If you haven’t put much thought into your driveway recently, don’t worry; it’s never too late to start thinking about driveway safety and maintenance. Your driveway is a large entry point to your house and deserves the same level of care and concern as the rest of your property! Keep your driveway safe with these helpful security and maintenance tips.
Install Adequate Lighting
A well-lit driveway isn’t just a welcoming sight for guests and residents; it’s also a powerful deterrent for would-be burglars. Install lights with movement sensors so you can tell at a glance if somebody is in your driveway. Plus, if you’re having guests over during the evening, adequate lighting can illuminate their path and reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.
Skip Chemical Deicers
In the winter, you may get so fed up with shoveling snow that you consider resorting to chemical solutions to clear your driveway. Think before you pour, though—those harsh chemicals may melt the snow and ice, but they can also eat away at the concrete and damage its integrity over time. Instead of deicing chemicals or rock salt, try pouring kitty litter or sand on your driveway to melt excess ice and snow.
Address Cracks Quickly
Cracks form in concrete and masonry when the ground underneath expands or shifts. It happens to plenty of driveways, and it’s not the end of the world; just make sure you patch and fill the cracks as soon as you notice them. To prevent future cracks, have your driveway professionally sealed every two years.
Replace Your Drain Grate
The drain grate at the end of your driveway is an essential safety feature, as it prevents pedestrians from falling in while maintaining an opening for water runoff. If your grate has seen years’ worth of changing seasons, it may be eroded or damaged. Consider replacing your drain grate with a nicer one if your current grate has seen better days. For example, you might consider the benefits of installing a steel drain grate as a replacement.
Encourage Water Runoff
When snow and water sit on top of a driveway’s surface for too long, they can penetrate the driveway material and cause long-term damage. Therefore, clear a 3-inch strip around the edges of your driveway to provide a gutter-like channel for water to safely run off.
Your driveway is a crucial component of your home and deserves quality treatment. Increase your driveway’s safety with these helpful tips, and you’ll maintain a safe, sound driveway.
