrete Works, we recommend that you hire a professional to come and inspect your driveway every couple of years to identify any potential problems. Our professionals can assess the state of your driveway and advise on any necessary repairs or maintenance to keep your driveway in optimal condition. Regardless of whether you need a single repair or full resurfacing, we are committed to helping you protect your investment and keep your driveway beautiful and functional.